2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo / A Huge Gamble

The CX-90 is an awesome SUV, it brings legitimate luxury at a price that's near its mainstream rivals. As it replaces the CX-9, it retains the previous car's biggest flaw. I think it is good enough to beat the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, etc, but its certain flaws may turn away those buyers. It also easily undercuts the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, etc, but are those buyers really going to jump ship for a Mazda?
Thank you, Royal South Mazda, for letting me test drive a CX-90 for today's review!
Royalsouthmazda.com
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00:00 Intro
00:33 Pricing / Exterior Features
02:50 Interior
06:45 2nd/3rd Row
09:00 Drive
16:10 Final Thoughts

[@shanesmith8773]

The CX -90 looks amazing inside and out! European aesthetics with Japanese precision and reliability.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

The base trim seems like quite a bargain and even somewhat practical if used as a 2 row suv.

[@saltyt.1886]

I love this platform - but I’m really wanting the five passenger version. The CX-70!! 😍

[@Realistick]

I think it would work much better in that class too, 3 row folks are way more picky about practicality!

[@rickyachiw7314]

I’m waiting for it, too. Hoping it doesn’t look like a stretched CX-5.

[@jsfbay1]

@@Realistick Very true - I want the 3 row but I need a 2nd row bench seat so I can fit 3 kids across, leaving *all* the cargo space behind the 2nd row available for all our stuff. Since Mazda has chosen to not make that model available, maybe I *do* want the CX-70, it will depend on how much cargo space it has.

[@AgentJepong17]

​@@jsfbay1I believe they have that in the lower trims of the cx 90

[@attentionaddicts]

​@@jsfbay1 the CX-90 has 7 seat and 8 seat options, where middle row is a bench seat.

[@ericschmitz357]

Nice review of the seating position. Ride quality: not mentioned is the CX90's superior resistance to porpoising (front end up and down rising and dipping inherent in front wheel drive cars with overhang and resulting massive weight over the front axel) - the cx-90 remains level due to the engine and transmission behind the front axle...and, is much SAFER in emergency handling.

[@ozzielara2337]

As a current 2021 CX-9 owner I really like the 90. I just can’t justify getting one atleast for a few years. For me to get the same amenities like the ventilated seats, 360 camera, and adaptive headlights I’m looking at a 63k vehicle. For comparison my 21 CX-9 GT was 42k. Personally, I’m gonna keep my CX-9 for atleast a few years before I even decide to look at the 90. Hopefully in a few years those luxury amenities start to make their way in lower trims similar to what happened with the CX-9. Not too mention buying a first year car is not something I like to do.

[@anthonydigiorgio9240]

I think it’s crazy how people say this car doesn’t have enough space when who the hell has 5 kids

[@Realistick]

As I said, there is enough room for adults if you move seats around, however, there’s a difference between “enough” space and great space. Most people who buy 3 row crossovers want it to be excessive. I’ve tried to sell the cx-9 before when I worked at a Subaru dealer, trust me, it was why people walked away.

[@Doc1855]

Everyone on Welfare has at least 4 children that us Taxpayers have been FORCED into being their SLAVES

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Even for 5 kids or average women its fine, reviewers are complaining if 6ft tall people can't stretch their legs in the 3rd row.

[@Sotrue816]

I agree. They always have something to complain about. Never watched this guy before and after hearing what he has to say I won’t subscribe

[@Sotrue816]

Omg if your going to complain just buy a Tahoe damn

[@genzigzag]

Thanks for the review! I can't wait for the CX-70. Another win from Mazda! Still hoping for a updated Mazda 6 with this powertrain.

[@Realistick]

This really does give me high hopes for a cx70! The 6 would be great but I’m really just hoping for ANY sedan to be remaining in the mazda lineup in a few years

[@javtheautoenthusiast6418]

@@Realistick you really seemed to like the CX9, how do you feel the CX90 compares? Would you upgrade from CX9 if given the opportunity? I have a CX9 Carbon edition and love it but wished it did have an inline 6.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Great to see a review of the mid trim 280 HP. Just drove both the 340 HP and plug in hybrid and they really scoot. I think off the line is hampered a little bit by the clutch. And you are right, Mazda, just has that interior secret sauce. Just sitting in these is a pleasure. Great vid as always.

[@billy1983gr]

How does the 340hp and phev compare in term of acceleration?

