2024 Mazda CX-90 Aims to Join a Fancier Crowd

The Wall Road Journal informed us in early June that America’s beginning charge was falling, with 15 % fewer births in 2022 than in 2007. As well as, our fertility charge is hovering at lower than half the height of the late ’50s. However that hasn’t affected gross sales of three-row mid-size SUVs—the fashionable household’s substitute for the retro minivan—with gross sales working at an annual charge of greater than 1.3 million items. In fact, the mid-size class, as soon as outlined by a most size of 200 inches, is being stretched like our collective waistlines.

Contemplate this all-new Mazda CX-90, which replaces the CX-9 as the biggest machine in Mazda’s lineup. It measures 200.8 inches lengthy—an inch and a half longer than its predecessor, and longer than the Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Ford Explorer. However this does not translate to very large inside area.

Sure, the CX-90 is a bit roomier than the CX-9, with 143 cubic ft of calculated inside quantity—a rise of about eight cubes. But it surely’s 10 to 12 cubic ft smaller inside than its aforementioned rivals. That is to not say the within is tight. This stays a spacious cabin within the first and second rows, with a 3rd row appropriate principally for teenagers. However the width is mostly a little bit smaller all over the place than within the competitors.

It is fascinating that regardless of the CX-90’s 122.8-inch wheelbase—the longest within the section—legroom is one other space the place it falls behind. This is perhaps partially as a result of the CX-90 has shifted from the transverse-engine, front-drive-based format widespread to most of its rivals to a traditional north-south rear-drive configuration. Energy comes from Mazda’s brand-new 3.3-liter inline-six engine, a really BMW-esque setup.

The engine employs a single turbo and is accessible in two kinds: tuned for normal or premium gasoline. Our take a look at instance was the extra highly effective S mannequin, growing 340 ponies at 6000 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm on premium (output falls barely on common, however nonetheless stays larger than the non-S model’s 280 horsepower). It is coupled to a brand-new eight-speed computerized developed by Mazda and bolstered by a 48-volt hybrid system that does not improve peak output however can help the engine with as a lot as 113 lb-ft of torque at low rpm, primarily when ranging from relaxation.

This all sounds very sporty, however we timed the CX-90 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and thru the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 99 mph. That is loads fast sufficient for household use, however solely a tenth faster in every measure than the 291-hp Hyundai Palisade—and slower than the 300-hp Ford Explorer. Much more shocking, regardless of the Mazda engine’s beneficiant torque and the hybrid enhance, the CX-90 is simply common within the 30-to-50-mph and 50-to-70-mph intervals, which measure responsiveness in on a regular basis driving. And whereas the six-cylinder is easy and quiet in informal driving, full throttle raises the amount significantly however with out producing the melodious growl we have come to count on from sporty and highly effective inline-sixes.

A few of this lack of midrange punch is perhaps blamed on the moist clutch that replaces the torque converter utilized in most computerized transmissions. This transformation is probably chargeable for serving to with the CX-90’s stellar gasoline economic system. The EPA rankings for the S mannequin are 23 mpg metropolis, 28 freeway, and 25 mixed. Most rivals path by 4 or 5 mpg within the mixed ranking. And these numbers apply to the actual world, as our automotive achieved 29 mpg—1 mpg larger than the EPA quantity—on our 75-mph freeway take a look at.

In fact, Mazdas are often identified for his or her above-average driving dynamics. We anticipated lots from the CX-90 on this regard, as a result of the machine enjoys a control-arm entrance suspension and extra balanced front-to-rear weight distribution than the standard front-drive-based SUV. At metropolis speeds the steering supplies good really feel, however at freeway speeds it turns into heavy, making the CX-90 appear larger than it’s. Dealing with and stability are first rate however not particular, and cornering grip of 0.85 g is simply barely higher than the category common. The 70-mph stopping distance of 177 ft is, once more, solely common. And with this mannequin’s 21-inch wheels and tires, the journey was flinty on tough pavement, even with solely three individuals and three heavy baggage aboard.

Inside, the styling is good-looking, however not all the supplies drew reward. In our top-of-the-line Premium Plus–package deal model, the tan nappa-leather upholstery is accompanied by massive swatches of tan suede on the dashboard face. A extra subdued design with a much less colourful inside can also be accessible.

What we did like was a full set of HVAC controls above the middle console, so we did not should discover the depths of the display menus to vary the temperature. Basically, the infotainment system works fairly effectively, managed by both contact or with a rotary controller on the console. Nonetheless, one factor odd in regards to the HVAC controls was the pair of toggles used to boost and decrease the temperature setting for both aspect of the entrance cabin. Urgent the blue one down lowered the temperature, however urgent the purple one down raised the temperature. A single toggle with each up and down motions would have been less complicated, simpler, and extra logical.

Though base CX-90s begin at $40,970, our absolutely outfitted CX-90 stickered at $61,920, which is about $8000 greater than a loaded Hyundai Palisade and over $7000 greater than a top-shelf Kia Telluride. Mazda is attempting to push into the premium sphere with its new fashions, and in absolutely loaded Premium Plus guise, the CX-90 packs loads of options and {hardware}. However the CX-90’s highest trim prices greater than our favourite three-row SUVs of their priciest spec, leaving us questioning whether or not the top-shelf CX-90 can leap over these cheaper rivals. We’ll have a solution as quickly as we assemble the section for a comparability take a look at.

Contributing Editor

Csaba Csere joined Automobile and Driver in 1980 and by no means actually left. After serving as Technical Editor and Director, he was Editor-in-Chief from 1993 till his retirement from lively responsibility in 2008. He continues to dabble in automotive journalism and LeMons racing, in addition to ministering to his 1965 Jaguar E-type, 2017 Porsche 911, and trio of bikes—when not snowboarding or mountain climbing close to his residence in Colorado.