The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a Force to Be Reckoned With | MotorWeek Road Test

If you’ve been following Mazda lately, you’ll know they’ve been fielding some serious new designs; you could even say, they’re latest efforts are 10-times better than before. After all, the CX-3 became the CX-30, then CX-5 became the CX-50, and now it’s the CX-9’s turn. So, let’s find out if this all-new CX-90, their largest SUV yet, is a real multiplier or if it’s all just a numbers game.
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[@jak30341]

“It’s not the prettiest SUV”. Dude it looks better than most of its contenders.

[@alpha7ization]

Agreed John Davis missed the boat on that one

[@xilvrado]

The rear view is def not pretty. Rest of it is solid.

[@benprovan]

Yes, it is the prettiest of SUVs

[@HelloHello-yb1rl]

Na it is hideous in all but the highest trim. Go check it out you will see.

[@danstar455]

Looks better in person.

[@dohc1067]

BMWishness via Mazda. Not bad at all. RWD, roomy, powerful, efficient, luxurious, and has enough tech. All in one package.

[@markallen2984]

The big advantage of a Mazda over a BMW is that after six months, the Mazda won't be in the shop every other month.

[@gabevillarreal96]

​@@markallen2984 Electrical gremlins and plastic parts under the hood breaking all the time is the BMW way! It's engineered into each product from the factory!

[@y2han]

agree with everything you have said, except "has enough tech". wish CX90 has a better interactive system. the digital gauge is pretty much limited to 3 display configuration. that's all.

[@BReal-10EC]

Now we just need Mazda to drop a naturally aspirated version of that inline six in the Miata. Voilà, Mazda Z4. Lol. I had wished Mazda would go rear drive sooner (like with the Mazda6).. but they really needed to update their drivetrain and interior quality to do it properly (and also develop all their own stuff since they lost the Ford controlling share thing).

[@bbrenddon]

In-line 6 with rear wheel drive?! Ok this things a real BMW competitor and now I’m actually considering it

[@reyperez3424]

😂

[@jak30341]

It doesn’t have the acceleration or ability of the BMW but it also costs less. It also has plenty of power in its own right. I’m awaiting the CX 70 as I’m anticipating I’ll want it for myself :)

[@floridaroadways]

v6

[@justinborysenko3885]

@@floridaroadwaysin-line six

[@floridaroadways]

@@justinborysenko3885 I though it was a V6. Oh well it’s about the same thing.

[@MegaMrspain]

I picked one up 3 weeks ago and have put 2900 miles on it with a trip to the East coast, I'm extremely impressed with it and it drives extremely well. The motor is very smooth around town and passing power is fantastic. One thing this review doesn't mention is it's a wet clutch automatic and lockup is extremely quick, almost like driving a manual. So be smooth with throttle inputs in first gear. I ended up with the lower output 6 in premium plus trim, as I needed three seatbelts in the rear but also captian's chairs. No regrets at all love the vehicle.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Not the prettiest suv!” I think it looks stunningly gorgeous! wayyyy better looking than the same old boring styling SUV’s out there! And now real wheel drive!! What’s not to love!👌🥰👍❤️thank you Mazda!!

[@allentoyokawa9068]

How is this NOT the prettiest SUV?? Get eyes checked

[@gabevillarreal96]

Love everything but thr bulbous rear end. I also love the new pilot except for the Subaru Ascent copycat rear end. I actually hate it.

[@moejr1974]

you're such a Japanese fanboy.

[@gabevillarreal96]

@@moejr1974 When it comes to Reliability durability and dependability I am as well. Year after year decade after decade they make the most dependable vehicles in the industry. Namely Toyota Lexus and Honda. Not nearly as fun or exciting as the Germans, but way more reliable and long term worthy. Ease of maintenance as well. Easy to fix.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@moejr1974 Maybe because I am part Japanese, duh

[@moejr1974]

@@allentoyokawa9068 maybe you ought to learn how to objective and unbiased

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Excellent performance, in the old days that was sports car acceleration

[@cesarnarvaez6840]

This SUV is gorgeous.. 🔥 test drove it.. will be driving one soon.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

The turning circle on the inline 6 was amazing.

[@fountaintransportservicesl8829]

We have the PHEV and the turning circle is NOTICEABLY shorter than the RAV4 Prime we traded. It's nice, and it drives amazingly.