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

@@billy1983gr the PHEV feels very quick off the line even though they both have the same 8 speed transmission. The PHEV also has some piped in engine noise that sounds quite natural and good. The hybrid is seemless between gas and electric and the 8 speed makes it very natural. Without more driving I would say the 340 hp and PHEV have the same peppy grunt. I was surprised by Realistik’s 0-60 time for the 280 as this is quite good. Again, a complete opinion but the 340 HP felt like a low 6ish kinda time. What was really good was the passing power and acceleration when moving. I think throttle house also noticed this when they were drag racing an X5. Regardless of actual times, some really good choices here from Mazda. The PHEV’s battery range is small at around 26 miles but the electric motor moved it quite well. We’ll have a quick impressions vid out around Memorial Day.

[@robertwilliam9558]

The CX-90 PHEV was clocked at 6 seconds flat on the 0-60.

[@chadh983]

Great looking vehicle. Will consider buying once it makes sense to buy again

[@MichaelDillin]

Thanks for your detailed review that was great pros and cons explained very well IMHO My fren wants to buy a "CX-90 Turbo S" he was told it needs 91 octane "for the turbo" Is it a requirement? Is the "S" power plants somehow different than the non S version of the CX-90 Turbo?

[@taylorkingrealestate2053]

Picking up my loaded Turbo S this week. Trading my '22 Highlander Platinum. Been a Toyota guy for many years but I hate my Highlander. Nice car but it rattles like a 1984 grand caravan. Absolutely infuriating. Door panels, dash, headliner, console. Everything rattles. The CX90 makes the Highlander feel like a big squishy couch. Tighter handling, firmer seats, nicer interior, better ride. Can't wait to put some miles on it.

[@OtisSpringerpilot]

T.K., congrats on your purchase! You will love it for sure. Drivetrain and driving dynamics will impress you. If it is the 'loaded' turbo S (the premium Plus) you will find SO many features to like, like all the memory settings., and the climate controlled seats in 1st AND 2nd row. The big glass roof is great for the open airy feel (just wish the glass would slide further back).

[@taylorkingrealestate2053]

@@OtisSpringerpilot Canadian car so it's called the "signature". Full load either way. My highlander has everything this has except for air conditioned second row buckets. I think the driver aids are a bit smoother on the Mazda too. The Toyota tended to ping pong in the lane when the lane keep assist was engaged so I kept it turned off.

[@TheGoldishFish]

I'm looking to buy a vehicle in the next few months. Of the vehicle you have driven what had the quietest cabin?

[@markcoopers1930]

You're probably right about the typical 3-row crossover shopper's mindset, i just think THEY'RE wrong. What are the odds that they're *always* (or even sometimes) riding around with 5-7 other full size adults AND a washing machine behind the third row AND need more ground clearance than a minivan offers all at the same time.... Was being a kid squeezed into the back seat for the baseball game carpool and just sitting quietly only a '90s kid thing? Was there some agreement that passed where the second kids are out of a car seat they are entitled to a full captains chair?😂

[@Realistick]

Agree 1000 percent, they could definitely make it work

[@theguard1]

Agreed. I will rarely need the rear seats with the family but it's nice to have the option. The fact is, I will usually have those rear seats down and have a LOT of room for cargo. I pre-ordered mine already and can't wait for it!

[@mountainhobo]

"i just think THEY'RE wrong" -- Unless you live in a very tight city, there is no advantage not to buy a longer vehicle. There is already a ton of vehicles with these dimensions, competing against each other. I think the first company that releases one of those in 212-216" instead of the current 200", and with interior space to lay flat a 4'x8' is going to make a killing. And no, not everyone wants to buy a half ton for an occasional cargo run, and no, most minivans cannot handle it either.

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

Why spend so much on gas when you don't need the space? People just feel safer in bigger vehicles that's all - it's psychological. Bigger vehicle does not mean better safety.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@mountainhobo There are quite a few advantages. Cost first and foremost. Larger vehicles always come with a premium and if it's not being used then that's not a good value. Dynamics are next: smaller wheelbases tend to handle better and more maneuverable vehicles are a benefit both in tight cities and busy highway interchanges. Also shine in rural mountain and forest roads like in NE: backroads which often narrow to 1.5 car width across both lanes, have switchbacks and to banked turns, and can have plenty of potholes to dodge. Power & efficiency as well: often you can get the same powertrain in the smaller, lighter, & more aerodynamic choice which improves driving experience and operating costs altogether. Brakes aren't always improved on the bigger vehicle either.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

It will be hard to build boost, it doesn't have a torque converter, the best number must just be flooring it

[@curiosityredpill7030]

It’s not about speed it’s about reliability,comfort,nice fit,build and decent fuel economy

[@farrukhshaheen5915]

Drove CX90 top trim in Artisan Red today and I was thoroughly disappointed with lack luster acceleration. I wanted to swap my 2019 CX9 touring with CX90 Turbo S but in the end decided otherwise. I have spent 4 years with CX9 so I know what I was expecting from CX90. Maybe it gets refined in coming years. For now, CX9 is better.

