2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus AWD
10/10/2024
Shahed Hussain
Mazda has been gradually shifting its product line into primarily SUVs, a reflection of market realities. The second-generation CX-90 is based on a new AWD platform powered by a turbo 3.3L inline-6 or a 2.5L plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Six models are powered by the inline-6: Turbo Select, Preferred, Premium Sport, Premium Plus, Turbo S Premium, and Turbo S Premium Plus. The base CX-90 MSRP is $37,845 and ranges up to $55,950. The CX-90 PHEV starts at $49,945 and tops out at $57,450. Note that 2025 CX-90s are priced higher than equivalent 2024 models.
We tested a 2024 CX-90 Premium Plus AWD ($52,950) painted in Artisan Red ($695) with no other options. Including the $1,375 delivery totaled up to $54,920. Significant standard equipment includes Nappa leather seats, heated/ventilated front seats, heated 2nd row seats, 8-way power driver's and passenger's seats, heated steering wheel, power panoramic moonroof, 12.3-in infotainment display, navigation, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 21-in. alloy wheels, power rear liftgate, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Safety technologies include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and radar cruise control.
Depending on the trim level, Mazda offers the CX-90 in four seating configurations: 8-seater, two different 7-seaters, and 6-seater. The Premium Plus test vehicle had the standard 7-seat (2/2/3) layout. The 6-seat configuration is only available on Turbo S models. Only Select, Preferred and Preferred Plus trims can be ordered with eight seats.
Mazda's new turbocharged 3.3L inline-6 is available in two power ratings: 280-hp (Turbo) or 340-hp (Turbo S). The CX-90 PHEV powertrain is a 189-hp 2.5L inline-4 coupled to a 100-kW electric motor and 17.8 kWh battery pack. The all-aluminum six has dual-overhead cams and develops 280-hp @5,000-6,000 RPM and 332 lb.-ft. @ 2,000-3,500 RPM in the Turbo specification. All non-PHEV CX-90s get Mazda's 48V mild hybrid system: an electric motor rated at 16.6-hp @ 900 RPM and 113 lb.-ft. @ 200 RPM, powered by a 0.33 kWh battery pack. The new 8-speed automatic uses a wet clutch instead of the typical torque converter. EPA fuel consumption is rated at 24/28 MPG (city/hwy.). We achieved 26-27 MPG in mostly highway driving. Mazda limits top speed to 127 MPH.
The CX-90 suspension consists of a double wishbone setup with coil springs and dampers in front. At the rear is a multi-link design with coil springs and dampers. Vented discs are at all four wheels: 13.7-in. rotors front and 13.8-in. rear. Both 19-in. or 21-in. alloy wheels are available depending on the model. Our test vehicle was equipped with 275/45R21 Toyo Open Country A50 all-season tires mounted on 21-in. wheels. A motor-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system is geared for 3.3 turns lock-to-lock. Curb weight ranges from 4,709 lbs. (Turbo) to 5,243 lbs. (PHEV). The CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. with the optional towing package.
Mazda's interior design continues a theme of understated luxury. Polished aluminum trim on the steering wheel, dash and doors adds modern ambiance. Simulated wood veneer on the center console and upper door panels contrasts with the aluminum and black interior hues. The configurable electronic gauge cluster displays an analog tachometer, speedometer, along with smaller fuel and coolant temperature gauges. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio, phone and cruise control buttons on the spokes. Paddles mounted on the steering wheel enable manual gearshifts. A 12.3-in. touchscreen is mounted on the dash. Under the center dash vents are the climate control and seat heating/ventilation settings. A stubby electronic shifter on the center console is offset toward the driver. Dual cupholders are located next to the shifter. Knobs and buttons for the audio system are on the console for convenient access. Second-row passengers also get their separate climate controls and dual USB-C ports behind the center console.
Mazda positions the CX-90 as a luxury SUV, so comfortable, supportive seats are expected. We were disappointed that the front seat padding is too firm, and the seat cushions are too short, limiting thigh support. Shorter drivers may find the front seats tolerable, but we could not find an acceptable seat position on a six-hour road trip. Even the adjustable lumbar support caused lower back pain. Front headroom is acceptable for occupants up to 6 ft. tall. The second-row seats are reasonably comfortable, but legroom is reduced if the cramped third-row seats are used.
Mazda's new inline-6 is exceptionally smooth, delivering excellent midrange acceleration and minimal turbo lag. The stop/start system shuts down the engine at idle, using the electric motor to power accessories and restarting the engine when accelerating from a stop. The 8-speed automatic shifts seamlessly in most cases, but we noted occasional jerky upshifts. Downshifts are smooth but delayed, similar to a torque converter automatic. Since using the paddles made no difference in shift speed, we left the transmission in automatic mode for most driving.
Since the CX-90 is the luxury SUV in Mazda's lineup, the suspension is tuned toward a compliant ride. On smooth roads the ride quality is acceptable, but on patched surfaces the 21-in. wheels and low-profile tires deliver more road impacts than expected. On winding roads, the Mazda's slow steering response coupled with moderate body roll and understeer encourage a relaxed pace. At 80 MPH cruise, the CX-90 tracks accurately, requiring minimal steering corrections. Wind, engine and tire noise are subdued at highway speeds. The vented disc brakes have progressive pedal actuation and excellent stopping power from highway speeds.
The second-generation CX-90 is a significant step forward for Mazda. From our perspective, CX-90's value proposition is especially compelling in the less expensive trim levels. Only a few brands offer a longitudinal rear-drive platform near its price point. Mazda's inline-6 is unique among midsize SUVs, further separating the CX-90 from other competitors. Customers must decide if the CX-90 promises enough luxury and refinement versus the more popular SUVs from other American, Japanese, Korean or European brands.
