5 REASONS WHY MAZDA CX-90 IS THE BEST HANDLING, AFFORDABLE 3-ROW SUV // ENGINEER'S REVIEW

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Күн бұрын

There are many 3-row SUVs in the market, but none of them can match the handling and the steering feel of the all-new Mazda CX-90 in this affordable price range. In fact, Automotive Engineer David Chao explains 5 specific reasons why this SUV is the most fun-to-drive in this price range.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

Пікірлер: 97

@sheldonduffy9442 Ай бұрын

David, thanks for addressing the Car Care Nuts comments. Also, it doesn’t really matter if he doesn’t like the CX-90… Scotty Kilmer likes it😂!

@sheldonduffy9442 2 ай бұрын

So glad to get a review from someone who gets it. So many reviewers criticize the CX-90 for the very same reason that David praises it. So many reviewers say “No one wants a 3 row SUV that handles or rides like a CX-90.” Well, I say unashamedly, I DO!!! After driving an inline 6 loaner I realized that I also prefer the quietness and refinement of my PHEV over the inline 6.

@amycole5093 2 ай бұрын

I love to drive, and I love driving different cars. IMO, Mazda is by far the best for the price. Fun to drive, durable, reliable, and beautiful!

@faithosadebe5293 Ай бұрын

How will you rate mazda driving, durability and reliability to that of Lexus and Mitsubishi

@amycole5093 Ай бұрын

@@faithosadebe5293 I think we’re living in a great time in the sense that all new cars are good. I would choose Mazda over Lexus because I think Mazda gives more for the $. I haven’t driven a Mitz in a while- good luck if you go with them.

@batgele2796 2 ай бұрын

i’m a proud owner of the cx90 with the inline 6 turbo s premium plus in artisan red with the light brown interior. absolutely love the vehicle. i test drove the toyota grand highlander, hyundai palisade, nissan pathfinder, subaru ascent, lincoln aviator, acura mdx, and nothing came close in terms of handling and dynamics.

@j.armand1363 Ай бұрын

You drive any Genesis SUV?

@batgele2796 Ай бұрын

@@j.armand1363 no. i needed a third row and eliminated the GV80 because its third row is tiny and only on their top trim which is $75K+

@j.armand1363 Ай бұрын

@@batgele2796 I've been torn between the CX-90 and the GV70. How would you describe the handling of the CX-90?

@batgele2796 Ай бұрын

@@j.armand1363 CX-90 is definitely on the sportier side (suspension is not stiff but perfectly calibrated for the vehicle size and desired performance. The CX90 feels extremely stable and glued to the road. Every other vehicle i tested felt softer or floatier. Everything about the handling is very linear - from the way the steering feels to the gas pedal and brakes - very predictable. actually brakes felt touchy at first but then i realized it was because i wasn’t used to strong brakes. The cabin is louder at idle and full throttle than the competition but the noise is envigorating, sporty, and i enjoy it every time i drive it.

@batgele2796 Ай бұрын

@@j.armand1363 Which powertrain are you considering for the GV70? Actually both the 2.5L and 3.5L turbo are faster than the mazda and will be a riot but the interior will be significantly smaller in dimensions. I have 3 kids and my wife and needed a vehicle with a third row but wanted something driver focused that’s fun to drive while also being practical - i tow a 4000lbs boat and do the usual chauffeuring of kids to sport events and the mazda always makes me excited to go places. I was seriously considering the GV80 but like i said had to cross it off because of the expensive 3rd row trim level. If you don’t need a third row go test the GV70, or the new CX70 when it hits dealerships later this year. if you need a 3rd row definitely try the CX90.

@04forerunner Ай бұрын

I am really considering CX 70 as not needing extra seats. I looked at GV 70 but dealership issues upon delivery and Lexus RX was nice but $88k is nuts. Your input has me leaning towards Mazda.

@versari5922 Ай бұрын

CX90 is cheaper and looks better. I forgot. the 3rd row seats is there just INCASE you need it.

@stephen0406 22 күн бұрын

Went to see the 70 and 90 at a dealership, they are the same size externally, but the 90 have the extra seats that can be put down, seems like better value

@paulsanpedro6707 Ай бұрын

I have been driving the CX90 PHEV for 5 months now. I loved the sporty driving feel and had

@paulsanpedro6707 Ай бұрын

And has received several positive comments on how it looks. Just wish that the battery range is more than just 26 miles. I live in the city and it works for me. Thanks for the video.

