Is the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a BETTER luxury midsize SUV than a Lexus TX 350?

The CX-90 is all new for 2024 and Mazda brought out all the stops. On the outside you will be greeted by an Artisan Red paint, 21in wheels and full LED lighting. On the inside you will be greeted by a full leather interior, 12.3in infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster. Under the hood is a 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 pumping out 340HP & mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a BETTER luxury midsize SUV than a Lexus TX 450?
**Please click the link to get your Raiti's Rides Merch!
shop.spreadshirt.com/raitisri...
videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@craze1bs]

2016 Mazda6 GT here(bought new in Feb 2017) I was skeptical of the control knob, for the infotainment, at first. After using it for the last 7+yrs, I can say “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it”. You practically memorize the turns and clicks of the dial. The best part is it’s never been in the shop for anything outside of regular maintenance.

[@AMR15H]

Reading these comments as a non-American makes me kinda worried and sad on where the car industry is heading if this is the feedback what car manufacturers receive… Why would you guys want panoramic computer screens as gage clusters and navigation screens? It just looks dull and not attractive at all. You are sitting behind screens in your office all day so why would you want your car interior to reflect the same? I would even prefer a hybrid gage cluster (analog meters with a digital cluster in the middle) over the all digital one shown here. Who wants to use touchscreens while driving? It’s perfect to have a dial that you can use with your eyes on the road instead of trying to press wrong buttons as road will always be bumpy. So it’s way safer how Mazda intended this. What’s wrong with manual transmissions? It literally reflects freedom. You’re in charge on when you want to shift and it’s super fun to control. And what’s wrong with physical buttons? Again, you can press them with your eyes still on the road, and they’re always there! Not hidden away behind many menus on a digital screen… Man… I don’t understand you guys at all. Greetings from the Netherlands nonetheless!🇳🇱

[@toshitanaka1550]

Its called 1st world problems where the spoiled people want all tech and not think about repairing their own cars and learning on how to program a code.

[@anotheruser5654]

Don't worry they are just paid trolls and bots. Likely from competition car review channels and car manufacturers. The Internet in general is becoming increasingly fake thanks to AI and people writing bots.

[@christaylor8022]

American here, and I agree with your perspective! Cheers from the heartland of the US

[@vandango3908]

I agree 100%! The 2024 Ford Mustang and Tesla vehicles have the worst interiors imo.

[@zaf7794]

I humbly disagree with your opinion slightly. Yes Tesla have a poor interior and exterior in terms of aesthetics. I like the interior of Toyota or Mercedes though. It should be a combination of modern tech and tradition interior. However Auto transmission gear is a must, I don't want the manual transmission.

[@isimonsez]

The comments thread is plagued with stupidity. the infotainment system is fine. It’s like you people want a 50in screen like a living room tv

[@tspidey007]

100% Agree!

[@Hokimon21]

That straight 6 Engine sounds nice!

[@andylopez8717]

I love my CX 90

[@LuisAlvarado-bl1bs]

Great video !! Love from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷!!

[@kb1767]

Keep kicking ass Joe. Love the content!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

You got it brother man

[@gregoryvierra6114]

I picked up this same model and color but in the PHEV nearly 3 months ago and have zero complaints. My first Mazda and couldn’t be happier with it. Great review!

[@peterjohnson7188]

Does it have a digital rear view camera

[@gregoryvierra6114]

Of course. The model I chose has 360 cameras which is awesome when parking and backing up.

[@peterjohnson7188]

@@gregoryvierra6114 thanks

[@evherold]

I got the premium plus in December and agree it is so nice. Has every bell and whistle you could ask for. I get so many compliments- it really is a luxury vehicle

[@smithjones8064]

We were on the road yesterday, and i was window shopping for my next vehicle. A really high-end looking silver SUV i didn't recognize passed us, and from the rear, I thought Volvo. As i got closer, i saw the Mazda badge and realized I'd seen my first CX-90 in the wild. I agree with everything you said about the style - this makes SUVs sexy! Thanks for the excellent video - i need to set up a test drive.

