2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo Inline-6 AWD Review and Off-Road Test

[@sonho4739]

I actually find the interior scheme bright and attractive

[@farcinue]

I would use “elegant” when I see Mazda interiors. Clean, simple, premium… similar to how I feel about Volvo interiors.

[@JohnJohnson-kg4ek]

I prefer light interior and don't get the appeal of having black leather. It gets so hot during the summer!

[@AMehta-ok5pf]

Asking for a loud vehicle outside so people know you are driving a luxury vehicle is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.

[@batgele2796]

i thought that was a dumb ask too. ryan totally blew this review

[@agabionugba7966]

I was shocked when I heard him say that.....I guess he thinks Mazda is targeting freshman college students.

[@dannylastname3172]

If you want loud , replace stock exhaust system

[@kksksten2722]

No it's not. People whom love fast and aggressive cars, also wanna have appropriate exhaust system. You just happens to not now it.

[@awwwwwyeahhhhh1110]

@@batgele2796yeah, seemed like he had a vendetta against this car

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Even BMW is using that type of plastic you're referring for. At least Mazda use it in a slightly hidden place.

[@theyadmire511]

Where?

[@jeromep3182]

I think Mazda did a great job blending the material and different textures together. Hats off to Mazda

[@DragonfireRC]

I love the command dial control for the infotainment. I hate trying to hit a touchscreen while going over bumps, always hit the wrong thing. I have a Mazda 6, and everyone loves playing with the control dial system compared to touchscreen. It takes very little focus from driving compared to trying to accurately place a finger on a touchscreen, once you figure it out you don't even have to really look at it to use it.

[@paulh6517]

And you don't get all the smudges.

[@joshm2248]

Totally agree. I’ve owned my CX30 for nearly 2 years, and my stages of using this infotainment went from “how do I use this thing?”, to “why would I ever use a touch screen while driving?”. I mean, a bumpy, twisty road would be a nightmare to use a touchscreen (having to take your eyes off the road to really look at where your finger is going, might as well just take your phone out and use it lol), but a knob and shortcut buttons? Hassle free to me.

[@ShadowBend]

I'm actually not a huge fan of the dial in our Mazdas. It works OK, especially when stationary but I find I have to take my eyes off the road to see what I have selected when turning the dial. Not a big problem as I usually "set and forget it" with android auto.

[@disruptioninworldcommunica4857]

@@ShadowBend You will have to take your eyes off the road even more with any of the touch only systems as you have to also lean forward and move your arm. Mazda's screen is positioned perfectly in the field of view so you can glance it with the corner of your eye when you need to focus more on the screen. With touch it's literally impossible to scroll through hundreds of music folders on USB while driving for example. Something that is a breeze with Mazda. And the buttons make switching between functions even easier.

[@johnnytampocao7671]

You're exactly right but most people prefers the touchscreen but for me I love this system. I wish Mazda can do it both ways to accommodate everyone.😂😂

[@MAXlMUS]

This is one of the best looking car I have seen in my life, both exterior and interior!

[@kevinstarski1598]

Man, I don't remember him ragging on any car this much...

[@ivan72087]

I know I was getting annoyed lol.

[@drivingsports]

I haven’t been this annoyed with a car since I drove a Mitsubishi Mirage.

[@ivan72087]

@@drivingsports 😱🤯

[@mbenton6]

@@drivingsports I'm sure he got paid

[@ontarioman6301]

This guy only likes Subaru with unreliable engines and bad CVT. Not sure if he is qualified to review autos

[@stefanstefan8460]

I disagree with him about the interior, I actually looked at one at Denver Auto Show from this year and the interior looks and feel great compared with the likes like Pilot, Highlander or Telluride which are all give you a super cheap feel . Also I had a CX-9 Signature for about 4 years and the infotainment system works really good especially with the buttons in the center console, which is way much better executed than in the Lexus RX 350.

[@tallll70]

So center screen is touchscreen for apple car play but not for Mazda screens?

[@Love23D]

@@tallll70 correct! Touchscreen only on carplay or android auto mode

[@samdovels1234]

Huh? Telluride gives you a super cheap feel?

[@garrettw99]

@@samdovels1234 the Telluride interior looks better than it feels imo

[@myungjaebang2048]

Super cheap?? Kkkkkkkkkk

[@WayApp]

Mazda has definitely raised the bar with this one.

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Like what ??

[@jhagen4850]

I have a CX-5 and agree with others that using the dial controls on the center console is safer while driving. Though my vehicle is a 2016 and they haven't changed anything in the UI since that time. A graphics upgrade wouldn't hurt. But to be honest I think Mazda is right to be stubborn about this. It is hard to drive a vehicle with a touch screen after you get used to this setup. You realize that you have to look at the screen to understand the menu, something that isn't good while driving. This is particularly problematic when you're renting a vehicle so the system is new to you.

[@ThePabloG30]

or you can literally park a suv and look a the menu to know what is there. Unless you're going 130 km in heavy traffic on a highway.. I don't see how a touchscreen infotainment is an issue. EVERY OTHER SUV HAS THIS WITHOUT ISSUE... RAV4s, Subarus & CRVs all have suvs and they sell way more than Mazdas

[@Dutillac01]

I started keeping track of all the things I would refute in Ryan’s review…..but then I lost track. I think he was pretty heavily off base with this CX-90 review.

