Flash Drive: 2024 Mazda CX-90

Flash Drive: 2024 Mazda CX-90

Mazda Goes Big with a New Three-Row Crossover

The all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row, midsize crossover is a big deal. The size, seating flexibility, exterior and interior design, and option of three electrified power plants make this the new flagship for the brand, and a hint at what is to come from Mazda.

Propulsion Options

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has three propulsion options, all with some level of electrification. Each of these are a first for Mazda and will be shared with future vehicles.

• Turbo: A mild hybrid 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 280 horsepower (hp) and 332 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 24 mpg city, 28 highway, 25 combined. The mild hybrid system consists of a 48-volt electrical system that allows the engine to shut off when not needed, increasing fuel economy.

• Turbo S: A mild hybrid 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder. This is the most powerful mass production gasoline engine offered by Mazda, putting out 340 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque when running on premium, 319 hp on regular. EPA rated at 23/28/25. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system with both 3.3L engines helps with efficiency and smooth acceleration from a standing start.

• Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): 2.5-liter non-turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 100 kilowatt (kW) electric motor. The rechargeable 17.8 kilowatt-hour battery has a combined 323 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. This combination gets 25 miles per gallon running as a hybrid, and 26 miles of all-electric driving range.

Mazda supplies the charging cord with the PHEV. Plugging into a common household outlet, these are the charging times to go from fully discharged to a full charge.

• 120V Level 1                   11 hours
• 240V Level 2                   2.2 hours
• 480V Level 3                  Not Available

Even at the Level 1 charge rate, the battery will be topped-off by plugging it in overnight, just like you do every night with a mobile phone. There is no mystery about how to stay away from gasoline stations for much of your in-town driving.

The CX-90 PHEV has a very handy and useful Charge Mode. By pressing a center console button the battery will use the engine to charge up while driving. This feature makes it possible, when there is a sufficient charge, to select the EV Mode button to efficiently drive in-town without using any gasoline.

All engines use a drive-by-wire 8-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable drive modes. The all-wheel drive system, with rear-wheel bias, is standard on all CX-90 models.

Design Cues

The CX-90 exterior, employing the company’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme, is Mazda’s most refined crossover, starting with a more restrained grille and attractive LED front and rear lighting. The design proportions of the smooth body, meant to accentuate emotion, is without cladding and has tasteful chrome along the lower doors, rear and front lower fascia, roof rails and trimming the grille. The proportions with a shorter front overhang and longer rear overhang give a visual of length, but not in an excessive way.

The CX-90 comes in three models–Turbo, Turbo S and PHEV—and eight exterior colors—Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Platinum Quartz, Sonic Silver, Machine Gray Metallic, Rhodium White, Artisan Red, and Soul Red Crystal, with the last four colors a $595 upgrade.

As the largest Mazda crossover, the CX-90 has the most spacious interior of any Mazda vehicle. The seating can be configured for six, seven or eight occupants, with second-row Captain’s Chairs an option over the standard bench seat. Both rear rows of seats fold flat offering cargo flexibility. The seats are covered in leatherette or leather, lending to a premium look and feel. The center console is wide and deep, and the rear seat passengers get manual retractable side window shades.

The CX-90’s eight inches of ground clearance provided a clear outlook on the road. Even with the power panoramic sunroof, there is ample headroom for two six-footers up front, two or three adults in the second row and three passengers of smaller stature in the third row.

The front seats are either manual (Turbo) or power adjustable (Turbo S and PHEV) with heat and ventilation on the two upper trim levels. Rear passengers get a center armrest with cup holders, adjustable headrests, map lights, ventilation vents (2nd and 3rd rows), and heated seats for the Turbo S and PHEV. The easy access power hatch opens to 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That expands to 74.2 cubic feet with both rows of rear seats folded.

Ian Hedge, senior manager automotive design at Mazda, explained that the dash and door panels are covered in multiple materials and tone-on-tone colors, featuring a woven fabric based on a traditional Japanese silk called Nishi Jin-Ori that has an accent hanging stitch design. The front and rear door panels and center console have curley maple wood that compliments the fabric.

Technology

The long and low dash has a simple, clean and logical layout with three information screens. The 12.3-inch digital cluster display has three easy-to-read round gauges with black faces and white letters, and includes a 7-inch multi-information display for the odometer, average fuel economy and many other readings.

The second screen is a configurable 10×3-inch head-up display that shows speed, road speed limits and other important driving information.