[@fatherfreedom4123]

The paid Mazda haters are crazy today

[@toshitanaka1550]

Its called people that want to complain about something because who knows they might sit in their man caves.

[@g.richardson6883]

Had ours for a year and love the way it handles.

[@chrismarrero7072]

coming from a 22 mdx tech package and let me tell you the mazda feels more upscale and powerfull than my ex mdx obviously the mdx has more tech gadgets but this definitely has elegance and presence 👌🏻 lovely sound and powerband

[@MarcusTurner-db5qv]

Nice review keep up the good work Joe

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing review Joe.

[@HuntersHomeImprovement]

I drive a Mazda CX-5 and I love the control nob. Don’t knock it until you try it! I find that I can keep my eyes on the road much better than when I’m trying to use a touch screen. Also, I disagree with the other comments saying that this design is behind the times. It looks great and it’s a very comfortable place to spend time! Great review, Joe 👍🏻

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great ownership input. I really appreciate you tuning in.

[@jasperordrup]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I find a touch screen way easier to use, but I hear what you are saying, and I definitely hate the fingerprints on a touch screen. I don't find the design old fashioned either. I LOVE the bright interior, although I agree with Joe about the grey fabric on the dashboard. It looks okay to me, but for how long?

[@brandononbrand]

Like the dial, but the dial does not work well with CarPlay... rarely goes where I think it's going to go and have to correct a lot at least CarPlay is touchscreen now on the newer Mazdas

[@davidp2888]

Mazda paint colors are just so premium.

[@andrewsbbq]

Just the paint isn’t premium. CX5 and CX9 have roof bubbling issues that stems from the paint process. I believe black is the worst. Wouldn’t be surprised if other models are also impacted.

[@RaitisRides]

They really do an outstanding job

[@TheMbeam]

I sat in one of these at a car show. I agree - that cloth really does not work.

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds think a like.

[@vincentbonello5725]

It is very interesting. I like your overview. Thank you.

[@G-..-]

Bro the cloth is all about Japanese simple luxury! i love it.

[@eduardocebada2261]

Hermosas !! Gracias por su video educativo y muy interesante!! Me encantan las galletitas!!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dominick! We seriously can't do it without you!

[@hertzair1186]

It’s Joe “Guess What” Raiti! My favorite reviewer!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so really awesome of you to say!

[@RedsoxVenom]

Do you know when the cx70 driving embargo lifts? I know it's pretty much gonna be the exact same but still curious.

[@LuisUrbieta]

I love the Mazda CX90 and I dig the cloth.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad you are all about this one David

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@RaitisRides I'm not David but thanks!

[@christianbryant5617]

@@LuisUrbietaLMAOOO

[@wisamputrus6196]

Great video Joe like always. Can you elaborate on the transmission shifting? Do you notice jerkiness/lack when the vehicle from hybrid operation to ICE? Thanks

[@gregoryvierra6114]

I own the PHEV and the switch from EV mode to ICE is barely noticeable.

[@ed52369]

Joe, Mazda dropped prices on the CX 90 over a month ago. Top level Turbo S is about $57k.

[@al151]

Nope here in US you can find one for $55,700. If the price was right from the beginning, i could have purchased one instead ended up buying a 24 calligraphy Palisade

[@joshselkovits466]

Just bought one today for $58k

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Lovely colour ❤❤❤❤. Best video. Good Wishes.

[@RaitisRides]

I hope you are doing well Sonal. Thank you for Tuning in!

[@kickstand801]

With a beautiful colour such as artisan red, I think dark chrome would be a better fit than shiny chrome. Other than that, what a gorgeous beast!!😍😍😍

[@24BlackMamba8]

Just got a 2016 mazda cx-5. Loving it. 🔥🔥🔥

[@JeffreyGaiserMusic]

Love the look of the cloth, honestly! I like the leather too, but there's something so unique and cool about this look.