[@spencerloop284]

I missed this one, starting watching the one that just came out of the phev and share the same thoughts.

[@gkcarpenter98]

You’ve become one of my favorite KZbinrs. I’m not even car shopping anymore I just like tuning in.

[@eohunter32]

100% agree..

[@gameprodigy940]

I actually like the mazda infotainment. It doesn't look "busy" . I've had my 2022 cx5 long enough to memorize the "haptic" feedback so I don't even need to look at the screen to to to where I needed to go. But 90% of the time I'm on apple car play ot android auto

[@NumbahEleven]

i've owned my mazda for about 1.5 years (2018 6). After getting used to the dial, I have no issues with it.

[@MIZUNOMP60]

it's not just about getting used to it, for 60 plus grand it's not a very exciting infotainment system.

[@jeffnesbitt1168]

A luxury vehicle doesn’t have a loud exhaust….sports cars do

[@kevtn8]

He got confused that inline 6 is in luxury 3 row crossover lol.

[@Michael-kd7hn]

I very much disagree with your interior segment. Having spent some time in both the straight 6 and plug-in CX-90, the interior is absolutely fantastic. I own a 2019 Mazda 3 since new and the infotainment control dial and system really allow for minimal interaction and distraction. It does take a few days getting used to it but you're rewarded with a great experience.

[@johnl9337]

In this review he complains that for 62k this doesn’t deliver compared to an X5. I just went to bmw and priced a similar optioned X5 and it is between $73k to $75. He also compares this to the Lexus GX which is over $70k comparably equipped. This compares more against a RX which drives very bland, yet it is the best selling Lexus. I know Mazda wants to go upscale, but comparing it against an X5 is stretch considering the price difference. Now if an X5 is actually close to $62k then that would be a different story. I do agree to compare this to an MDX is closer even though the MDX is a little over $65K. My wife drives a CX50 Turbo and I have no problems with its infotainment. I drive a F150 Limited with a touchscreen and on some conditions it can be hard to use as the car truck moves around. Example, trying to change songs while driving 85. It is just hard to touch the desired button at times on a touchscreen. I am not saying this Mazda is perfect at all. I hate their hard seat and I cannot sit on them for long trips, so I would never buy a Mazda for that reason alone. I still think it’s a nice upscale suv compared to mainstream automakers.

[@whirltech8031]

You hold out a 19 year old car's fabric bits coming unglued as a reason to not like a new car's fabric bits. What kind of cars have you been driving to expect better longevity?!? For the money the CX-90 seems an incredible value.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

99 % new ....did you say that when you reviewed the "new" Honda Pilot, which is still equipped with hood prop and timing belt?

[@DerrickEnglish-l1d]

This video seemed kind of slanted. I know everyone has their opinions but he constantly nocked it for not having what a vehicle that cost 20k more has. Most of the vehicles he compared it with during the video start at tis vehicles top price. Cost seemed to be common factor in all of the things he wished it had. Mazda isnt a pure luxry brand like BMW and their engineers have even stated their lane and who its for.

[@Redhawk24]

It’s not a Subaru…

[@kdomster9141]

Exactly 😂

[@toledoole]

I agree with you, I’ve been researching the cx-90 a lot and it seems amazing unless you compare it to what it wants to compete against. However, the ones being used as comparison cost 30-50% more so…

[@MIZUNOMP60]

@@toledoole If you test drive this, compare it to the Infiniti QX-60 and Acura MDX. All offer 6 cylinders, similar cargo space, and features. The Acura base engine is a tad slow but the type-s offers plenty of power albeit for low $70s. If the Acura had a less cluttered console and an available touchscreen, I'd be leaning for the MDX.

[@carsbykev7037]

I was thinking something similar. The only reason I kept watching was because he’s normally not as biased. This review seemed oddly jilted. I’ve tested one, and as a owner of a BMW X7 the only thing I didn’t like about it was 1. Interior Lighting is WAY subpar to the BMW 2. I like the BMWs two-part tailgate for changing diapers and many other tasks. I ordered the PHEV because there’s no X7 50e on the horizon and we need to replace the ‘23 Prime XSE with a 3 row. But, if you’re not looking for the PHEV and you keep cars just 3 years or so, a used 2020-2021 X7 is a great luxury alternative (and the 40i gets 28 mpg running 77 mph on the highway, 22-23.5 combined in our driving). In conclusion, If really like to see him give the Mazda another chance. I felt the interior materials were great, and I loved the infotainment as we’re used to a knob and CarPlay touchscreen.

[@Toycoma]

I'm digging it. Got me with that inline 6. Good hp and torque numbers.

[@robertskelton3779]

Not bad, but only marginally faster than the 2023 Highlander and the engine noise is just as loud.

[@nickedds2907]

Really downplayed the vehicle, complained about things equal to or better than other cars, sun visors is white and will get fingerprints and headliner shouldn't be white...wtf are you on about

[@drivingsports]

Transmission thunks between gears too. Very indecisive between 30-40mph. This car is half-baked.

