Subaru Watch Out: The New Mazda CX-90 Crushes Our AWD Torture Test! | Slip Test & Off-Road Review

[@EricAtMazda]

After owning almost nothing but Audis for nearly a decade, I chose to work at Mazda when jumping into sales last year because I loved the brand and the direction they’re going. The CX-90 is a wicked nice car and yes, I have a manual Miata on order for myself. 🤓 Fun fact: we got to drive the CX-90 Turbo S on a slalom course during training and I couldn’t believe how well it hung on!

[@Fordguy1997]

Oh hey, I know you! 😂

[@egbertandrew8435]

1 min silence to Stellantis

[@mikefoehr235]

RIP...Are they dead finally

[@johnschnell8870]

It was government-mandated programming in the ECU that caused the failure. The Mazda CX 50 did the same exact thing. It also caused the tfl team to modify their testing style and the application of the accelerator

[@ducktails1695]

@@johnschnell8870 Shhhh....people don't wanna hear facts. That would go against their BS agenda.

[@frenchonion4595]

@@johnschnell8870 EU mandated programming doesn't even have to be used in the U.S

[@johnschnell8870]

@@frenchonion4595 if you watch the video the explanation is right there. And it doesn't have to be, but it was used because stellantis spent the least amount of money they could on respec for the hornet/tonale/compass triplets

[@davidjernigan7576]

Mazda seems to have figured the all wheel drive thing across their entire line of vehicles that are available with AWD.

[@Showe2625]

That’s what I’ve been seeing too, very impressive.

[@ItalianMetalHED]

They make their own transmissions so they don’t have to worry about unreliable outsourced parts like others do!

[@mindspinn311]

Can confirm. My Mazda3 AWD is epic in bad weather and in the dry. The system is very sophisticated and well programmed. Upgrading tires helps handling and grip. Even in very heavy rain no issues at all. Can go 80+ with confidence.

[@petehelme7714]

Concur. Currently have a CX50 rental in the snowy Colorado mountains... this thing is great in snow! I was a bit shocked. Makes me wish they're really go all out on something more truck like for offroad. (And my daily driver is a Land Rover)

[@Shambles7698]

Anyone that own mazda know how underrated and great they vehicle is 👌

[@d.j.cantelli8074]

As an owner of Mazdas (2 now) I could not agree more.

[@jasonroman578]

You have my testimony, owned a 30 upgraded to a 50, and 70/90 is looking good for next years lease

[@brettmajors69karaoke]

Got over 1,000,000 miles on a 1989 Mazda pickup- now want this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kevinblock2307]

Not surprised it was good..had a CX-5 years ago and that AWD system was great in the winter

[@tesma-m7]

Because of the double wishbone in front and multilink in rear , it drives way better than a toyota highlander...planted on road and handling is excellent ...Made in japan ..

[@seagrass7125]

Good chance one of these will be in our garage in a couple months. My first car I got on my own was a 04 RX-8, loved it and glad to see Mazda still making relatively unique stuff. Straight 6 is a huge selling point, also I would rather have as good as I can get build quality then a couple “tech’ features I don’t find that useful. When you drive older cars any new tech is very cool. I was interested in how this AWD was setup, we drive in deep snow and sand and need a decent setup. This video helps answer that,thanks Tommy!

[@adrianhosein7698]

Should prob get the CX-50 instead, it's more offroad focused, plus you can get the option of more offroad worthy tires.

[@Eygor007]

I might get one this weekend,big offers from my local Mazda dealership, 7500k+3500 back to back lease and I might be able to get 3% off from msrp with the employer discount.

[@frankschopp8748]

I am glad that you show people that Mazda is one of the best vehicles out there. I have the new CX90 and it is awesome. Haven’t had it in the snow or off road yet but glad to see that it is capable of handling it. Owned Mazdas for over 30 years they just keep getting better.

[@aaronbryan5095]

Mazda is definitely a car manufacturer that is ran by people that truly care about cars.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

How is it doing now?

[@frankschopp8748]

So far it’s been a great vehicle.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

@@frankschopp8748 that's good. How's the AC and seat comfort?

[@ericbritton8146]

Wow! This is exactly what I have been waiting to see. Mazda's CX-90 AWD system is very impressive.

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

Mazda sure does color well!

[@ImYoutubing247]

Not their Miata’s. Boring colors for years

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

@@ImYoutubing247 True... and it should have the most playful color schemes out of their line-up. Odd...