[@MegaMrspain]

oh 100% it's nuts lol

[@Shambles7698]

Yup 100% choose this 👌

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@steelresilience]

I work at MTM in Huntsville, Alabama. I love how tactile the knobs, buttons, and switches are. It feels premium and I think Mazda is punching above its weight. I would totally look into Mazda for my next vehicle, I'm not paid to say it but I am a convert based on what I've seen from our Japanese advisors.

[@P.Galore]

The CX90 is a perfect blend of BMW tail, Cadillac front and Mercedes side profile....well done Mazda!

[@submariner179]

Really, the best car is a mash of others?

[@toddgill2338]

So, you're saying they didn't use any original design cues, and just copied their competition? That doesn't sound good.

[@g.richardson6883]

I detect a whiff of Lincoln Aviator in the side profile.

[@BlackMamba08]

I would definitely be switching my Tesla for this masterpiece.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

!!!! Seriously? What makes you say that. What are you not enjoying about your Tesla? Very curious.

[@BlackMamba08]

@@Seeker0fTruth 9 visits to the service center so far.

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

Tesla = junk

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

LOVE YA MOTORWEEK

[@lucyfan1976]

Mazda did one hell of a job with this SUV. This is one of the nicest if not the nicest out there in the "non luxury" segment

[@jorgecampos9659]

What’s he talking about! It’s a gorgeous SUV.

[@GeoBob-xf3hh]

Best in class

[@ericb.4358]

I have a 2019 CX-5 Grand Touring RESERVE (2.5 L. turbo, AWD). I love this compact SUV for its handling, speed, looks and MANY features.

[@lili2sexc]

The CX-5 didn’t become the CX-50. They are going to produce them along side each other

[@PepeToTheMooon]

The cx-9 looks a lot better than this cx-90 model exterior, but everything else is better inside and performance wise in the 90.

[@yournightmare9999]

I think same cx9 looks way better outside in person than cx90

[@PepeToTheMooon]

@@yournightmare9999 agreed.

[@philhenderson3516]

Same here. I do like the updated front of the CX-90, looks more sophisticated. Same for the interior. But the CX-9 looks much better in everything else!

[@devinbiz]

I think the CX90 looks better, a bit more sophisticated overall

[@mikimiki195]

Not sure what you talking about “not pretty suv” this cx looks great

[@NOLJ]

Idc what ppl say, this is a beautiful SUV

[@georgecostanza2695]

I actually quite like the exterior styling. Saw one parked next to a previous generation Range Rover and disregarding badges, the Mazda looked everybit as classy to my eyes.

[@rovert94]

If they made a wagon with a manual and this drivetrain, I would 100% buy it.

[@pauli6043]

John is an absolute savage. An automotive legend. Oh the car is badass too

[@FYMASMD]

Creampuff reviews for decades.

[@alphabeta8403]

RIP high MDX sales.

[@nickcancelliere5638]

Word

[@jaws7770]

At 4:53 he said that the 10 inch touchscreen is standard....no it isn't a touchscreen unless you use Apple carplay or Android auto. If you don't use either of these, you must use the rotary controller to access the infotainment screen.

[@vnitto]

I love my mazda cx-5 and the vehicles themselves are great. The dealership/service experience is lacking however, at least in arizona. Paying $60k for a Mazda CX-90 should come with a more luxurious dealer experience.

[@MSimmonsAZ]

I wonder which dealer. Camelback wasn't great but I am talking 15 years ago. The one near chandler or Ray eh. Again its been a long time. I have found the Mazda Dealers in Central Florida, Sports in Orlando and Jenkins in Ocala to be a good experience. Also the show rooms were recently redesigned. I don't know if that is everywhere or just there. 60K is a lot of money. However, as all car prices are way up it's no longer such a premium price.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

My local dealership just got a huge facelift about a year ago and it’s very impressive! Before that it was awful. Luxury waiting room etc.

[@FYMASMD]

Buy a Lexus for that money.

[@niceguy4421]

Body lines, front, back and sides are perfect

[@TommyG11814]

Great looking vehicle and all mazda perfection.

[@XX-166]

I like the bigger screen on the higher trims.

[@hendrikjan9116]

Should have offered extended seats as an option, just like BWM/Mercedes/Volvo. a missed change

[@pennycopperhatch9315]

LoL....My 1st Gen Mazda 3 with the 2.3 Engine gets the same MPGs as this Tank of a SUV!....WTH!...hahaha

[@toronado455]

Behold the power of the hybrid!

[@ncotton100]

John Davis in great form here.