[@chriz1231]

Funny how top shelf motor journalist like it, but you don't. I wonder what's actually half baked? Would a 911 having a CVT make you happy?😂

[@stevechandy7348]

⁠​⁠@@chriz1231 Spot on with your observation Chris. I’m a little perplexed about what it is with some of these recent reviews, that are constantly bashing Mazda for their aspirations, products and this CX-90. You almost get the feeling that they’re going out of the way to show an excellent product in a bad light. Like you mentioned, top motoring journalists have given their take, and they’ve all come away super impressed with this vehicle.

[@xlthumper]

A few journalist have talked about the rough transmission, and drive train. Fabric interior on dash are alot more difficult to keep clean. He is not wrong about what he is saying. Maybe other journalist are not being true to life with the reviews. Oh and have you ever seen a white headliner after a few years compared to new. It's disgusting.

[@Cypherus21]

If you think having kids with sticky fingers that goes nicely with a white interior finishing and a useless 3rd row with minimal leg room, then cheers.

[@subazealand9158]

Mate, I always love your reviews and probably you remember my comments. But this is the first time that I see you are impartial and hating so much something that looks you are the first reviewer that couldn't like it all. Is like when TFL jumps on a Subaru and they can't say anything good because they don't like it, but not because is bad. Sad coming from you.

[@CaptainKedah]

I love the Interior of this cx90 and to be fair your Madza3 is 19yrs Old and it looks Very Mint, just Glue Peeling off from Fabric is all what it has after 19yrs that means it was Build Well. You need to Show me a 19yr Old Car that is more looking Fab than your Madza3

[@taylorkingrealestate2053]

I traded my 22 Highlander for a loaded turbo S. I'm amazed with it so far. Drives and looks like a $100k car. My only complaint is with the clutch. It lurches and surges at a crawl. Reminds me of the early dct cars. I'd give up 1 or 2 mpg for the smoothness of a hydramatic.

[@kevtn8]

That's price you pay for getting 1st year model. I'm sure Mazda will update that transmission software control later on with more bugs figured out.

[@MrRaitzi]

Mazda fucked up transmission tuning. Same with all that have this 8 speed.

[@xingnanzav]

I got a transmission software update and the car is now buttery smooth

[@danielapreku3101]

Ryan Mazda did not say this suv is for off roading. Secondly beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. If you don’t like bright interior, someone does. Not everything is made for everyone. This suv is far less than a BMW x5 and you keep comparing it to it. Also how much is mdx top trim? The price of an mdx base is the price for this top model Mazda. You are very good at reviewing pick up trucks and off road vehicles. Stick to that. Tell me which vehicle doesn’t have plastic below the dashboard. You reviewed this cx90 as if there’s nothing good about it. #subarufanboy

[@davidsilovs5106]

Yes totally agree with what you say, and most of the talk was critical & only a few good things. Its not an off road vehicle to start with and he is more or less saying its useless for off road. And the infotainment system mazda stays with as it works and is safer & he should know this!

[@kumarg11]

He is a suburu fanboy… he like everything of it.. and complains alot about other cars specifically mazda..

[@danielapreku3101]

@@kumarg11 bro I don’t enjoy his reviews anymore. He just like anything off road and not every suv was designed for off roading. Honda specifically made a trail sport version of the pilot for off road capability. The cx90 is more of a luxury and premium offer.

[@mbenton6]

I love the infotainment system. You don't have to take your eyes off the road and if you want to use apple carplay and android auto you have those to use as a touchscreen. Please do some research on the product before you review it. Also, you didn't mention the storage in the second row. It's a pity. Please don't compare this car to a 2004. Lose all credibility with me. Will not follow you

[@batgele2796]

same here, this was beyond sloppy and biased. i’m unsubscribing.

[@CoffeyBrew]

Long time viewer, here; I remember meeting you randomly when you came into the Starbucks that I used to work at in Northern California. I said, "You're the Driving Sports TV guy!" Then you asked me for some good driving roads. This had to have been something like 10 years ago now. Still remember it! Keep on with the good automotive content!

[@drivingsports]

Wow. Blast from the past! I think we were in Redding shooting a TV Pilot… that went into Internation syndication but wast picked up here in the USA. 🤷‍♂️

[@lattitudelogan]

When he compared his older Mazda to the new cx-90, not a fair comparison because ford had a bigger stake in them back then. Mazda bought there shares back. Mazdas have been making good and reliable cars after ford left. He clearly didn’t do his research on Mazda

[@hershlawfirmpc]

No one is buying a Cx 90 to go off road. Just like no one is buying a BMW, Genesis, or Mercedes to go off road. Apples to oranges. It’s like comparing a Subaru Outback Wilderness to a near luxury model. You can do the comparison but you’re being disingenuous. And this is coming from a longtime subscriber and fan of your content.

[@Seriously140]

The vehicle literally has a drive mode called OFF ROAD. Who exactly is being disingenuous?

[@hershlawfirmpc]

@@Seriously140 that’s marketing. Nothing more.

[@LeoMkII]

Even though the review sucked balls, unexpected coming from ryan, taking the mazda off-road was fair, they did give it an off-road mode, their mistake.