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

It accelerates 0 to 60 in 6 seconds which is great for its size. Mazda vehicles always win in drag races, and the horse power is gigantic to keep up after 60 mph. This vehicle actually outshines competition by far.

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

You just need to floor the acceleration and train the algorithm by driving it fast all the time. But then don't complain about low fuel efficiency.

[@chrisshore9000]

What hardware is different to make more hp and torque in the v6 turbos

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

like it..... rear wheel drive want to drive the inline I-6 along with jeeps new inline 6 , but like lot of us who like larger waons /suv but have no need ,want or will ever use a 3rd row , I like cargo space ,and the lil secret trunk under the floor where the 3rd row seat would be to store goodies out of sight

[@dougrock9395]

I believe the Mazda CX 70 and cx90 are great sports vehicles I feel so we are going to see Mazda go into the upper mid-size pickup truck and suv market as well as full size pickup trucks and SUVs I will definitely buy a cx90 and a cx70😊 God bless Mazda they've been over here in the US many many years I would love to see a new millennia the size of a BMW 7 series as well as an estate wagon version with single and double overhead cam V8 power starting at 5 l to 427 428 and 429 variants a super muscle luxury car and a state wagons and SUV versions

[@gibreezy]

Do these new Mazdas have lane centering and lane keeping assist as good as Hyundai and Kia though?

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Excellent and fair review, even in your criticisms. Some reviews of the CX-90 have been ridiculously biased.

[@MasterDedalius]

Enjoyed the people near review.

[@michael50861]

It’s a good looking car. Reminds BMW and that’s a good thing. Btw, nice review 👍🏻

[@donato777]

I think the style is classy and beautiful.

[@mrsolotraveler8808]

Great review. Seems like this vehicle missing something, not sure what it is. How are the sale so far? Beside the ones I see when passing the dealership, I have yet to see any on the road.

[@Realistick]

Thank you, the dealer has had this one for 6 weeks now and has had very little interest in it unfortunately.

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

It's not missing anything, it has everything lol Great engine, great suspension, great handling, very good fuel economy, excellent interior and exterior, a pano roof, usb-c port everywhere, spacious for tall people. Frankly, anyone complaining about this car is going too far in whining Only jealousy because now Japanese cars exceed American and European cars in almost every way.. Tough

[@imagepixels6042]

Our local dealer has only lower trim models, and those aren’t selling. We ordered a Premium Plus, gas only. Waiting for delivery and looks as though it’s 3-4 weeks before we take delivery. I hope some complaint of quirks were fixed with factory updates. Thanks for the honest review.

[@aaronbooth9222]

It stinks the led taillights only extend onto the hatch on the turbo S version. Kind of a miss

[@dioralcide8490]

Are these white seats stains resistant ? Specially with blue jeans 👖

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

Price and size are driving factors in this category. That’s probably why the traverse is so popular. It’s not the best at anything really but it’s on the larger end of the scale and lower end of the budget. Mazda is going to have a hard time convincing families that they should pay a little more and deal with a little less space.

[@theguard1]

While I agree with most assessments (transmission, brakes, general room), I think the biggest asset it has over the competition is the fuel economy and value proposition; the power, economy, available third row if needed in a pinch, towing capacity, etc are all fantastic. I'm coming from a Honda and the new Pilot is attrocious (headrest design puts your head facing partly down, fuel economy is bad, but space is definitely better). Overall, if you normally need a 4 to 5-seater but occasionally need up to 7, this is best option. You don't sacrifice fuel economy on a regular basis for that.

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

Exactly, it has everything. If people need more space they can buy a bigger vehicle. This isn't even meant for off roading, it's a classy, functional, fully loaded vehicle.

[@MrRjsnowden]

These seem to be sitting on dealer lots. It's probably the price but it might also be the compromise for the price. The grand highlander and Pilot both kinda kill this in the segment.

[@ChrisN06999]

"enough to make it feel protected but no enough to make it look like an RC car." ~Realistick.

[@jsfbay1]

Yeah, everyone has been kind of disappointed with this new I6 motor. Perhaps more boost in the years to come, or, a more powerful motor in the 48 volt mild hybrid system. Not really competitive with a BMW X5/X7. One could hope.