[@fordTH7335]

That is a drop dead gorgeous SUV. Thanks!!

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥Happy Friday🔥

[@wardellward]

I’m diggin that color

[@RaitisRides]

It really sparkles

[@wardellward]

@@RaitisRides yes sir

[@Jay-kt6dq]

Great video. Love the cx90. The infotainment or analog is definitely not a deal breaker. The drive experience, build quality and premium materials make up for it.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me show you around with it.

[@philipmaosa7014]

Good review

[@marcinandraka6548]

Great video as always:) My key question is about suspension. Joe, what do you think about that? Is it soft/hard enough and is it comfortable? For me that is one of the most important things in this size SUV, even more than power and race driving. Joe, how do you see this comparing to Lexus TX???

[@Ethan_Alexandur]

Why do these companies insist on hiding the exhaust. We wanna see those things

[@RaitisRides]

I am right there with you! Must be a cost thing.

[@kpark223]

I think they want their products to look environmentally friendly.

[@Xale-yt]

They put fake exhaust tips on the CX-60 lol

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

@@kpark223This!

[@yianidimitriadis1356]

Haven't you reviewed this car in the past?

[@RaitisRides]

Sometimes people request to see hem again.

[@stephendufresne9239]

@@RaitisRidessecond reviews should be mandatory. Thumbs up

[@scottshefford5367]

very nice front end, nice wheels look real good, the cloth interior is strange maybe nice but how do you clean it? very impressive but it the 3 road sucks

[@joshharrison1160]

Remember Saab? They went from the 99 to the 900 to the 9000 and then they reversed to the 9.3 because nobody wanted a 90,000 plaque on their car. Mazda, are you listening?

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you you did there, and I totally remember Sabb!

[@brbrann1965]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 with almost 250k miles. I have only had to deal with routine maintenance and a few minor issues, but never any major mechanical issues. It’s been a great car still drives perfectly fine though it is showing its age. Just ready for something new would definitely consider another Mazda.

[@christianbryant5617]

That era for Mazda is still so timeless and specialized though.. love the understated elegance and minimalism

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Yes of course Joe & I would buy this vehicle.

[@RaitisRides]

I can see you in this one.

[@hitwondatalkditingdem]

Lori Steve keep up the good work i like that suv

[@thedeepassignment6316]

It is amazing how far cars have come

[@nt75]

The more they change, the more they stay the same.

[@thedeepassignment6316]

@nt75 You couldn't have said it any better, though.

[@maybemisery9218]

I think the cloth with the stitching is unique. Mazda gets a lot of things right. I’ve owned 4 different models. One complaint people have when riding with me is the lack of space as compared to competitors. In my opinion, the driving experience more than makes up for it. How is the active driving assist with cruising and traffic support? My cx50 has traffic jam assist and it is a little ruff when using it in stop and go traffic. Great review!

[@christianbryant5617]

If they’re referring to the more snug and drive focused interiors, I understand but actually prefer. Similar to BMW and Audi, Mazda seems to actually decrease space to make it more sporty and cozy

[@garthwright6308]

Very nice exhaust note! I am not sure how to feel about Mazda's reliability though. Another great video as usual.

[@RaitisRides]

They have very good reliability

[@Chiroman527]