[@garrettw99]

@@Seriously140 the off road mode is meant for dirt roads or light sand, not crawling

[@Eelgnotsa]

Thank you very much for your observation mind exactly. Also you can’t say the engine is good this is good that’s nice I like this this is wonderful then say but it does nothing for me so the car is fine, so isn’t you the problem you’re testing and rating a vehicle not injecting personal feelingsopinions compared to damn vehicle being neutral

[@ejesoriginal]

I've been waiting for this one in particular because of the inline 6. Thanks for doing this! On a side note, the only thing I have found to clean light colored headliners and interior that is safe is Tuff Stuff cleaner. It is actually pretty amazing for that, is relatively inexpensive and is sold everywhere. Also, the Japanese term I think you were looking for is "Kaizen".

[@Doc1855]

I like the In-line 6cyl. They have 40% less moving parts and tend to have more longevity over the V6.

[@agabionugba7966]

This review is very biased. I have driven the CX90 and the drive experience is awesome. The car overall is a great car.I guess he simply doesn't like Mazda and so could not be objective.

[@lawrencefriedman2122]

He likes a lot of Mazdas, just not this Ione.

[@batgele2796]

subaru fanboy downplayed this exciting entry undeservedly

[@robertbaldwin4261]

I bought one and me and the family love it. To me, where this car really hits is in the middle of the trim options in the $47-50k range. Compare the driving experience of that CX-90 to a something like a Pilot or Highlander. That said, I understand comparing the top $60k+ trim to other cars because it’s offered. I would probably buy something else if I had that much to spend. However, you get more for your money with a CX-90 compared to something like lower end Acura MDX of equal price.

[@drivingsports]

I really wish they sent us out a mid-level trim.

[@michaelp.3485]

​@Driving Sports TV Hopefully, they never send you anything again after this biased review.

[@FranciscoHernandez-lt1mo]

@@drivingsports what tim was this supposed to be???

[@jdelong1847]

Most cars have hard plastics on the bottom, this is nothing new. You mentioned that this is still a Mazda with a cheaper starting price than luxury competitors, yet you still knock the plastic that most old and new cars have, not just the 2004 Mazda 3

[@drivingsports]

Lower cost, and half baked. That’s not a win.

[@sebastienlemire-om9lj]

​@@drivingsports I still don't understand the insistance on comparing it directly to the X5. The X5 starts at ~65k, so the base model is 3k more expensive than the Mazda top trim. I've never been in either but it seems fair that a more expensive vehicle be better. 3k may not be much in when you're ready to shell out 60-65k, but it is still something and I don't know how the base X5 compares to this top trim CX-90. Also, the X5 is a 5-seater. A base X7, would be a better comparison and it starts at 82k! Would an X7 do any better in the chicken run? Insisting on the comparison with the MDX would probably have made more sense as it starts at 50k and given its look, I'm doubtful that it would have done any better in the chicken run. I love your channel but in this video, it feels you were not as fair as in other videos. I fully agree about the silliness of that cloth decoration on the dashboard. That will age extremely poorly, catch grime dust and stains! I miss your rock trail climbing tests. I resonnated better with that than with the chicken run! It looked like the kind of situation I could encounter.

[@m1977v]

I 100% agree with you regarding his review on this car. Kinda surprised tbh. Not that he has to like everything about each car, but he seemed annoyed and ready to not want to like it from the beginning. Maybe Mazda should have given him a different interior color because his disdain for it was overwhelming apparent!😂

[@MIZUNOMP60]

@@sebastienlemire-om9lj For me in the upper trims, it competes with the Infiniti QX-60 and Acura MDX. The X5 is much more luxurious, powerful and obviously more expensive.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

@@drivingsports Sounds bias to me

[@mtbrdude]

Speed Limit sign reading can be....dangerous. My wife has it in her Nissan Pathfinder. It was a few months before we had an issue, but there was a small service road beside the highway. The speed limit was 50km/h on the service road, and her car somehow picked that sign up. It slammed on the brakes while we were travelling along at 100km/h. The cars behind us weren't happy, but thankfully there were no accidents. We immediately turned off the speed limit driver assist.

[@mbenton6]

This no mazda. Of course you're having problems

[@jaydenp.6243]

so you were going 50 above?

[@David_Journey]

There is no turbo I-4 engine in CX-90. The CX-90 PHEV has a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine.

[@winstondeocampo699]

I mean nobody in their right mind would seriously off road a 60k SUV only because it has an off road mode meant more for snow, sand and gravel roads. The MDX, Lexus and BMW are way more expensive. C’mon man.