[@AshGrantASH8]

What are you talking about, power to weight is better in CX-90, performance wise you need to look at other reviews on here and not imagine what others think, overwhelming every review on here bar this schizophrenic writer has been very positive on every aspect of the CX-90.

[@Darthvolvo]

RWD biased SUV FTW. Glad Mazda is looking towards its performance based roots. Hopefully this drive train will show up in more Mazda platforms.

[@jsfbay1]

So did I miss it, how tall are you? So that I can make sense of how you fit in the each row?

[@Realistick]

6'3!

[@kizo172]

Japanese King

[@jsfbay1]

Is that real wood trim on the dash, doors, and center console? Some say yes, others no.

[@AshGrantASH8]

Yes it is real wood.

[@matthelms4167]

Wanna make a bet when the CX-70 comes out the neighborhood Karen’s & some car reviewers are going to magna-bitch that it doesn’t have a 3-row. These f’ers now whine about Miata’s not having 3 rows and 15 cup holders. Why don’t these malcontents just buy a used school bus if they need that much room. For carrying one spouse and one kid - except for one time during the 4 years they own it. Please automakers, give us the good stuff without 3 rows.

[@Realistick]

I like the cx-90 though? It’s great but the people buying three row SUVs care a ton about practicality and price, for that, I don’t see this being a big hit for the brand. As I said in the conclusion, it’s a great luxury suv, it’s biggest battle is going to be getting luxury folks to actually consider it.

[@matthelms4167]

@@Realistick I agree, I like the CX-90 too. But I’ve bought several vehicles (GX460, Tahoe, 4Runner) in spite of them having 3 rows. I didn’t want it, but at the time it’s all they had in stock. I didn’t like that I had to pay - $1k - $2k or so extra for something that was a nuisance for me. I’d rather have the extra cargo capacity. I know some people will find three rows useful and demand the feature, but it’s likely the same folks who buy a 4x4 Ford F550 for the 20k lb towing capacity so they can drive from mall to mall. If that makes sense.

[@ukgroucho]

Sooo if you are outside the US (where Mazdas numbers all change) just get a CX-60 - 2 row mid size SUV. CX-70 (when it comes to 'non US' destinations) - US versions are different , 3 row CX-70 (outside US) is a CX-90, 2 row CX-60 becomes a CX-80 (although not launched yet AFAIF in the US)

[@donato777]

So many reviews of this model are for the Turbo S. Not everyone wants to spend $60,000 on the top trim. I would like a review of the 3.3 turbo trim with 280hp. Is it powerful enough?

[@Realistick]

This is that engine! Thoughts are in the video but it’s definitely enough.

[@donato777]

Thanks. I missed that.

[@Realistick]

@@donato777 no worries!

[@tp4467]

What a sexy car

[@ferds814]

Thought it was 3rd row seating.

[@JohnThomWebb]

Call me Mazda because I, too, would like to prod at your stuff. 😉

[@alengreen589]

I think that this Japanese 3 row SUV is a good Familiy car, is it perfect? God No, they are better 3 row SUV´s out there but like i say for a Japanese brand and for a Mazda it´s very good.

[@inodesnet]

15:36 There is lane keep assist on all models and it does a much better job than previous Mazdas. As you’ve said, the Mazda philosophy is always to prioritise driving over practicality. Mazda continue to set the bar high against the competition with regards to quality, choice of materials and a severely deep level of engineering prowess that is barely ever spoken about (thanks at least to Dave Coleman from Mazda whenever he is in a video). Where I am in Japan it’s noticeable how Mazda is heading more premium than all other comparable Japanese brands. It starts with a superior dealer experience but what people are noticing here in Japan is that Mazda is unapologetic with how serious it is about engineering and prefer to do something right at a cost rather than save money, typical with other Japanese brands. This was once easily noted by fact that Mazda is the only Japanese brand to say no to CVT purely on basis of how badly it affects the drive (where really it’s much cheaper to include one). But on this and the CX-60 going rear bias and inline 6 are both driving choices over cost cutting choice. Here in Japan Toyota is being based as well. With the new Crown being compared to CX-60, many have said Mazda has basically shown how much Toyota has dropped ball on interior quality and material choice. The fact a much smaller domestic brand is thrashing them on this has many looking at the brand. Sadly Mazda does not create many of the small cheap cars than Japan needs.

