2024 Mazda CX-90 Their New Flagship - Reveal Review by Larry Nutson

2024 Mazda CX-90 Engine and Trim Options and Prices

2024 Mazda CX-90
A new flagship

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Mazda USA had a strong year of sales with over 300,000 units sold in 2022. This helped Mazda to have its best US market share in 20 years.

On the invite of Mazda USA I had an in-person look at the entirely new 2024 Mazda CX-90 that made its world premier in Southern California this week. CX-90 is built on an all-new large platform that features a front-engine, rear-wheel-bias longitudinal layout designed to elevate Mazda’s signature driving performance.

The new three-row SUV will seat up to eight. There’s a choice of a mild-hybrid 3.3-L 340-HP inline-six cylinder or a 323-HP plug-in hybrid. Both are paired with a new 8-speed automatic that doesn’t employ a torque converter, but instead a multi-plate wet-clutch arrangement. An electric motor is located between the engine and the transmission on both engines. A rear-biased all-wheel drive system is standard.

Designed to a feeling, the CX-90 exterior provides both balance and emotion. Introduced with CX-90 is Mazda’s latest Takuminuri color, Artisan Red. This available paint option has been developed specifically to suit the CX-90 and provides a sophisticated, yet deeply saturated color to the vehicle’s blend of performance and refinement.

CX-90 is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control, which first debuted on the MX-5 Miata, a software feature that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and allows all occupants to maintain a natural posture.

I’ll get to drive the CX-90 later this winter. Both engines develop good output and torque. Acceleration should be good. Mazda said they worked hard to minimize cabin noise from the engine, wind and tires.

The interior is refined and uses multiple materials, such as Nappa leather, wood, and tone-on- tone fabrics that all come together harmoniously. Seating configurations will be for 6, 7, or 8. CX-90 also features larger displays, accompanied by physical buttons for often-used functions.

Overall the CX-90 is very stylish with a premium look. Short overhangs, the vertical grill, long hood, smoothly curved side profile and rounded rear all exude luxury. The well-appointed interior is serene and calming.

The new flagship CX-90 utlity vehicle is both bigger and more luxurious than the CX-9 that it will be discontinued. Mazda is redefining its brand image and moving up-market. The CX-90 will be positioned to challenge more premium and upscale brands such as Acura and Volvo.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is coming this spring. Pricing will be announced then.

Happy Motoring!

This report comes from an invitation-only Mazda event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Mazda provided my overnight accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Official Mazda CX-90 Sales Release

HIROSHIMA, Japan — On January 31 local time, Mazda North American Operations, which oversees operations of Mazda Motor Corporation in North America, unveiled the Mazda CX-90, the company's new mid-size crossover SUV.

Mazda plans to introduce four models from its Large Product Group¹ by the end of 2023 to the global market where demand for SUVs is strong. Following the CX-60 released last year, the CX-90 is the second model in Mazda's Large Product Group and offers a significant evolution in environmental and safety performance and greater joy of driving. The CX-90's launch enhances Mazda's SUV lineup, enabling the company to meet customer needs and the particularities of each market. The CX-90 also gives a further boost to Mazda's business and brand.

The CX-90 is a crossover SUV newly developed in light of features that customers in the important North American market demand. Based on the “For the Voyage of Your Life” concept, this wide-body three-row SUV offers greater comfort, functionality, and safety performance, making driving more enjoyable and travel with several friends and family more pleasant. This new flagship model makes its debut in the United States this spring.

The CX-90 design expresses a feeling of vitality rooted in Mazda's KODO or “Soul of Motion” design theme. The aesthetic of subtraction or “less is more” produces a simple shape and realizes dynamic and majestic proportions. The interior is an expression of Japanese aesthetic throughout, incorporating the dynamism of light and natural materials in an orderly elegant space.

For the powertrain, Mazda will offer a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system as well as a plug-in hybrid system e-SKYACTIV PHEV comprising a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine. In combination with the new rear-biased AWD architecture, the CX-90 offers superior environmental performance while honoring the driver's intentions.

Mazda also focused meticulous attention on creating a comfortable environment for all on board. The interior space has been enlarged around all seats. The third row is designed to seat three² and equipped with its own air conditioning vents. In addition, the CX-90's enhanced configuration reinforces towing performance, which together other amenities boosts its functionality, enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy a variety of settings and experiences during the drive.

Furthermore, inclusion of See-Through View², capable of intuitively discerning information necessary for vehicle operation, as well as a large active driving display² support safe vehicle operation and enhance the driver's peace of mind.

In moving toward 2030, Mazda will continue research based on the company's human-centered philosophy, create more moving experiences for people to enjoy as they move about in their daily life, and deliver greater enjoyment to everyday life, uplifting and energizing people.

1. The primary markets where the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 will be introduced are Europe, Japan, and other regions. The Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 will mainly be launched in North America and other regions.
2. Configuration varies according to vehicle grade.