@susansammy5448 Ай бұрын

Thoroughly enjoying my PHEV version..drives great, plenty of power... love the looks inside and out... this is my 4th Mazda and all have been trouble free except a few unique issue.. not worried about serviceability... mazda are very reliable and a top safety + pick...

@ChrisCam007 Ай бұрын

You always have an honest perspective when you do your reviews. Keep up the good work sir. My CX 90 Premium delivers all its promises, the usual Gen-1 minor recalls are a given, all manufacturers go through the same thing anyways, my only issue is when Mazda decided to roll back prices of their 2024 CX 90 after launching CX 70...

@garyclark6747 2 ай бұрын

Well, the only other three row anything that’s got a plug is the Pacifica PHEV. None of them will drive like this! Thanks for the review David.🎯 11:44

@TheMichiganMade 2 ай бұрын

Your 5th reason is the key. Confident and natural drive is what customers want. This happens when the vehicle and driver are married as one.

@ernestfagan8817 2 ай бұрын

Just got a premium plus in black and it keeps getting mistaken for a bmw 😂. Drives really well.

@ggrahonestviews4394 Ай бұрын

😂😂😂

@3joewj Ай бұрын

Very good review.

@frankschopp8748 2 ай бұрын

I agree with you 100%. I have had mine inline 6 for almost 9 months and have driven it round trip 6 times on the Coquihalla from North Vancouver to Kelowna. t’s awesome to drive . Very smooth and quiet. need to watch speed limit as doesn’t feel like you are going fast.

@gosman949 Ай бұрын

And how to like the small interior with wasted space?

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

@@gosman949 No No, look at the trip route. He's Canadian. Doesn't have the obesity problem Americans do. Normal seats are just fine. Paying for extra space is wasteful whenever it's not filled to the brim. Great dynamics are only wasted when the car is parked.

@faithosadebe5293 Ай бұрын

@@gosman949what wasted space?.. For such a price and very good interior.. Only the Hyundai Santa Fe come close.

@xsej4223 Ай бұрын

@@gosman949you dont fit on the seat??

@zijousa Ай бұрын

I love driver's cars and that's why CX90 is top on my list for our next car

@jeremynachbar3205 Ай бұрын

What do you think of the CX70? I was thinking of getting a Toyota Land Cruiser. Now I think I may be happier with the Mazda CX 70 because I would prefer the performance over the ruggedness. What do you think will have the better reliability? Any videos on the CX70 coming up?

@ronandres6258 24 күн бұрын

Love my cx70

@sakapole 28 күн бұрын

Another great video, thanks. The best engine for this SUV is the 3.3 e-Skyactive D inline 6 turbo diesel MHEV 4x4. Greetings from Spain.

@beeslandscaping 2 ай бұрын

Yep 👍🏻 Mazda top notch

@rafal4052 Ай бұрын

Love my cx90

@jimmyamico4713 2 ай бұрын

Hi David, I am 100% agree with you… What I will say for me I only like ass combustion engines and I prefer V8.. however, I will consider a V6… I agree Mazda has come a long way🇯🇵🤍❤️

@josephdavid3401 Ай бұрын

That big screen really makes a big difference in the looks. What trim is that? I got the GT trim but i got the smaller screen (Canada).

@robertwilliam9558 2 ай бұрын

David, curious on your thoughts on the 2025 CX-70.

@barkindustry8150 Ай бұрын

I was going to ask the same question. I'm a little annoyed that Mazda decided to price that one even more than the CX-90 when it actually contains LESS parts aka the seats.

@marquemarano969 Ай бұрын

Better handling than the Acura MDX Type S ?

@mustafachaudhry4544 2 ай бұрын

David, between the Mazda, Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot, which one do you think would be most reliable long term and have the least issues?

@benkneisley3001 2 ай бұрын

Years ago no doubt 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. Mazda. However, today I’d place Honda third as their quality has fallen off. But I’m just not sold on Mazda reliability to place them first. All IMO. bit reliability is the biggest factor for me. Mazda’s latest styling is easily first though.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

The average new vehicle purchase is only kept for 8.4 years anyway. Aside from JLR or the 3 true Italian badges, almost any vehicle today will be reliable for that period or longer if maintained and driven properly. If someone wants a vehicle to be reliable in spite of poor maintenance then perhaps a bus pass is more appropriate.