[@ducktails1695]

I love their red...it's absolutely phenomenal when it all cleaned and waxed.

[@winstondeocampo699]

Good job Tommy on giving the CX90 a fair test. I’m surprised it actually faired well for being mainly an on road SUV. Now if you can do a towing test please.

[@AMehta-ok5pf]

You guys do the best videos. Well presented, little to no bias and with a good understanding of the vehicle you are testing. Really useful information.

[@nathanbickel8050]

Please do a towing test with this vehicle!!

[@Soh90]

As long as the differential doesn’t overheat, the AWD system in their FWD cars are great as well. I have an AWD Mazda3 Premium Sedan and that thing is unstoppable in the snow and unpaved undulating back roads.

[@fitrockx]

I didn't wanted a CX-90 untill now. Stunning video!

[@javiercastro4561]

We have a cx9 will definitely consider a cx90 in a few years when looking

[@ZeGermanHam]

Lots to like about the CX-90. Very glad to see that its AWD system has some clever and effective programming.

[@bernaridho]

Wow, I'm impressed too. Thank you for the tests.

[@aaronbarkus6458]

Your patience must be top tier, my respect is boundless, always flawless, always entertaining, this is hard to set up and you put in effort 💯💯💯 so much gratitude and respect

[@zomax7471]

Engine sound is good

[@holmd90]

This makes me really want to see a light pickup from mazda, even more than I did already

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

Love mazda, mines been great.

[@robervin9107]

incredible job Tommy so proud of you

[@VB-3]

I’m a skier and have had a CX5 for several years and it devours snow and blizzard conditions at high altitude with little effort. It’s impressive how far Mazda has come across their entire lineup in their AWD system.

[@j.alonsogonzalez277]

Our family 2019 CX5 AWD is great on the rain and snow! Very impressive. I’m not surprised with the 2023 💯 great products.

[@DoctuhJ]

cx70 cannot come fast enough for me. I would love to see the front camera automatically come on when you put it in offroad mode or something, kinda overkill for a CUV but can't hurt to get a view ahead.

[@yournightmare9999]

Don't wait just buy cx90 and cry less

[@DoctuhJ]

@@yournightmare9999 are you one of those internet trolls I've heard about?

[@yournightmare9999]

@@DoctuhJ so wait for smaller cx70

[@cannaroe1213]

I think a lot of people are sleeping on how amazing the new Skyactiv-X engine is in all three cars, because its HCCI and a huge departure from every other car ever made, even if its only doing HCCI some of the time. Thats why petrol gets more torque than diesel. Game changer.

[@theminicooper]

3 Wheel slip test! Funny how this one didn't light up like a Christmas tree ... Unlike what our good friends at Chrysler spent so much time defending

[@ShadyVibes]

It will also light up if he applied less than 15% throttle while the wheels had a drastic difference in wheel speed. It was proven on the Mazda CX5 that it would light up and malfunction if those conditions were met as well, so the CX90 would be no different. If you notice, after learning about this at FCA, Tommy no longer goes super light on the throttle when doing the slip tests anymore...a lot more cars in the future will pass this test is all I have to say... Real world testing is way more accurate anyway and that Mazda's traction control is real good in the dirt

[@ducktails1695]

@@ShadyVibes Shhh...@theminicooper doesn't wanna hear facts.

[@jahnaibarbel8775]

Actually impressed

[@khakiswag]

I thought the Stellantis engineer said the Mazda’s IP would Christmas tree like theirs did 😂

[@Juanguar]

Did you even watch the previous video ?

[@bizmonkey007]

They actually made a CX-5 have the same failure as the Hornet. If you feather the acceleration just the right amount, it causes that malfunction.

[@khakiswag]

Of course so watched it. They duplicated the problem but for some reason TFL in all their slip tests never had it happen until the Dodge. Now you can go ahead and believe that the CX-5 in the possession of Stellantis engineers just happened to malfunction just like theirs but I don’t. TFL is a third party with no biases and out of all the vehicles tested only the Dodge malfunctioned. They claimed it was a European regulation that causes it yet none of the European vehicles Tommy tested ever did this. Sorry, but Ill pass on the Stelllantis Kool Aid.

[@On2wheels94]

@@khakiswag yeah believe TFL amateurs, independent but bought out by advertisers, over brand engineers. I enjoy TFL but get real dude. They make mistakes and learn from them. Im guessing Tommy will use more throttle for all of these tests as that's how the systems are actually designed by ALL manufacturers

[@jayhiggins5239]

Tommy learned to keep at least 15% throttle to keep the Euro safety program from activating.