[@piyush83dimri]

Mazda is doing what BMW forgot with steering feel.

[@glennw7118]

I still have my 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 and I love it. If I didn't have a Mustang GT as well, I'd definitely buy this CUV.

[@thethomasj1795]

I had a 2019 CX9. Aside from the horrible infotainment system I really liked it.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

Same! This is my second CX-9 and the infotainment is the biggest bummer. But happy to live with it for all of its other perks. Currently driving a 2022 CX-9 special edition (forget the name) with the red leather seats and it’s absolutely gorgeous…and as with any Mazda it’s so much fun to drive. My dealership is asking for my current model and pushing the CX-90. The price tag is steep but it’s a beaut!

[@pepinocabron]

While other brands are pushing Evs and going from v6 to i4, mazda doesn't care. They are giving us a real I-6 Motor. Thanks mazda. Don't fall for the EVs stupid idea.

[@McBeamer94]

Tbh, I've wanted Mazda to turn to RWD for more than 3 decades. I mean, excluding the Miata, the Wankel and Subaru's Boxer engines and the 86/BRZ (and the Lexus and Infiniti brands, which have RWD models too), all Japanese mass car manufacturers have exactly the same layout: a transversely mounted engine in the front, powering the front wheels. Even Honda, which is (or, at least, was, until some years ago) the most driver-focused brand of all of them, along with Mazda and - of course - Subaru, never got away from FWD. I've been hearing and reading the following line for years: "Mazdas, even though FWD, can only be compared to BMWs for driving enjoyment". Well, I really like the turn Mazda is taking and I think it should've been done ever since the Amati brand was left in the dust. I firmly believe RWD is the only way Mazda can stand out of all the other Japanese mass production car companies. I mean, Mazda already does stand out by putting normal automatic transmissions instead of those horrid CVTs alright (even Honda and Subaru put CVTs, for crying out loud). Well done, Mazda! 💗

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Remember the Mazda MPV first gen and all generations of Mazda 929

[@pringlized]

I was sold on a Crosstrek Wilderness. I've changed my mind.

[@AndreLaplante-xu1le]

better fuel economy than your 2017 CX9 long term test (23.9)

[@soletakenrt2920]

That's pretty good. Looks like a nice platform for the mazda 6 plz

[@pupaloveme7195]

Lovely car wish I could have one from Nigeria help me lord

[@jaminowski]

No doubt the engineers did a great job designing this vehicle but I have my doubts on this selling well in America. A reworked CX9 would have likely sold more units.

[@basslinefreshdetailing]

MAZDA IS LEGENDARY

[@alexmassengale433]

I've been really waiting for this car and am disappointed by the packaging. If this was class competitive on cargo space and had a reasonable third row, I'd be really tempted but they've managed to take a car that is more than 200 inches long and given it less maximum cargo space than a CRV while top trims only seat six and have a giant second row console that make third row access harder than it would be with a normal captains chair setup. Do they not get that the reason the CX-9 didn't sell was that it was the least practical car in its class and that for family crossovers practicality is a gigantic factor in purchases? One sign that Mazda missed the mark on this is the fact that dealers in my area are already advertising discounts off of MSRP which the local Honda and Hyundai dealers are charging markups. What were they thinking coming out with a three row car this big with so little cargo space and such a limited third row?

[@ahuramazda323]

Maybe you need a bus.

[@gabrielash75]

Look at it this way you will be able to pick up a used model in three to five years for around half the msrp if you are so inclined.

[@bill7481]

Gorgeous SUV!

[@tbfplast9742]

Mazda was number 1 or 2 the last couple years in the Consumer Report most reliable brands with a score of 83. This year they dropped to number 8 with a score of 77. I would assume it's entirely due to the CX-90.

[@cooper_8505]

Where is the brake test??

[@guccing7556]

the mpv is back

[@countschad]

Will it last as long as a 4runner?

[@christianmichalsky2826]

I WANT ONE!!

[@brentroscoe9922]

Maybe I'm simple but rear wheel drive I like it

[@iforc]

Is this guy immortal?

[@AllStars2525]

Can a CX 60 be imported into the US???

[@flashindapan7965]

The rear screams BMW. But considering the platform layout I’m sure it’s intentional.

[@donaldwilson2620]

It seem like Mazda really is being serious about becoming a premium brand. With the the upscale interiors and the newer powertrains, it looks like Mazda is now competing with Acura and Volvo instead of Toyota and Honda.