@jaimebritton8034 Ай бұрын

A vehicle is not thrown away after 8.4 years though. Someone else buys it.

@benkneisley3001 Ай бұрын

@@jaimebritton8034 BINGO! Mark Cooper is disqualified.

@user-bm7ml1hr9s Ай бұрын

Hi david, is it worth upgrading from cx 90 to lexus tx 500h

@TheRotorious13b Ай бұрын

That wouldn't really be an upgrade.

@kc2743 Ай бұрын

it's Mazda, not Mazda...and definitely not Mazda...ha ha! Appreciate you and your videos:)

@jordez1 Ай бұрын

I’m considering buying the new CX-70, but is the inline 6 reliable and inexpensive to maintain? Is the timing chain in the opposite side of the engine?

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

All three engine options are among the most fuel efficient in their class. Dave addressed the timing chain question at the very end, it's a non-issue even over the long term. The engine is brand new, so no one can say for certain but it's based on the extremely reliable 2.5L skyactive inline 4. That ties with Mazdas' above average reliability on general and the vast majority of experts believe it will be reliable

@Nikiaf Ай бұрын

It's really a shame this thing is so big; I would have loved to get one but I don't need a minivan without the sliding doors.

@jakethesnake9973 Ай бұрын

CX 70 is out this year.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

@@jakethesnake9973it's effectively the same size.

@jev2867 Ай бұрын

I am considering the lowest trim CX-90. Waiting for below msrp deals and favorable interest rates before seriously shopoing for one.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

They just lowered the MSRP on the CX-90. If only shopping below MSRP is only on principle then better off shopping used.

@user-bm7ml1hr9s Ай бұрын

1:18

@seikocitizenwatches Ай бұрын

Beautiful automobile but there’s room to improve especially the taillights that BMW, Audi have better designs, noticeably larger areas of illumination.

@beri232 Ай бұрын

I’ve never heard of timing chains needing to be changed. Aside from Fords poorly designed Ecoboosts.

@3joewj Ай бұрын

They always need to be changed...eventually.

@beri232 Ай бұрын

@@3joewj I’ve never had to. I’ve had vehicles with up to 700,000kms still on the same timing chain. My friend has an old V10 Dodge 3/4 ton he has had since new…. it has 950,000kms and it’s still on its original engine and timing chain. My brother in law however, bought a new Ecoboost Ford F150 and he has had timing chain issues 3 times since he bought the truck. I hope to god I never have to keep a vehicle over 300,000kms at this stage in my life.

@3joewj Ай бұрын

@beri232 Got it. I know years ago. Old cars...timing chains were changed about every 60k. I haven't heard much about it on modern cars so i assumed it was around 150k.

@ishamsudardjat8291 Ай бұрын

@@3joewjmaybe you mixed up with timing belt..

@xsej4223 2 ай бұрын

Who will be the first to talk about the rear timing chain again?? Any ccn fans coming to the comment section?😂😂 i had 7 different cars never had any chain issue.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

CCN's fan-base is a plague. Worse than the truck brand bros, or upscale badge snobs. None, apparently, have connected that a Toyota-lexus mechanic seems to favor Toyota-lexus products, and for some reason his reviews of closely competing products from Honda and Mazda are harsher than even BMW or Mercedes reviews. Almost like he's focusing on the actual Toyota competition..... He's like a patron saint or something, take his word as gospel.

@xsej4223 Ай бұрын

@@markcoopers1930 you re right.. he thinks hes god of cars😁

@victormoreno2767 Ай бұрын

1 hour to remove the engine…🤣🤣🤣. I think if you work on your car doing minor stuff is better to get the PHEV version. It has more room to work on it. The only problem I see with the PHEV is that if for any reason someone hit this car from the back how much will cost to replace the battery?

@xsej4223 2 ай бұрын

There will be too many mechanics coming here😂😂. Dying about timing chain.. one cx 90 owner got around 131 thousan kilometers for not even a year.. no chain issue..

@larryking4208 2 ай бұрын

T8ming chain change is relevant to millage rather than time. So if you will drive c 90 for high millage, expect to go through the engine out service sooner. I would stick to Honda for best braking and handling.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

It's almost like the video wasn't watched..... Dave addressed this directly at the end. And a Honda pilot doesn't out-handle the CX-90. Full stop

@ibanezmakki Ай бұрын

Not gonna lie, that base model is butt ugly compared to its higher trims.