[@jettangeles2707]

My wife and I just bought this car and so far, it's been amazing!

[@Gopher31]

Will be getting a Cx60 soon with the same AWD system. Good to see that Mazda have really improved the system over the last few years.

[@aaronchase38]

Please mazda real exhaust tips ! To compliment that 6 cylinder..especially on the cx 70.

[@lise1255]

Beautiful car. 1. Wish I could afford it. 2. Wish it came to Europe.

[@DanielBrownOre]

The European version will be the CX-80...

[@OldThomMerton]

Premium, not really ultra-premium, but we get you point. That thing would make one chunky off-roader. Great video as usual, Tommy.

[@michaelguel5442]

I'm glad to see the mazda still looks beautiful, even with some dirt on it!

[@killswitch896]

That extra weight has done a lot for Tommy, I’ve enjoyed watching you mature throughout the years, this is one of the only channels I have watched over 5 years.

[@waay82]

Waiting to see if the 2 row CX-70 comes out with a Meridian Edition. That would be sweet.

[@Toycoma]

I like Tommy's reviews the best.

[@sonyhicks]

Why Haven’t y’all taken the Meridian edition CX50 off-roading, or did the slip test?

[@giovannifacci]

Here in EU we don’t get the CX90, we get the CX60 and probably an extended wheelbase version called CX80. Is the platform and 4WD system the same? We may need to change our XC60 as here Volvo and Mazda dealers are the same I’m temped by the Mazda platform with the longitudinal engine

[@markcoopers1930]

Platform and drivetrains will be shared between CX-60, 70, 80, and 90 models. A lot of folks here are waiting patiently for the inline 6 and RWD based AWD to show up in a smaller package.

[@lauracebula3222]

The 3-row CX90 is said to be comparable to the CX80, and the upcoming 2-row CX70 is said to be comparable to the CX60, but I heard one US salesman say he got info claiming that the CX70 will have the same overall body dimensions as the CX90. Not what I wanted to hear (I’m on my 2nd CX9 and would maybe like something a little smaller, but not as small as the CX5 or CX50), but it’s still to be seen. I’m not a fan of all the extra hybrid complexity they put in there, just give me a straight 6 and the rear bias AWD and a solid transmission.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@lauracebula3222 I'm not terribly upset, especially since the result is a significant bump in efficiency while also outperforming in power and torque against everything in class. Mild hybrid systems aren't that complicated, and excluding Audis their failure rate is much lower than components on cars that have been there for over a hundred years now. And Mazdas' overall powertrain reliability has lept forward to well above average the past 10 years or so. I also heard that report about the CX-70. Was going to be a sort of BMW X6 (🤢) to the CX-90's X7. But I've only heard that from one source and that was right before the delay in release. Not sure that would make sense on their part, but even if true then perhaps the delay was due to poor reception of the idea, and it's being reworked to be close to CX-60 size.

[@klarik01]

Man I am so torn on what I want to get for a vehicle next. This video on the CX90 doesn't help. Fantastic.

[@johnbriggs6203]

What vehicles are you comparing?

[@WalkerTexasplumber]

We just got one and they’re a fun suv to drive

[@49commander]

Mazda knows that for best fun to drive the rear wheel drive bias is best so they don't over do the regular mode traction control! YAY

[@lawrencemitelberg5367]

Would love to see you guys tow with one of these because I have seen people say that the car struggles above 4k pounds trailer weight even though it’s rated at 5k pounds trailer weight!!! Thank you!

[@amin77illinois]

WOW!! I am totally impressed how Mazda AWD performs. 👏🏽👏🏽 I can say now Mazda AWD system is more responsive and much quicker then my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD system. How wheels catch to get vehicle unstuck. On a 3 wheel test for Hyundai Santa Fe it took 8 seconds to get unstuck before other wheel responded to get vehicle unstuck on rollers. Way to go Mazda 👍🏽👍🏽

[@al151]

As a mazda owner, i like what Mazda did with the cx90, however pricing and still smaller third row is not appealing to me.

[@tylerhauk6737]

With all seasons lol that’s wild. Crazy how quick it changes when you slap it to off road. Impressive.

[@cap10newport95]

I agree, it would be cool if Mazda offered a 1" lift with 17" rims and A/T tires

[@icare7151]

Awesome video!