Joe, another terrific review - very thoro !! I'm Not loving that interiror Cloth trim either - for looks it's fine, but for practicality, NG. However, Not only does this very Nice Vehicle compete with the Lexus, you should throw in the 2024 MDX Advance against it. A new 25 MDX was just introduced (which you have reviewed already) is Not as Powerful, a few more Goodies (like Massaging seats, an Interior Light Show, a Spectacular new B & O Sound system, a removable center rear console, AND a New Touch Screen) BUT $6K More in price. If Yiu want this Power - You have to Opt for the Type S - $14K More in price!! I'm liking this Exterior Artisan Red Color with the Cement Interior! One point that should be made, learned from a different review, is that you can Change the InfoT. system screen to prform as a Touch Screen in AA or CP while Driving - by a Buried Setting which is switched to perform as a touchscreen while Stopped as default! I have this on my Short List to possibly replace my expiring 22 MDX Advance lease in August. If the new 25 CX-70, the same vehicle Sans the 3rd Row was a few $Ks less - I would defineitely be going for that ! NOTE - I see that during the test drive, You do mention the change in settings to allow for using the touchscreen in AA or CP, but not if using the car's system.

[@bobgreen2237]

I'm definitely going with the S level CX-90. I've driven both Premium and the Premium Plus. The cloth on the dash and the door trip seemed odd to me. I'm going with the Premium for the performance. Great review. The driving experience is amazing.

[@kovalm3]

Give me finished exhaust tip.

[@brooklynknightss]

Great looking SUV

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that I can bring them to you!

[@sox2000]

Joe, nah...the problem isn't the cloth...it's that the cloth color looks way out of place. That said, keep up the awesome videos, bubba!

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Zoom Zoom Zoom ! Love the Mazda's exterior with the painted wheel fenders (no cladding allowed), I agree with you that the interior cloth isn't up to par, maybe a dark interior the cloth wouldn't look as bad but the rest of the interior is awesome and I would fold down the 3rd row unless needed. I've read the 2025 Mazda's are going to have Hybrids including Plug In Hybrids so that might be a reason to wait but I love what the Mazda's have to offer.

[@christopheryates9498]

They were great in this class when they were $3-5k cheaper than Palisade, Telluride, etc. Now that they are at/more than those, they are blown out of the water. The only thing CX-90 does better is driving experience, barely….that’s it. Most aren’t driving a family car to zip around. Factoring in storage in front, leg room in all rows, truck space…it’s doesn’t come close to the palisade, telluride, Grand Highlander, Pilot, etc.

[@christianbryant5617]

Well, this brand doesn’t really compete in the same market as those you listed. Those are economically driven brands were Mazda is a premium offering

[@chrisgelo1425]

Hey Joe! Hope we can fit a Live Q and A in this month, brother 🤞

[@RaitisRides]

Lori & I are thinking we can do it on April 30th.

[@chrisgelo1425]

@@RaitisRides 👍

[@blueflameSM]

The 3rd row is pretty rough, the interior is really good looking. If you're going to get a full sized SUV, may just go with the Lexus. Given how similar the cost is, I think the Lexus would be the better option for room, etc.

[@triedproven9908]

Gonna buy Joe some replacement insoles for when they disintegrate during the on throttle.

[@RaitisRides]

You are freaking hilarious!

[@sharvisharvz_pyrotechnics5559]

I currently have a CX9 and I love it. I was looking to get into a CX90 but Kia just came out with the EV9 and it blows everything else out of the park.

[@mbenton6]

They engines are shitty and dies pre-maturely

[@sharvisharvz_pyrotechnics5559]

@@mbenton6 that’s just not true.

[@user-bm7ml1hr9s]

How’s the phev coz 90 compares with tx phev?

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned I will be bringing that one to you!

[@ingridtucker4537]

Mazda all the way . Love 💕

[@RaitisRides]

So glad that I can share it with you

[@timdoolittle9263]

Beautiful SUV

[@RaitisRides]

It sparkles in the sun.

[@uocana1]

So much hype around this suv. Mazda pushed the "premium" envelope a bit too far, msrp around 63K for top trim. Now they dropped to msrp of 57k for top trim and they still can't get these off the lot, what gives? Also hear there's been tons of problems and customers upset because they paid over msrp in the very beginning.

[@raymondgraber9629]

Mazda recently cut prices $2000-4000.

[@Mokuro.]

