Before 2023, the CX-9 was Mazda's flagship crossover. It was one of our favorite SUVs to drive, with a playful feel and a torquey four-cylinder engine. With a premium interior and a swanky exterior leaning heavily on Mazda's Kodo design language, the CX-9 felt like a luxury SUV on a budget.
The only issues were the CX-9 being a bit on the small side and feeling more like an upsized version of Mazda's smaller crossovers than a definitive vehicle in its own right. Mazda hopes to rectify that with the all-new 2024 CX-90. It's bigger. It's flashier. It offers a new 3.3-liter inline-six and 2.5-liter plug-in powertrains. And if you level up to the Turbo S Premium Plus Package AWD version, destination and handling nudges the price tag over $60,000. The CX-9 felt like a luxury SUV for the money. The CX-90 is a luxury SUV.
I drove the CX-90 plug-in hybrid earlier this year. Then Mazda loaned me the aforementioned Turbo S Premium Plus Package AWD version for a week at home in Michigan.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S: What We Think
I didn't think the CX-90 PHEV was ready for prime time. But fitted with the new inline-six combustion engine, the CX-90 presents an impressive all-around package. The 3.3-liter is smooth, if not overly sporty. The luxurious interior catches the eye. And judging from the glowing unsolicited reactions I received from family members — I bring home a bunch of cool cars that aren't three-row crossovers, so this was surprising — I don't think the CX-90 price point will be an issue.
Like the Telluride for Kia, the CX-90 can change perceptions of Mazda among upscale buyers. The Turbo S version of the 3.3-liter inline-six isn't cheap, starting at $51,750. But I think that engine is worth the cost of admission. It offers 60 more horsepower than the base gas engine while being nearly as efficient with the same 25 mpg combined rating. The Turbo S offers a more intuitive driving experience than the PHEV, which has a tough-to-predict throttle output.
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The CX-90's inline-six is smooth, if not sporty
Wielding 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque sounds like a riotous good time. That's not quite how I would describe the CX-90. It can get a hurry on when asked, but it's tuned far more for seamless everyday family use. It's responsive when you hit the pedal and gives a smooth, linear power delivery — closer to an inline-six German luxury car than the coarse V6s most midsize family haulers try to get by with — that goes as far as you'd push your kid transporter.
The soundtrack emanating into the cabin did sound a bit too zesty to be believed. But I'd prefer that to it sounding agricultural and sad.
The CX-90 interior befits the luxury price point
I test drive new cars weekly and bring home everything from brand-new BMWs to futuristic electric sedans to the odd Bentley. Nothing I've tried this year has earned as much of a reaction from my family members as the Mazda CX-90. I credit that to the show-stopping interior.
Materials in the CX-90 interior are interesting to look at and touch, with quilted Nappa leather-trimmed seats, soft suede-like material on the dash and extra cushy armrests. Vital functions are controlled with (audible gasp) buttons. The CX-90 features an expansive, clear and horizontally-oriented 12.3-inch infotainment display. And unlike in previous Mazdas, you can use it as a touchscreen in motion while using Apple Carplay or Android Auto (but only then).
But the CX-90 doesn’t resolve the CX-9’s space issue
The Mazda CX-9's main drawback was a tight third row and cargo area. And despite a bulbous-shaped rear end, the CX-90 doesn't really resolve that. The CX-90's maximum 15.9 cubic feet with the the third row up — basically a sedan-sized trunk oriented vertically — delivers only the slightest improvement from the CX-9's 14.4 cubic feet. It's not enough to hold three rows of passengers and their luggage.
I also question the utility of the third row. I found sitting back there claustrophobic as a 5'11" adult. And that was sitting back there for a minute or so in my driveway, not being on an extended road trip. The optimal use case for the CX-90 is still a four-person family that may do a rare bit of carpooling.
What are some Mazda CX-90 alternatives?
The Mazda CX-90 sort of slots between the mass-market and luxury segments. At the lower end, it will rival cars like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. At the higher end, the CX-90 pits itself against vehicles the next rung up, like the Volvo XC90 and the Acura MDX.
The closest analog for the CX-90 Turbo S is another all-new SUV, the Toyota Grand Highlander, fitted with the Hybrid Max powertrain. Those vehicles have similar price points. The engines are similarly efficient. I'd give the CX-90 the edge on interior materials and driving refinement. However, the Grand Highlander has more cargo space and a more adult-friendly third row.
2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD
- Powertrain: Turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six; 8-speed automatic; AWD
- Horsepower: 340
- Torque: 369 lb-ft
- EPA Gas Mileage: 23 mpg city; 28 mpg combined
- Seats: 6-8
"A version of this story first appeared in Gear Patrol Magazine. Learn More."