[@LordMurgen]

Very strange review. Clearly an off road guy reviewing a Japanese near premium crossover family hauler. Not surprised he hates it. His opinions goes directly opposite of other reviewer’s conclusions and my own personal ones. I’ve watched only one other review from Driving Sports TV previously and that seemed more professional. Maybe he didn’t get enough sleep as the attitude was evident. I test drove the CX-90 Inline 6 Turbo yesterday and came to a different conclusion vs this review. I’ve also have test driven the MDX S-Type advanced, GX and GV70 3.3T Premium in the last month. I really liked the CX-90 Inline 6 during my test drive and I never felt any chunkiness with the transmission at all. It soaked up the bumps on really broken up pavement wonderfully. Maybe his test vehicle was pre-production/software update? I’m speculating of course. Some of the features missing he pointed out are available on cars that will cost you an additional $10k to $20k. Off-road failed on his track, ok that’s a legit complaint if you are looking at the CX-90 for that. Who in the right mind would tho? It’s a 3 row near-luxury family hauler with some sportiness. So, ok the off-road mode seems like a bit of a joke to be honest, that's fair. The AWD in my next vehicle purchase would be for gravel/dirt roads at a country fair, wet rainy days and ice/snow with the family. Going on an off road trail in a CX-90? C’Mon, nobody is buying a CX-90 for that and if you are you are nuts if you think you are. Would I take an Acura MDX S-Type, GV70 Premium (sorry GX) for the same price as the CX-90? Absolutely, but you can’t get those for the price of the CX-90. The CX-90 delivered where I wanted it to in my test drive. Looking BMWish and not being a BMW is a huge plus in my book. After owing BMWs and my extended family’s experience with them… I’d never buy one again.

[@FranciscoHernandez-lt1mo]

Yup, I guess every person that reviews this car is wrong and he is right LMAO!

[@adamblakeley5865]

Ryan, the segment about the double roundabout and the “driver assistance systems” as they are often called was very interesting to me. At this point manufacturers are adding so many assistance systems to remind people to not be distracted, that the systems themselves are become a distraction. I think you summed it up best in one of your Toyota reviews, I think it was the Highlander, you said “when you beep for everything, people won’t pay attention to anything. “ I totally agree with that. I have a ‘22 Crosstrek Limited, which is my first car with all the assistance features. When I first bought the car I noticed every beep and light. Now, a year into ownership, I don’t even notice any of them anymore. I’ve completely tuned them out. I think we’ve reached critical mass on the beeps and boops and flashes at this point and maybe we should just go back to driving cars instead of computers on wheels. Not gonna happen, but there it is.

[@lawrencefriedman2122]

If its anything like my CX50, what's happening is that by crossing a dashed line without the turn signal, the car thinks you are accidentally drifting out of your lane.

[@adamblakeley5865]

@@lawrencefriedman2122I really like the Cx-50. My wife has a CX-9 and I like it a lot, it’s just a little big for my tastes and doesn’t toss very well. My previous vehicle was a Chevy Silverado and her 9 kinda drives the same as it did. Just big and cumbersome lol. The size of the CX-50 is more my style. Love the Turbo Premium Plus in Soul Red.

[@lawrencefriedman2122]

@@adamblakeley5865 Yeah, I have the TPP, white with brown interior. Good size, like it a lot.

[@danielnormandeau2393]

That plus 10 on the cruise is the greatest option ever😂

[@bradniemann13]

Mazda didnt pay him enough i guess? Rear end looks ugly, but I drove one and it was fantastic. For three row, its great imo.

[@garrettw99]

I’ve never seen someone complain about such a great interior. I’d complain about the durability once it falls apart. Until then, enjoy it or get a darker color interior . Many parts of this review are not fair or valid imo. I expect more from Ryan.

[@Steven-en6uu]

Objective much? Near universal praise for Mazda's interior design but you hate it. Mazda doesn't do 42' TV screens planted front and center. They make the info screen part of the design, not the main focus of it.

[@williamlowe2046]

For a car reviewer he sure found some minor negatives and exposed his OCD. All I got from it is the car would be a lot easier to live with as opposed to living with him!

[@mrmm7322]

From my experience Mazda Quality is as good as Lexus quality they make cars and SUVs last and so reliable

[@farcinue]

This seems like a perfect roadtrippin’ suv. Highway miles and light softroading when needed, like at some national parks.

[@darrenguy957]

Such a negative attitude.

[@MelBreeeezy]

My father in law has a Volvo XC90. And I hate driving or sitting in the back seat. First of all how does a 80k car does not have arm rest for captain chairs in the back. And when I’m driving the lane centering barely works I’d rather just center my self instead of relying on a computer to center its self. The suspension is stiff and 21s probably doesn’t help with that. We drive a 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan Id rather drive than the Volvo I love my Mazda and the infotainment system is so good with the dial in the center console it’s just so easy to navigate feels so natural. Honestly his review on this Mazda surprised me a bit. His opinion. But I think a lot of people are sleeping on the Mazda. I would get the Mazda CX90

[@inodesnet]