[@Realistick]

Lane keep assist is not lane centering. I tried it out, it just sends you back in your lane as you go over the lane marker! The CX-90 is certainly a high quality product and I hope it ends up doing well for them against the luxury manufacturers. I just can't see it dethroning some of the more practical competitors because people in the market here tend to care more about versatility in a 3 row than outright luxury and quality. And the luxury folks are all about brand image too.

[@inodesnet]

@@Realistick very true. And previous models would not centre. All CX-90's however do have lane centring and much better display to show the lanes and centering. Many reviewers have covered this and noted it is much better than previous Mazda's albeit not quite in line with leaders such as Volvo or Kia which have more of a philosophy of taking control from the driver, whereas Mazda has always tended to er on leaving everything to the driver until the last moment for recovery. Nothing worse than a system that steps in too early and too aggressively. This video talks about the Cruising and Traffic Control: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjbd3uidqd0gsU

[@Realistick]

@@inodesnet I'll check it out, I tried it at 65 mph when filming this and it only acted as a lane departure prevention! (Edit) I just watched the video, Turbo S models get it, no other powertrains have it, including the standard Turbo model I tested. That's great to know though for when I get a Turbo S and I will mention it in the future, thanks!

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

Lane keeping in North America with all the potholes and ancient infrastructure is hilarious! Just some gimmicks to show off, some additional bells and whistles to talk about over the water cooler or trying to justify why they spent 5K more just to get a useless feature lol

[@Realistick]

@@thothkemet-lv8wq I enjoy it on the highway for long stretches or if I’m grabbing a drink. It takes out a little bit of fatigue. Not everyone cares to have it which is fine but it’s definitely not a gimmick in my Toyota.

[@MutualistSoc]

Mazda thinks people just need to quit buying the 48 oz big chug sodas. That's all. Their trying to help.

[@sshah2545]

I really don’t like the front end. Ugly stubby lights. Design is not at all cohesive but I’ll take it for the i6

[@jackchn23]

02:30 naturally aspirated four cylinder. Are you sure? I thought it was a turbo.

[@Realistick]

Fairly certain for the phev

[@ShootingCars]

MAZDA

[@Realistick]

Forever

[@tedkite4684]

Buy the new grand highlander more space

[@user-cc1hg8]

en línea KERLY 12 Manba😘😘

[@rafalpgresiak629]

Mazda all the way

[@dioralcide8490]

Why the headlights are so ugly

[@AD-mq1qj]

Yeah the new headlights are a step down

[@1800luce]

The reviewer could use a little fluff himself starting with a pair of long pants.

[@Realistick]

Zero fluff, always, at all costs

[@olmixer]

Our Pathfinder and qx60 are faster 0 to 60. Am I missing something?

[@Realistick]

This is the low output version and the DA was a little high, it’s no rocket ship, more about smooth passing power!

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

Horsepower and acceleration have little in common. Horsepower means you can load the car to the max and it will still not feel sluggish. Fast acceleration reduces fuel economy anyway and Nissans are unreliable ever since French companies chimed in. They used to the most reliable at one point in time. CX-90 is very speedy and you can teach the car to accelerate faster through its learning algorithm. Mazda also has a secret, you need to floor the gas pedal and the car will understand you need acceleration as priority. Put premium gas, let the car break in, let the car learn your driving habits and it will give you the drag race from idle you are looking for. Heck, I can do it with my CX-3

[@webguy943]

Still jerky at low speeds?!?!? Man why cant mazda fix that??? 😩

[@Realistick]

It’s not the same kind of jerkiness! It’s like a subtle jump around the takeoff, presumably because it’s using a clutch. The 8 speed doesn’t aggressively grab the wrong gear like the 6 speed sometimes does.

[@tomscy2000]

@@Realistick The old 6-speed has it too; although it does use a torque converter, it usually locks at a pretty low speed with a multi-plate clutch much like this new 8-speed, so on cold days there's a slight jerk when it locks up, usually somewhere between 10-20 mph. It's even more perceptible when it unlocks when rolling to a stop. The clutch disengages and there's a stutter. The new 8-speed can probably smoothen out a bit with improved programming over time, but residual, subtle jerkiness will likely remain because of the nature of the clutch plates slipping against each other and then locking. For the solution Mazda chose, it works pretty well, but unless a really smooth DCT or a buttery torque converter is employed, imperceptibly smooth shifts are unlikely. The flip side is that it'll likely be more reliable than a DCT because of lessen complexity; Mazda has also quoted weight and size savings in favor of improved turning radius/handling. It's really more about the tradeoffs that Mazda consistently chooses --- they will always favor handling characteristics over practicality --- and that's why the people who love Mazda really love it and most others just don't care for the brand.