[@alib81]

Just purchased CX - 90, 2025 and love the inline 6. I have inline 6 in BMW Z4 so if Mazda decides to throw that in their convertible down the road they will have another winner for sure :) I love the way CX-90 handles, the made a BMW :) If you want more comfy ride then go with smaller rims.

[@justinsalazar9070]

This ride is a joy 🤩 got it for my wife and even I enjoy driving it! Stiff seats but heck of an engine

[@memostill]

How is the mpg?

[@arman8097]

Mazda for life

[@josejuangarcianunez5540]

Can we get a test on the 25’ explorer AWD platinum 3.0 please 😁

[@javierlugo259]

Nice going Mazda......Excellent Video, Many Thanks.

[@totalglitch]

Compared to the Honda passport or pilot what is a better vehicle? On and off. Most on road?

[@HJR8581]

Rock chips are gonna look great on that front end

[@D3arkWizard]

Can we get a 2024 limited Crosstrek slip test

[@gtr319]

Oh man, just came across this video and surprised that my CX90 is capable of doing that. Well, looks like I would have no problem taking the car to ice fishing this season.

[@shreyasghanta]

cx70 will surely come in a meridian edition to compete against passport

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

tbf it's not hard to crush a Subaru in anything. Reliability, performance, value, every metric. Most overrated car company ever.

[@markweaver1012]

Show me a two-row that has better AWD and off-road capabilities, better towing, a better interior, better fuel economy, and better 0-60 than an Outback Wilderness....for around $40K.

[@pingpongballz5998]

​@@markweaver1012I wouldn't spend my money on a subie again. So unreliable

[@KraziVokalz]

​@@pingpongballz5998 maybe it was just your car...

[@KraziVokalz]

Overrated to you because u aren't Subarus customer... Maybe Chevrolet is more your speed

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

@@KraziVokalz lol. Cope more about your shit box

[@TomL3grandsons]

This is a great car to lease. I watched a mechanic KZbin channel that show cased this car, he stated when this car goes out of warranty, that any power train repairs will be EXTREMELY expensive because the engineering on this car is crazy and a mechanic’s nightmare.

[@85Rx]

It's a Mazda, you likely wouldn't need any power train repairs.

[@martinobartino210]

So happy I gave Mazda a chance. Best SUV I've ever owned.

[@C10sRule]

Someone may take a Subaru off road. In fact maybe 40% will double track. No rock climbing or moderate or harder trails. Barely anyone will take the Mazda CX op off-road at all. They will hardly take it on gravel roads. The CX90 did very well here though! It will feel awesome in snow & slush,,,, if you have the appropriate tires.very nice Mazda,!!😊

[@grisa12345]

Here in Colorado people will take literally everything offf road, including this. Especially now…

[@C10sRule]

@@grisa12345 - Hahaha, I suspect you are right!!

[@OldBadger1]

I see foresters on off road, semi hard trails all the time.

[@totalglitch]

So the cx70 can you expect the same results????

[@maxcurry9667]

I just found my new rock crawler

[@pabo8080]

I ve said this before i ll say it again, this engine, in a new designed Mazda 6 would be awesome. With a manual and no hybrid system would be perfect. Not everyone wants SUV's, but I know they sell in higher volumes than sedans. Having said that, they still sell hundreds of thousands of Camry's, Accord's and Altima's.

[@omardevonlittle3817]

Wrong. Everyone does wants suvs.. and you've even detailed why no one would buy a Mazda Sedan. Camry and Accord

[@pabo8080]

I think you need to re read what i wrote, and maybe consider stopping harassing people@@omardevonlittle3817

[@DanielBrownOre]

This is only a mild hybrid, it literally just saves you some gas with a little help with torque off the line, nothing really complex to worry about with it nor really any change in driving characteristics at all. Not sure why peeps want to piss away free gas.

[@GabeSlocum]

Tommy, what watch are you wearing?

[@rockymountboy]

Both Mazda and Honda seem to have surpassed Subaru in the AWD arena. Subaru has lost its way.

[@pingpongballz5998]

Cvt sucks

[@5rocklobsters]

Yeah if you only look at this biased channel I could see how you’d say that. Go watch someone doing real world testing without bias like driving sports tv

[@rockymountboy]

@@5rocklobsters I do watch that channel, and others. And that's how I came to my conclusion. I don't know why you call TFL biased, though.

[@5rocklobsters]

@@rockymountboy they damaged a Subaru press car so how Subaru won’t provide them with cars and it’s incredibly obvious that they’re upset and hold it against them. For the longest time they claimed it was because Subaru didn’t like “real world reviews” and just recently came out and said it was because they damaged it.