I feel most reviewers who haven't regularly used this Mazda system are quick to judge it. Touchscreens and complex interfaces are always better right? I personally disagree. But there are so many university studies into automotive infotainment systems with regards to usability and safety that would also disagree. Touchscreens are well known as being far more dangerous than being over the limit with alcohol. Some operations take so long to perform on a touchscreen, and all operations require eyes to be moved to the screen, particularly when user interfaces are overly complex. As a software engineer that is extremely aware of how complex user interfaces can be time consuming to navigate, the Mazda system is in my opinion one of the best among the mainstream for many reasons. First is that menus are intentionally glanceable. They're timed to require as minimal diversion from vision on the road as possible. This is particularly true of the functions that are commonly required when driving. But thankfully most driving required tasks are not in the infotainment screen, but remain on tactile hardware buttons (which have some of the best feel thanks for a complete rethink of how they do buttons). The wheel is a revelation and falls to the hand. According to University of Utah studies, physical controls are always much safer than touchscreen. But one reason this is so true with this is muscle memory. I have both a touchscreen only car and a CX-8 with this same system and the latter (as an owner with experience) is MUCH EASIER. Why? Muscle memory means that it is possible to remember the number of rotations given a glance (not as easy in Apple CarPlay but not impossible). This means that in the Mazda I can drive and use the system without looking away from the road. But in a touchscreen system, this is not impossible. A safer vehicle would have no screen at all, but that's never going to happen in modern vehicles. I think the next wave will be integration of AI and more natural language solutions that rely purely on better understand of spoken speech. Touchscreens are so dangerous during driving they should be outlawed. Kudos for Mazda for perfecting this system. And Kudos for no capacitive touch BS. With regards to the hard plastics..... it's hard in that particular section in almost every vehicle. But material wise, everywhere else it really is ahead of the mainstream (mind you I am basing that on seeing the CX-60 where I am in Japan - which basically has same interior)

[@samdovels1234]

I hear your point of view, I still disagree. When you have a knob you sometimes need to rotate it way too much in order to get to a specific point which can be done with a single tap on a touch screen. I drove a Honda Pilot and a Mazda6, I prefer the Honda's touch screen interface 100x more than the Mazda, even though the Honda still has a way to go. With big lettering and intuitive interface, touch screens are much easier and quicker to achieve what you need than constant scrolling long lists of options. As others mentioned, the best option would be to offer both. Same is with Acura's recent cumbersome infotainment system.

[@robertwilliam9558]

You like to compare this SUV to BMW. That would be fair if the Mazda costed $30K more to the base price. No comparison.

[@drivingsports]

The BMW is a finished car and its transmission doesn't sound like it's going to fall out.

[@keponen331]

@@drivingsports BMWs transmission actually falls out, after warranty

[@drivingsports]

@@keponen331 lol. Ouch.

[@paulm7753]

Give him a Subaru with a CVT and he'll be happy.......

[@LeoMkII]

Seriously man, Idk what he loves so much about subbies, specially with their abysmal fuel efficiency

[@GT-gt4bf]

That’s the only thing I don’t like about this channel, their absolute love to Subarus with crappy CVT’s. Really off putting.

[@2THGap]

It's not a Subaru so it's going to get a harsh review.

[@albeklik8055]

I think you should start worshipping Subaru's because you're getting paid for it😊

[@ontarioman6301]

He does not like Mazda. Most prefer the dial. Just need common sense to use. Even, 10 yr old nephew knows how to navigate it. I remembered him critical of the cx 50. Do not take his review serious 😂

[@smoiz88]

I hope you are realising how your comment section is full of comments assuming your negativity towards this particular car while you were all praise for volvo xc90 with 85k driveaway and highlander where you mentioned that it is car to enjoy with the family, but over here you wanted to test cx90 to nth limit to find faults in offroading Also cx90 as tested by others got 0-60 near 6 secs unlike your test

[@jakoba4675]

T-shirt idea: “legs torso proportionate”

[@peterkoe5044]

I ve watched many reviews on this vehicle. This commentator is the worst most obnoxious observer I have come across. He makes ridiculous comparisons with vehicles that cost 20 -40 K more. Off hand, I'd say he was hired by the competition to poo-poo this stellar platform. If I have watched 10 reviews this is the ONLY one that tries to be critical. The knob is intuitive, unless you are a noob millenial. What I would say to all reading is TEST DRIVE one. You will agree afterward that this gentleman knows nothing.

[@meugzy]

There is lane centering in this car (top trim only) there is a lot of article or videos about that .

[@drivingsports]

It was turned on in navigation, and it didn’t do squat.

[@Love23D]

I own S Turbo PP and it only bounces you back to center, while my friend’s Telluride follows the center line. These are 2 different things and yes, Kia wins in this matter

[@TheRotorious13b]

He probably misses the point of this vehicle more than any other reviewer I've seen, LOL. It's NOT a luxury vehicle, it's a mainstream one, offering a premium experience. This is why it costs so much less than comparably equipped luxury models. Nearly everyone in the industry at least gets this point. The criticisms of the interior are ridiculous too, as are the handling comments, when pretty much the entire industry acknowledges the interior quality and handling are among the best (possibly THE best) of anything south of $80-100k.

[@marauder2575]

In Canada, the base Acura MDX starts at $67,408 and the top CX-90 trim (inline 6 turbo signature) starts at $65,619, so not quite apples to apples. I'm not sure what the features and specs are when comparing the base MDX to the Signature CX-90, but it's something to keep in mind when thinking about this car. It won't be into luxury levels like Acura, Inifiniti, etc but it's a step above the Kia and Hyundai.

[@kathywong3567]

I don’t get it why you called Acura luxury vehicle. Acura top model mdx don’t even have much high tech features like genesis or bmw.

