31 January 2023 – Malibu, California
Mazda took the wraps off their latest new vehicle today, a three-row crossover that continues to take the brand further upscale. It offers a bold, new design, two new electrified powertrains, and an interior that is both roomier and more luxurious than the CX-9 that it will eventually replace. Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said “CX-90 offers powerful and responsive performance, alluring design, and intuitive technology.”
The CX-90 is the first vehicle to be produced on Mazda’s new large vehicle platform and is longer and wider roomier than the CX-9. It is a front engine set up with a rear biased i-Activ all-wheel drive system with short overhangs front and rear. The platform is designed to provide a solid foundation for the new crossover with optimized stiffness and rigidity. According to Yasutake Tsuchida, Senior Director of Design, Mazda North American Operations, it all comes together to create a full-size vehicle that still delivers Mazda driving dynamics.
The design is all new and while it bears a strong resemblance to Mazda’s other crossovers, it looks smoother and more substantial. The long hood and low roofline, along with the available 21-inch diamond cut wheels with a black metallic finish, give the CX-90 a feeling of motion. The curved surfaces provide an interesting canvas for the brand’s newest paint color, Artisan Red. It’s an deep wine red that goes from almost black when it’s in the shadows to flashes of brilliant red when in direct sunlight.
Power is another big story here. Both available powertrains are electrified. An all-new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline 6 cylinder engine features an electric motor between it and the 8-speed automatic transmission. While this mild hybrid system does improve efficiency, it is really designed to enhance performance. The system output is 340 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque making it the most powerful engine ever in a mass-produced Mazda. Also available is a plug in hybrid system with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine driving the same 8-speed automatic. That system uses a 17.3 kWh battery which should provide about 30 miles of all electric driving range.
Inside, the CX-90 will seat anywhere from six to eight passengers depending on the configuration. Mazda had two trim levels on display both with second row captains chairs, though 3-passenger bench will be available. Both interiors are both a big step up from current Mazda products. Overall, the new interior displays a strong Japanese design ethos, focused on simplicity and purpose. Mazda was light on both product specifications and feature descriptions at this teaser event, but in what we believe will be the top trim finishes include Nappa leather seats, woven dash covers, real maple veneers, and hand stitching that was inspired by hand-bookbinding and a weaving technique known as Kumihimo.
Technology has been upgraded as well with larger screens and updated advanced driver assist features. Mazda’s 12.3-inch center display interface still doesn’t allow for touch screen control when using Mazda’s operating system. If you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, it is a touch screen. The CX-90 will have a full suite of i-Activsense safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Mazda teased, “other new features that will help enhance the confident experience for all occupants.”
We will be driving the new Mazda CX-90 at the end of March and will provide a more thorough review of the vehicle then. It certainly looks like an interesting competitor in a very tight segment. Especially when Mazda is insistent on moving upscale so they will be competing with not just the top trims of vehicles like Explorer, Highlander, and Palisade, but also premium crossovers like the Acura RDX and Lexus RX-350. It’s certainly an ambition challenge, and one we’re looking forward to putting to the test.