[@lornestein7248]

Yes.. I'm about to put down small dollars and get in line for the coming CX-70 (2-Row) 2024-25. Willing to sell my pro-modded 2013 Acura TL SHawd for this new Mazda 3.3t platform.

[@robertmitchell9276]

We are all getting excited over a 13.7s 1/4? Relax. This thing will look like a kicked in Mazda 3 in no time.

[@lifeinaqua660]

Reliable AF

[@peternguyen9599]

Please Mazda. Mazda6 with the inline 6

[@vaztion]

What if a rear wheel drive sport GT with that in line six 6, Mazda? We all know you can!

[@googoo-gjoob]

Impressive *CUV*

[@R56Cooper]

Does the CX90 have competant lane centering tech?

[@ArmySigs]

Yes, it's called a steering wheel.

[@weirdshibainu]

If it had a second row bench, it would be perfect.

[@heNzVf20c]

It does in lower trims.

[@PepeToTheMooon]

Which I don’t understand tbh. Their highest trim has less seating than the lower trims. Odd

[@weirdshibainu]

@@heNzVf20c Should be across all trims

[@heNzVf20c]

@@weirdshibainu I know right? Should have that option on higher trims since you pay more anyway.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@heNzVf20c I know. I really like this generation, but no bench takes it off my buy list

[@nickcancelliere5638]

Think a sporty volvo xc90 competitor..they are going after mdx infinit amlnd volvo

[@morrisf3957]

Love mazda brand,but in that price range theres alot of competitors,Acura mdx for example..

[@nickcancelliere5638]

It's above an Acura now but below the 3 germans..think volvo

[@themamagoatshow]

I want the turbo S so bad

[@tedschmitt178]

I’m just happy it’s not 100% battery-powered.

[@RyanWarren-f8w]

Just traded a 2021 aviator on a cx-90 top trim. Hands down a better vehicle than the Lincoln.

[@jaso5114]

Lexus has left the building

[@성태김-c1w]

Force Multiplier

[@iforc]

“It’s not the prettiest suv” say what now? Babe a better looking SUV (besides the CX9 or luxury). I’ll wait…..

[@Dubronze]

Didnt Ferrari use a similar style for their SUV?

[@jaydibernardo4320]

Let's see that turbo 6 in a Miata. Zoom, zoom...

[@ctre97]

I like it, but I find it sad that mazda seems to want to become a luxury car brand when they used to make such cool cars

[@allentoyokawa9068]

uh they STILL make cool vehicles

[@ctre97]

@@allentoyokawa9068 like what?

[@magnanimous1940]

Mazda's fuel efficient gearing kills some of the off the line acceleration. Should be quicker than it is to 60.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Is not gearing, it is the fact that it doesn't have a torque converter (it uses a clutch pack in combination with an electric motor) which doesn't allow the driver to hold it on the brakes to build up boost, if it was capable of doing that it would at least take half a second, just look at the 1/4 mile trap speed of 14.7s@98MPH, compare that to the Nissan Pathfinder's 15.2s@92MPH and Honda Pilot's 15.3s@90MPH, that is quite a difference and the CX-90 is by far heavier than those 2. The Grand Cherokee was far slower at 86MPH

[@cocacolagrl100]

Everything is turbo now. With a cvt… I’ll keep my v6 rx350 . Such a shame becuase I would like one of these..

[@danstar455]

What happened to braking test?

[@Motorweek]

It was likely cut for time. We post the numbers on our website in case that happens: motorweek.org/road_tests/2024-mazda-cx-90-3/ It averaged 118 feet during our braking test.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Sharp looking but I won't buy it because my local small town dealer has awful service.

[@Christosan88]

modern gaming 0W-0 Oil weight regulatory laws killed the soul of the automotive industry

[@shopwithaaron]

Handsome!!

[@paulusandronicus]

Looks way better than BMWs current monstrosities…and way more reliable

[@johnuhl3400]

Please come out with another sedan… I love Mazda, but I dislike SUVs with a passion.

[@islandknight6105]

If I were buying instead of leasing, this would be my choice. Since I’m leasing, I’ll stay with BMW

[@stegomon]

They should team up with ford again and make the b-series . ZOOM ZOOM

[@KuyaArbee]

honestly the 3/4 end doesn't look as good! but it the TURBO S looks great! just get RID of the CHROME from FACTORY!