[@marauder2575]

@@kathywong3567 my point is that Mazda isn’t in the same class as Acura

[@IRockLikeISaid]

Th guy is always super critical on non-US manufacturer.

[@sphaera3809]

I feel this car will be amazing next year, for the 2025 model if Mazda spend some time tuning and polishing it a bit more. I’ll definitely consider it then. This platform is great! Kudos to Mazda!

[@bbbt8090]

Agreed! I want them to include a bench seat for the 2nd row and tune the motor for more power. I've seen these on the road and they look really nice.

[@saeednrzadeh4754]

Mazda is absolutely a premium vehicle. Mazda productions are for sure are one step above Kia, Hyundai , Hondas, Toyota and other main streams. Disagree with some of complains here. We have two Mazda and I think every automaker should skip touch screen and replace it with control nub, or like BMW offer both. he is siting in a regular V6 and expect to hear BMW M exhaust sound, This segment does not need it at all.

[@ST-nc3gm]

You’re absolutely right, when you’re paying that much for what is supposed to be luxury, then it comes down to the overall experience and not just the spec sheet. This is the main point that most KZbinrs don’t even touch on. Excellent automotive journalism here!

[@mojorisin7371]

I'm sure once Mazda gets good demand for this vehicle then they will fix and upgrade what you pointed out. Maybe they'll hook up with Toyota and share more knowledge with eachother. I do concur the infotainment system is due for an upgrade and isn't modern enough considering the competition. All and all I think Mazda is going in the right direction ✌🏽❤

[@stephanhintz3039]

I drive a new cx 50. I prefer the knob it’s way easy to use. You start to use it from memory and don’t even have to look

[@raymondgraber9629]

Jeez, if you don't like like a white interior they have other options. I don't like white interiors either.

[@Kanti12311]

Build quality looks great!

[@MI-bj5md]

This is so biased... I have hardly ever seen a review so bad. You should see his review of the Grand Highlander, that explains it all. Too bad, I used to watch his reviews, not after this one. I test-drove the same trim and color scheme as the one in his review, and I disagree with most of his observations.

[@Reu_ag]

This is not a luxury vehicle so comparing it to BMW it's not fair

[@andyjennings5011]

No Ryan there are enough pretentious idiots with their loud exhausts we dont need anymore!😂😂

[@ShadowBend]

I almost want to trade my CX5 just for that inline 6.

[@Seriously140]

The CX5 drives sporty and fun. This drives mature and smooth.

[@Benyuri7]

​@@Seriously140I recalled the CX-9 being sport and fun as well. Does the Cx-90 fit the description as well?

[@VIPCUSTOMNWRAPS]

I looked at it and did a test drive. It was awesome but the price tagged I tried cost 61k. I'd rather get a Cadillac or beamer at that price point

[@SSC3034]

If you don't need the 3rd row, wait for the CX-70

[@hossbonaventure]

I hope they use this same RWD I6 platform for a performance sedan

[@faheemabbas3965]

If this even sells. A lot of people seem to want to go for the Grand Highlander.

[@yohankim4551]

I love Mazdas although you are trying to misrepresent the crap out of it. 😂😂😂 i have cx9 and cx90 will be the next car I buy, 100%.

[@justenn9949]

Did he just say he wanted a loud exhaust to tell ppl its a luxury car? Sorry dude, I think you need to get your head straight.

[@KuyaArbee]

when a car manufacturer continues to market and keeps telling the consumers how good, amazing, innovative their car is.... then it starts to sound too good to be all true.... Won't surprise me like others have said that Mazda all expenses paid for reviewers to come out there during the cx-90 launch. Time will truly tell if the Mazda Experience will be as good as they are saying it should be..

[@hopnhike]

I love your honest comments on the interior. Good overall review!

[@Seriously140]

Test drove one of these in top-spec. It needs a masaging seat, a longer bottom seat cushion, a better stereo, and touch unlock sensors on the back doors. Not having touch sensors on the back doors is super annoying. Luxury should separate you from that which annoys you.

[@juanchobaldo8848]

Usually your reviews are objectively for this model looks your channel has been paid to only criticize the vehicle and what is surprising 99.9% others channels reviews including engineers opinion are all in favor of the vehicle , remember is not meant to be a offroad vehicle .

[@drivingsports]

Ironically, if I made a positive video and ignored all the issues with this vehicle I would have earned more $$. Positive videos perform better on my channel. And, in general, most vehicles made today are pretty good.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Inline 6 and RWD Biased AWD? (As Brian Cooley would say) Yes, Please!!

[@generationsautoreviews998]

So from what I'm hearing is..... You will be keeping your 2004 Mazda3... as it clearly is the one Mazda that shines from your personal perspective! Good luck friend

[@joshuagraham3222]

I really like the new CX90. We currently have a CX9 and really love it. I just don’t know if it’s different enough to justify the higher price. My wife doesn’t think it’s worth the cost of the upgrade.