@victormoreno2767 Ай бұрын

True.

@grindelwalk 2 ай бұрын

Mazda is a great, engineer driven company that I like a lot. But the looks of the CX-90 is hideous. Which is very unfortunate. As the CX5/50 are too small for my needs. I wish they hadnt just copy-pasted the CX90 to the CX70 but did something new.

@jakethesnake9973 Ай бұрын

You might be the only person on the planet who thinks the CX 90 is ugly. It’s gorgeous.

@SIMPLEHECHO Ай бұрын

As much as I like this channel’s reviews, the mechanical design deficiencies have to be considered. The timing chain placement, the high fuel pressure pump; the turbo, starter motor all require the engine to either be pulled out or have the front clip removed. Sorry but I value serviceability above aesthetics

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

It's almost like the video wasn't watched..... Dave addressed this directly.

@JY__L Ай бұрын

So glad I canceled my PHEV GT order, Mazda still needs a few years to refine the PHEV powertrain. Not sure how those who have CX-90s in dealers for days and weeks to fix would think after watching this video.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

How many people have their vehicles at dealerships for weeks? Where are these angry mobs? I see no news reports, and a grand total of one reddit post.

@JY__L Ай бұрын

@@markcoopers1930Simply check the CX-90 forum. After seeing a few people stuck on the highway with power loss, my girlfriend said no. Also, Mazda tuned the PHEV conservatively which means less than half the EV range in winter in Quebec, so thank you.

@m109r Ай бұрын

45 minutes to pull the engine . No way.

@nataliestenger8427 2 ай бұрын

30-45 minutes to pull the engine or 1-2 hours to pull and reinstall the engine sounds too good to be true. Dealers will probably charge at least 8 hours of labor for it. That heavy maintenance cost down the line could lead to lower trade in values. That and the initial cost of the vehicle being the most expensive I’ve ever bought are my only regrets. Otherwise I love my Cx-90 turbo preferred.

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

Compared to the AWD versions of the pilot and Highlander, the purchase prices are in line. If the dealership charges 8 hours of service then that's the wrong dealership. The service is detailed in the internal service manuals that dealership service centers have, they aren't allowed to bill that much

@nataliestenger8427 Ай бұрын

Yeah my price thing is on a personal finance level not against the competition. However I needed a vehicle with auto leveling headlights for my commute as I was blinding others and enough payload capacity to safely carry my family to and from the airport.

@user-lj7zm6ym1x Ай бұрын

Too big

@xsej4223 Ай бұрын

Cx 5 or cx 50 is what you re looking for

@RichardRomingerIII Ай бұрын

my ex and I bought PHEV's - both died under 3k and left us stranded. They had to be put on a flat bed and worked on for weeks at the dealership.... I don't trust the CX90. Then it took 3 visits for my ex to get her radio/carplay fixed (ended up being loose cables somewhere).

@cuongngo2298 2 ай бұрын

cx90 too bad design just high pressure pump problems need replace will need drop off all engine, transmission... for replace customer will pay big bills when out of warranty

@xsej4223 2 ай бұрын

Drop the engine and transmission for fuel pump? Wow. Thats insane

@markcoopers1930 Ай бұрын

Toyota is recalling nearly 6,000,000 vehicles globally, including approximately 3.3 million vehicle in the United States, for a faulty fuel pump that may stop operating and could result in the vehicle stalling, and it may be unable to be restarted. Honda has recalled over 2.5 million vehicles because the fuel pump may fail and prevent the engine from starting or cause stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. By comparison Mazdas' fuel pumps are a gold standard. Considering the only posts about a fuel pump appears to be one reddit post and a handful of 10 year old Mazdas that are reaching the end of a standard fuel pump life anyway

@misbahagha1573 2 ай бұрын

A car is good when the sum of all parts work as one coherent piece. Its called drivability. Mazda cannot achieve this YET. Needs German tuning and finishing school. Reliability is another factor. But thats a story for a different day!

@carmencajayon937 Ай бұрын

Nonsense... +Elon-gate talks style!

@22bad96 Ай бұрын

My friend you are not saying anything about maintenance on this car! It is a costly car from maintenance point of view plus some parts of the engine are having questions mark for longevity!