Lastly, the full-color center infotainment display that is either a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch, depending on the model. Rising from the dash, the screen is for the audio, navigation, rear view camera and vehicle controls. The standard audio system has eight speakers for AM/FM HD/Pandora radio, SiriusXM, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 12-speaker Bose audio system comes standard on the CX-90 PHEV and Turbo S. USB A and C ports are found throughout the cabin, including for the third row.

The SMS text messages via audio delivery and reply is a convenience feature as is the AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi through Mazda Connect.

On Road Experience

Clean Fleet Report attended the CX-90 media launch program in San Francisco and had the opportunity to drive the CX-90 Turbo S and PHEV models. During our day driving across three of the four bridges that span San Francisco Bay, we ventured to Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties for what could be a bucket list road trip for most people. However, this being the wettest year in Northern California in a very long time, we encountered heavy, gusty winds that curtailed any aggressive driving, especially on country roads. What we did learn in the inclement weather is probably more important than if the roads had been dry and the sun shining brightly.

The CX-90 comes standard with i-Active AWD and Intelligent Drive Select with paddle shifters, which Mazda calls Mi-Drive, allowing the driver to select drive modes of Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Tow. The smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission instantaneously uses driving data, based on the selected drive mode, to deliver the best traction in all conditions.

The double wishbone front and multi-link independent rear suspension resulted in well-composed handling with a ride that was supple, but not soft or floaty. The solid feel was safe and confident in all driving conditions, and the 4,899-pound (Turbo S) or 5,243-pound (PHEV) never felt heavy. Due to the weather, we didn’t attempt any 0-60 timed runs, but did feel the Turbo S was faster, quicker and more fun to drive. Mazda does not market or position the CX-90 as a sport crossover, but this probably isn’t necessary as Mazda consistently builds and designs the best-handling cars and crossovers we have tested. The 2024 CX-90 was no exception.

If towing, the standard weight is 3,500 pounds, but increases to 5,000 pounds with the tow package.

Safety

The CX-90 comes with i-Activesense that offers an extensive list of standard and optional safety features including front, side and air curtain airbags, four-wheel power disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability control, traction control, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.

Jennifer Morrison, manager vehicle safety, explained Mazda’s efforts to keep drivers safe with technology that helps them maintain vehicle control. Ms. Morrison explained the CX-90 does not have a self-driving mode as the CX-90 is “fully intended for the driver to be in control of the vehicle, but it does have driver assistance of Cruising and Traffic Support. This is to support the driver in highway operations by providing acceleration and deceleration control and lane centering.” She went on to stress the difference between the words “assistance and support are very critical as this is not a system where the vehicle is driving for you.”

Pricing

The 2024 CX-90 comes in three models and 11 trim levels. These prices do not include the mandatory $1,295 delivery, processing and handling fee.

3.3 Turbo

• Select                             $39,595
• Preferred                        $43,335
• Preferred Plus                 $45,900
• Premium                         $48,900
• Premium Plus                 $52,950

3.3 Turbo S

• Turbo S                           $51,750
• Premium                         $56,450
• Premium Plus                 $59,950

PHEV

• Preferred                        $47,475
• Premium                         $52,900
• Premium Plus                 $56,590

Observations: 2024 Mazda CX-90

Mazda introduces three new electrified powerplants, including its first plug-in hybrid, to its line-up—a major step for the company. Brad Audet, chief marketing officer, told us: “We have high expectations for this vehicle as the CX-90 represents the ultimate expression of performance, craftsmanship, safety and technology. Over the past several years we have been pushing towards a more premium position, moving the brand up a bit, including the customer experience at the dealer. Overall, it is a very important car for us.”

In our short time driving the CX-90 Turbo S and PHEV, in challenging weather conditions, we were impressed. The build quality meets the premium positioning for the brand, and the handling was true to Mazda’s former branding slogan of “Zoom Zoom.” The performance was right where the company wants to be with the Turbo S, and the PHEV gives consumers the option of all-electric driving. Visit your local Mazda dealer to see how the 2024 CX-90 fits your driving lifestyle.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Mazda.

Mazda’s Competitors Waiting for the CX-90:

Road Test: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV

Road Test: 2021 Kia Telluride

Road Test: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Road Test: 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Road Test: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Road Test: 2019 Buick Enclave

Road Test: 2019 Subaru Ascent

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.