[@RobBread1]

Driving Sports TV didn't have anything nice to say about CX-90 because ***cough it's not a subaru cough*** (I guess the reason they don't get sponsorship from any other brand)

[@dukmahsik]

40k?.. sign me up

[@pimpmyride7278]

Reminds me of Alfa Romeo.

[@SuperSenis]

They sort of missed the point, if they're trying to compete with the likes of BMW, by not making it meaner looking.

[@veowsaku]

I would buy it if it’s RWD only. Too bad all of trims are AWD.

[@jeepthing98]

Name some mid size crossovers that are rear wheel drive. The only thing i can think of is a Grand Cherokee and who wants a 2WD Jeep.

[@SherylThompson-m8f]

Hernandez Joseph Thompson Matthew Allen Jose

[@dioralcide8490]

Mazda is copying BMW old infotainment systems for years now sooooooo why don’t they copying the new iDrive 8 infotainment system at least they will have something new in their vehicles

[@TCR2025]

The cx-9 looked a lot better. Especially in the front

[@allentoyokawa9068]

NO this is better

[@PepeToTheMooon]

@@allentoyokawa9068 nope it’s worse. I agree with TC

[@yournightmare9999]

I compared both on mazda lot and cx9 looks way better in person compared to cx90

[@philhenderson3516]

@@yournightmare9999 The CX9 has a sleeker design. CX90 is too bulky looking, obviously to favor interior space.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

@@philhenderson3516… which barely improved except for width.

[@roberthoyt7921]

Will Mazda ever return to its performance-oriented zoom-zoom days?

[@Kanazawa1997]

Probably not since Mazda becomes irrelevant to performance department since Skyactive era, and is going to upmarket path.

[@tedschmitt178]

Not likely…blame the EPA.

[@Nathanvoie]

They are making an rx-9 rotary electric. They filed patents for it

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

it's $12k more than the Turbo for the Turbo S... The car doesn't look different on the exterior, so you are going to have to go out of your way to tell people that it's the 340hp inline 6 T and not the less powerful inline 6 T. The slower I6T drags down the CX-90's image and then the naturally aspirated inline 4 hybrid starts to look like the best one to have.

[@atg1338]

I have a cx-9 and this looks different... maybe you need a good eye doctor

[@biggeststeppa1]

@@atg1338 They're talking about different trim levels of the CX-90, not the CX-9

[@biggeststeppa1]

People don't need to know. As long as you're happy with your zoom-zoom kodo machine.

[@robertmurdock7530]

I was considering an MDX S Type, but for $12k less, and better mileage, I'll take the CX-90!

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

@@robertmurdock7530 the Type S treatment Acura gives their cars is on a whole different level, but I like your comparison and I think anyone checking out the MDX should check this out too.

[@douglasb.1203]

It's not the prettiest. John. You're wrong.

[@edsmith9855]

Styling is OK, but it looks sort of clunky somehow, maybe the extra long wheelbase, it just looks too big. I think it competes more with the Telluride than the luxury cars that it is targeting. I just visited my daughter, who has a Telluride, and it is very nice. Having 3 engine options is nice, but kind of complicated. The Telluride gets comparable horsepower to the base CX-90 without a turbo.

[@philhenderson3516]

The Telluride has nowhere near the amount of torque of the CX-90 and that is just as important as horsepower. Also, the CX-90 is RWD-based so it'll outshine the Telluride when it comes to handling and road feel. Telluride also can't compete with the CX-90 when it comes to interior appointments and features. It's best in class.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Agree it looks clunky- mostly due to the long hood (nice) but the short rear and that bulbous d pillar. The whole vehicle looks out of proportion. I really, really wanted to like this but don’t. Went to the dealer to see and in person my suspicions were confirmed.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Let’s remember the Telluride/Palisade has less torque and poor gas mileage. Horsepower is only one part of the equation. Rear wheel bias versus front wheel, inline six versus v-six, etc. What the Hyundai/Kia offerings do very, very well is space. Otherwise the Mazda is a superior vehicle.

[@jacklo325]

I6 turbo is pretty cool, but that "10" or "12" infotainment screen just looks super tiny compared to its rivals/peers...

[@allentoyokawa9068]

There is NOTING wrong with the screen

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Why do you need a big ass screen in a car? It is a car not a movie theater

[@mbenton6]

12.3" is big enough

[@Suction_]

you can't get anything double digit in the new pilot for this year. Hell the standard one in my highlander is 8" where mazda starts at 10.5 and goes to the 12 to match toyota.