[@rockymountboy]

@@5rocklobsters lol I knew you were going to bring that up. The thing is - they actually bought 2 Subarus after that so that they could include them in their real world testing, and took a Viewer's out on the test course just 2 months ago. Tommy even says he really likes Subarus in that video and the one that came out TODAY and said he would choose it over the others. That doesn't sound like a team that is biased against Subaru.

[@pduarte3550]

Nice video.

[@cmair77]

Wow impressive 👏 well done mazda

[@HowToGoSupernova]

Tommy your vids rock

[@faisalrehman7089]

i wonder if it can be lifted 2in.

[@joeamith838]

I can't wait for the CX-70!! And if they make an off road version of it,..just take my money now!!

[@charlessigmonjr.6552]

Are the seats as firm/hard as the CX-50? That caused me to buy an Acura RDX instead. I really liked everything else about the Mazda.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

In what way did it fail? I saw zero failures

[@lauracebula3222]

Probably means when it was in normal mode.

[@denault3985]

Impressive test results, now for a hybrid.

[@isaacs9022]

It is a hybrid, mild hybrid.

[@nicholasmrobinson]

I had a Subaru Forester 2002 which I stupidly drove up a snow mobile trail and ended up with my two right wheels off the hard pack and spinning freely. Absolutely no power going to the left hand wheels.

[@amin77illinois]

🎉 awesome performance Mazda 👏🏽 I am still shocked how quickly the Mazda AWD system responds now vs Hyundai htrac AWD does.

[@85Rx]

come on now, Hyundai will never be able to compete with Mazda

[@ahmadahmal2942]

The Tank 300 and Tank 500 just crushed both of them!

[@winnaung1238]

This is the level of land rover!! But looks much better in and out!!

[@TysonFroment2]

What suv in this class (awd 8 seater) is the best at off-road from your testing?

Is it CX-60 in Europe?

[@CTRwannaB]

When you doing the Grand Highlander?

[@markhu7454]

want to decrease its sales?

[@KuyaArbee]

MAZDA really impressing me now!

[@noelv1976]

Very impressive

[@Moparornocar74]

Id like to see that drivetrain in a sedan

[@tulhuur22]

I am little confused. So when it is normal mode, is awd active all the time? Or is awd active in off-road mode? Or awd is automatically on or off? 😅, i just dont get it and trying to figure it out for while lol

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Unless slip is detected it is rear wheel drive

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Excellent testing/analysis!

[@Suction_]

Really regret not waiting for one and buying a highlander. The new 2.4 turbo they're using is nowhere near as refined and tuned as well as mazda's 2.5 turbo. I assume this 3.3 is even better

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

"i really regret buying a Toyota" said no one ever

[@Suction_]

@@HAHA.GoodMeme well being I've had it back 6 times now, 3 for a roof leak, one for infotainment that got stuck in a boot loop and the last two because it runs like dog shit on 87 and not 93. Yea, I kinda do regret it.

[@yournightmare9999]

Because mostly toyota made in usa and everything fall apart quick like America trashy cars

[@winstondeocampo699]

@@Suction_thanks for sharing that.

[@grisa12345]

Similar to My issues with that same 2.4 turbo hybrid in my RX500. It’s usually Fine, but stutters and stumbles and is not smooth much of the time. Pretty disappointed.

[@googoo-gjoob]

Impressive *CUV*

[@brytonmunro5270]

They should make an off road version for the CX-70!!!!!!

[@andrewm2002]

But Jeep assured you that Mazdas also goes full limp mode due to Euro regulations 😂

[@GeneralBadLuck]

where is the burner....

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

impressive, nice job Mazda.

[@matus201]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but... did Mazda just release a potential successor to my 2017 Touareg?

[@michaelhenry-hurst2787]

lets put some off road tires on it and test it and compare with standard tires in 4wd mode

[@tarfeef101]

Can't touch my Jeep Compass w/ the upland package clearance+angles wise, but makes my traction control look like a joke Which it is. If I lift tires on both axles I'm basically done for

[@anthonye3680]

Lol jeep,, I work on those and good luck it lasting..

[@LaVielly19]

too much fish tail for me on all rwd bias cars. im not a pro so ill stick to awd fwd

[@MaryCornfield]

Anyone own this car and actually use it? I live in Colorado and looking to get a new suv and loved the test drive around the city so wondering if it would be viable for some camping trips?

[@DBLOCK987]

Impressive