Mazda anytime any day

[@naefjarmakani4960]

Yeah Joe the colour of the interior it's gonna be fun to clean😅

[@user-kg4lp5yo8w]

Like the front end but not the rear end, a nice pair of real round exhaust tips like to Genesis GV70 would have been nice.

[@michaelmancini5773]

I agree about rear spoiler and dumb wiper location, but love the inline turbo six, I had an inline six in my 75 280Z, great engine, ya just don’t see that anymore,,,,$61K too much, sorry

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Mazda lowered the price. Joe should have mentioned this.

[@juve7]

No fake vents..."shout out" Lori, for giving Steven the weekend off...lol...👏

[@RaitisRides]

I know right

[@ssr1680]

This question is for CX 90 owners. How is the Mazda CX 90 maintenance service? Problems to be aware of and how expensive? Im interested in very heavily in this

[@ingridtucker4537]

Not loving the cloth in the dash

[@RaitisRides]

Yeah it’s more of a miss for me.

[@joshselkovits466]

It’s tan suede instead of cloth in the blue cx90 to match tan leather seats

[@zijousa]

My next is Mazda CX90 probably the PHEV version

[@brosef7935]

I absolutely hate the back. I wanted to like it, so I had to see it in person and it was worse than expected. I told the sales person it was a deal breaker. It desperately needs exhaust tips, and needs longer spoiler. It looks squatty and dumpy. And last, the Turbo and Turbo S have the same turbo charged, just de-tuned to -70hp. I guarantee there will be someone who can unlock that via a software update. If you go CX90, go standard Turbo, not the “S”, save thousands and wait for a software upgrade for maybe $100

[@Honda2015]

You’ll maybe like the styling of the new CX-70 better

[@brosef7935]

@@Honda2015 hello, and thanks for your comment! Based on internet pictures, it appears the 70 is the same as far as exhaust tips, or lack of them. I would consider the 70 if Mazda fixed that.

[@joshbam]

the cx60 looks much better

[@omarcortes5754]

I don't want dorito stains in that white interior. But jokes aside, this is a really good option tu buy.

[@CarGeek360]

For sure lol, car reviewers have seemed to have a lot of fun driving the CX90

[@mohammedmuheetkhan]

Love from Saudi Arabia Joe🎉❤🛣🚘

[@osemuohan-smarties5203]

SHOUTOUT TO RAITI'S RIDES!

[@RaitisRides]

That means the world to me!

[@alpe6228]

props to mazda for keeping it real with the l6.Not a fan of the brand but the cx-90 is nice.

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@VileSinner666]

One word, badfuckin'ass. Great review Joe! 🤘🏻

[@justinstevenson5807]

You’re hilarious man.. great reviewer

[@jstrig]

I'm going with the CX-70

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a plan

[@jasondickens9003]

Reviewers keep putting this vehicle against the wrong competitors and misleading the public. This is a premium SUV but it is not top luxury SUV like BMW, Mercedes, Audi. I think it's a good competitor to the Acura MDX,Infiniti and Lexus TX. The price of this vehicle lets you know where it resides in the marketplace. Its a great alternative to a Ford Explorer platinum, Kias high end offering and Hyundai's high end SUV.

[@jeffs6090]

Mazda really screwed the pooch making the 70 the same size as the 90. It was supposed to be a little wider than the 60 Europe gets. That, I was excited for! What we got is a huge disappointment. Sorry Mazda, I'm out.

[@trebronlibrando4384]

I like this Mazda CX-90 and I review again your video about Lexus TX350 and Acura MDX Advance for comparison. To be honest, I am having a hard time picking among the three but I think the Acura MDX Advance is slightly better, but the good thing is, I cannot afford to buy one of them.🤣 Problem solve...

[@mbenton6]

Actually, it not. This heated and ventilated rear seats, a real RWD-AWD vehicle. Inline 6.

[@ronaldsamontanez8592]

Mazda looks great!