[@kdomster9141]

I would like you to take on Subaru with your picking on little things and often complete non issues and blowing them out of proportions .😂 While there are many serious issues with Subbie and here it is a fantastic Mazda car you can get at 40K so price of a much cheaper and less refined design from likes of your beloved Subbie or other mainstream where at 40K or even any price getting Inline 6 with turbo and electric assist with nice 8speed tranny is just a wet dream 😉 So every time you say something positive you quickly throw smear of neat piking little negatives so overall review is not a positive one even that you kinda of try to be positive... that is not very objective overall , almost if some Subbie fan boy was jealous that Mazda again build a better product at same price as this CX-90 can be bought as low as 40K and that is an amazing value in comparison to CVTprone or small 4 cyl turbo FWD biased platforms with rather cheese build quality and design far less rich .

[@Realistick]

Different markets and goals. I point out that a 30k CVT crossover has a souless powertrain but I don’t stick on it because most people buying those don’t actually give a shit. This is probably my personal favorite 3 row suv, and if you watch the video instead of trying to pick me apart, you’d notice that, especially at the end where I literally say the 8 spds touchy starts and firm ride quality are nitpicks. I have to evaluate these on their given goals, not my own preferences. My reason this is not an overwhelmingly positive review is purely based on how I think this won’t be a success for the brand and I don’t think people buying 3 row suvs will care too much because most value practicality more than driving dynamics. I think this is a serious, full fledged competitor to a luxury or upscale 3 row like the MDX or XC90, however gunning straight for them is big gamble as brand image is a huge key.

[@kdomster9141]

@@Realistick Brand has been a hidden gem for a while and there are enough buyers seeing it and getting great deal for very solid cars , this CX90 is just another step. Mazda have priced it brilliantly, starting at 40K what is current cost for lowest tear of CX-9 and it must be mentioned and you failed to do so. Than until you reach CX-9 top price of 50K you have several trims in between with many upscale options . Than comes premium/luxury trims than not everyone needs but are there to greatly compete with true Lux brands like BMW or Mercedes for far far less. Mazda is staying in both markets , except it offer sooo much more for the same price where mainstream brands offer far less rich design . These are the things I expect in CX90 review and I just don't hear it from you, unless you don't see it or don't want to see it , or just for some reason prefer to look the other way and ignore them ? Yes Subbie has CVT in it's 50K USD top model Ascent , how can this be? Unacceptable to see such cheap drivetrain under 50Kusd , where is criticism there? Than there is far less power and torque and despite that worse fuel economy , wow 😳 so CVT does not present us with fuel economy savings after all ... I could go on but will not . Extra few cubic feet of cargo, or 1.5inch more of legroom in third row despite less legroom in for more important second row are where this Subbie suppose to win families over CX90 ? No 34K base Ascent is just sooo cheesy that I would not want it either , would much rather get a 6000 USD of CX-9 while still in the market . These are the things I would expect from a review . Is CX90 perfect no it is not but so is not any other SUV , including heavily overrated all over the place and heavily marketed Telluride or Palisade , always overrated Pilot or solid but always boring Highlander... than comes fine but unreliable Atlas or boaty Chevy/Buick . This new CX90 offers amazing value at 40K and allows every average income family to get a premium crossover with plenty of room for 95% of families with 2 to 3 kids ...and if God blessed you with more than 3 kids that you really need a minivan not SUV anyway.

[@Realistick]

@@kdomster9141 The CX-9 used to be cheaper, they got rid of the base trim before it died which made it 40k. That's beside the point. I love the CX-90 but it's a much better luxury suv fighter than practical 3 row competitor. It's a niche, we'll see if it works for Mazda like the CX-5 and 30 have!

[@kdomster9141]

@@Realistick I hear ya, at 43k for second trim off the bottom it can compete with all Koreans , Pilots , Highlanders and rest of crowded full size SUVs. None of them offer RWD biased , inline 6 turbo and fit and finish of CX90 . There is enough of us who care and will know what to appreciate in Cx90 .

[@thothkemet-lv8wq]

Americans want bigger even if lower quality. That's why there is an obesity endemic. Same with cars, buy a boat sized car that breaks down is better than a European sized car made in Japan that will last a lifetime. Even Scotty Kilmer raves about Mazda ever since they divorced Ford. Quantity over quality. Big and Mediocre vs Compact and durable.