[@xcelfitpat]

The idiocy of comparing the materials of his old Mazda3 to the new CX-90 is just ridiculous. The average human looking at the interior of this vehicle finds it to be very attractive and much better quality than vehicles like the Grand Highlander. On top of that it's engine blows away the Hondas, Kias, and Toyotas. It's a very, very fun car to drive. One of Mazda's driving philosophies - after human centric design - is safety, safety, safety. The command control versus touch screen is a much safer driving option requiring no head movement and minimal eye translation to make adjustments. Very obvious bias on the part of the reviewer quite frankly and I'm sure he's trying to add some "personality" to the video but I would suggest he stick to the facts and let his viewers draw their own conclusions on things of a more subjective nature. I won't waste my time on another of his reviews I can tell you that much.

[@shadowsocks7472]

Boy he really pooped on this. Yet a subaru with a shit box interior and CVT that won't start back if you stop on a hill gets high marks. Hmmmm, I guess not everyone is a independent journalist.

[@donaldmccarthy1681]

This guy seems not only a bit negative, but he seems biased. If you sit in that interior and say your not impressed it is because you lack taste or your a snob. To say you want the muffler to sound louder to feel like a luxury car you are missing the point. And BTW, it does have gave monitoring. Do your homework.

[@orlanRo-eg4tp]

OVER 60K OMG !! 61K MAYBE FOR THE TOP TRIM ?? YOU ARE TRASHING THE MAZDA FROM EVERY ANGLE !! IN THIS CASE WHY DONT YOU MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT HOW MUCH WE HAVE TO PAY OVER THE MAZDA FOR ONE OF THOSE BMW AND COMPETITION :: 20K OR MORE MAYBE ?? 18K MORE FOR AN ACURA ?? THATS SOMETHING TO CONSIDER RIGHT? BY THE WAY THE MAZDA IS BEAUTIFUL!!

[@FranciscoHernandez-lt1mo]

Yup, this review smelled totally biased

[@dae1973]

Ya. I want my family suv to have a loud exhaust and drive like a sport car🤦🏿‍♂️

[@dis6900]

Love waking up on a day off to a DSTV video. Great video as always, Ryan🤙😎

[@carloslovera9737]

Why to review a car you hate? Oh wait you own a very old Mazda that you are passing on your family. And most probably you drive a dodge yourself. This car is amazing, drivetrain cannot compare with anything in the segment, and it does have lane centering I have seen it in other videos. Touch screen while driving are a nightmare this is much more easy to use and get use to it. In general I respect your reviews but this one felt very off, maybe having a bad day

[@drivingsports]

I drive a Dodge? Where did you get that?

[@MrGarbageman1965]

@@drivingsports You are a CLOWN

[@willis23jm1]

a honest review can only be done after having the vehicle for a why as many of your complain would likely change after adapting to vehicle functions

[@GT-gt4bf]

I actually think it’s a great first attempt at this segment and knowing the Japanese, they will fine tune it every year. Not everything needs to be a Subaru with a CVT, Ryan 😂.

[@YoItsZed]

This is kinda sad. Having you comparing it with your Mazda 3 2004, actually it's difficult to give massive respect to a car reviewer that barely looked after his car. Look at the paint on that thing, I bet it never got the treatment of being detailed. If you can't truly take care of your by just providing simple grooming, I mean. Damn. That's sad

[@YoItsZed]

watching all the through 22:00 is like the most karen complain ever. oi vei

[@inodesnet]

100% agree with sentiments that lane keep assist could be better. Mazda loves feedback but is always happy to change unless it goes against their philosophy. Driving in Japan, the trips are slow and short so a lot of this might be lost on Japanese engineers. Ironically here in Japan most of the car brands have a laser focus on what our market here wants: small, cheap, cheerful, appliance and Mazda is the only one at the moment that has an unapologetic laser focus on foreign markets (they don’t cater to what the main Japanese market wants at all). With that said, going over to my other home of Australia (largest per capita Mazda market), we’d love proper lane centering for our long drives. I did a drive through Arizona, Utah and Nevada in a Volvo XC-90 and the lane keep assist turned a very long drive over a long weekend into nothing at all.

[@JY__L]

I ordered my CX-90 PHEV and then realized there is no lane centering feature and I am considering cancelling the order. My girlfriend's 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has that feature as standard.

[@lilpeppa117G]

@@JY__Ldef a deal breaker for me

[@JY__L]

@@lilpeppa117GUpdate: I canceled my order when dealer told me the car is ready for pickup. Too many powertrain issues.

[@stingygunner]

It's incredible to me that consumers have become accustomed to 3rd row seats like that. No thanks.

[@tallll70]

this is so much nicer with the grill not protruding

[@bradh6185]

The point you made starting at 15:53 is so good! It would be great if you were to give that intangible a name and give each of your test cars a rating based on it. I would say that this could be applied to ALL cars. Not just luxury cars. For example, the Dodge Charger isn't a luxury car, but there is a reason you rarely see one going slow on the freeway. Very nice work here.

[@g.richardson6883]

First review I've seen that trashes the CX-90.

[@terrenceherculesterrence6255]

Yes it have a camera watching your movement all the time before you do a review on anything you have to do your home work on it and clearly you didn't do that sorry your review was a wast of time

[@rmelotto]

Of course you don't feel inspired driving it. It's not a Subaru. Because a CVT transmission Subaru is much more inspiring to drive.

[@drivingsports]

Show me a $62k Subaru crossover…