[@CarsTechWood]

CX90, Grand Highlander, 2025 4 Runner, 2025 Armada are all on my short list.

[@davealmer3803]

This is one of the few reviews that I bet you d rather have a root canal. Nice outside inside not so much but hey there are buyers out there somewhere.

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@tomdrummy4984]

CX90 ……..or is it a CX70 with a third row ? 😃🙃. Thanks Joe! Was thinking about you in the Twinkie aisle in Publix 🙂

[@RaitisRides]

You are awesome Tom!

[@89er]

V8 or is this V6 just good enough?

[@RaitisRides]

This inline-6 is great.

[@jtm3216]

The infotainment control is weak, only a touch screen with Apple CarPlay? Really? How is that dial saving them costs over a fully usable touchscreen…..

[@tylerrynberg]

It's not about costs, Mazda believes the controller is safer than the touchscreen. It's an intentional choice on their part.

[@kkcarl9566]

Who wants finger print smears on their screen? Not me!

[@mbenton6]

Idiot

[@christianbryant5617]

A touchscreen would be cheaper.. It’s not about costs, it’s about Mazda’s philosophy. Touchscreens are more distracting, messy, and take away the driving experience

[@pm7805]

You are right about BMW. The current BMW models are not pleasure to even look at on website

[@danthecomputerman6384]

Hey Joe did something fall off of the engine just as you started driving around the parking lot? What was that?

[@dnice362]

Is this the hybrid

[@RaitisRides]

Not this one but they do have one.

[@user-vo4wu7to6d]

What fell off the car when It did that pulled away?

[@JoseluisPerezArreola]

Impatiently waiting on more coverage on the new Traverse.😢

[@jmc6000]

The New Traverse have not even started to be made yet

[@JoseluisPerezArreola]

@@jmc6000...😮‍💨😥....😪😢😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@stephencooper3583]

I really like it... but it's not without some flaws. Turn signals so far up front seems kind of dumb to me - they need to be visible from the side too. I don't know why automakers do this, but it's a bad trend. Visible side signals saved many a person from idiots who don't know how to merge or change lanes properly. Also, the infotainment screen is kind of small compared to the competition. Not saying every car needs a huge 17" display like say, the new Traverse. Just saying that this one looks a bit wimpy in a big SUV. Neither are deal breakers though, and it looks amazing. Not sure why compare it to a Lexus TX though. It's nice but not a lux brand. The Highlander is it's proper competition... and I think it matches up pretty well. Between the 2, I'd choose this.

[@stephanievinette3991]

I have 2 Mazdas, ready to trade in my CX-5, but I hate the back of the CX-90. I wish they could re-design it.

[@philhenderson3516]

Seriously? Is this even a question? The CX90 DEMOLISHES the Lexus TX in every way possible! The TX isn't even competitive with SUV's from 10 years ago. That's how bad and cheap it is. But there's no denying the Lexus marketing gang has done a stellar job in selling mass quantities of whatever junk they release. They could make something worse than a Pinto, but just because it bears the Lexus badge people will buy it due to ill-informed perceptions of the brand and that's sad!

[@honeststers4688]

Mazda is still using analog gage clusters on some of their SUV's. Not tech savvy.

[@toshitanaka1550]

Your point? New things doesn’t mean its reliable.

[@tonikarl575]

I have to say on the wheel well, if it doesn't come with a mud flap I like for the fender flare to be a black because every time they redo the roads you can't always avoid it. Hearing that oil & tar hit the wheel well makes me cringe.

[@MarcusTurner-db5qv]

Who is Mazda made by

[@robarmour4062]

Mazda!

[@bossy1ish]

When are you going to review the Bentley

[@RaitisRides]

I already have reviewed a few.

[@jimmydeneus5322]

🙏🙏🙏

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for tuning in Jimmy

[@ashtonbanks5254]

Modern SUV's are now using panoramic infotainment systems. This is lacking.

[@mbenton6]

What the hell are you talking about