Mazda rolls out CX-90 crossover for 2024, prices begin at $39,595

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Mazda has introduced yet another family-size crossover utility for 2024, the CX-90, the largest and most well-equipped Mazda vehicle ever designed for the U.S. market.

With a total of 11 variations, including a plug-in hybrid, the six- or seven-passenger CX-90 starts at $39,595 and runs as high as $59,950 for the top-of-the-line 3.3 Turbo Premium S Plus model, which we tested for this report.

The CX-90 is slated above the CX-9, which is Mazda’s largest crossover for 2023.

It’s available in three new powertrain options, CX-90 3.3 Turbo S, CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid), and CX-90 3.3 Turbo.

Our tester had the 3.3 Turbo S e-Skyactiv G inline six-cylinder engine, the most-powerful mass-production gasoline engine ever made by Mazda.

It’s rated at 340 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque when using the recommended premium fuel, and posts EPA ratings of an estimated 23 mpg city/28 highway/25 mpg combined.

While it’s no speed demon, because, well, it is a family SUV, we found our CX-90 to have more than adequate power while climbing hills and passing, even when loaded with four adults and some light cargo.  

For those interested in the hybrid realm, the CX-90 PHEV has an electric motor connected to a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that has a combined 323 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque when using premium fuel.

The hybrid is designed to operate purely on electric power in a variety of driving scenarios, Mazda says.

It comes with a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery, which Mazda says is helpful for longer drives or when the driver requires maximum acceleration, such as merging onto the freeway.

No EPA fuel-economy estimates have been released yet for the PHEV model.

Also available on the base CX-90 is the standard e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbo inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 280 horsepower and 332 foot-pounds of torque, using regular fuel.

It has EPA ratings of an estimated 24 city/28 highway/25 combined.

Both inline six engines are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

All three powertrain choices come with Mazda’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the CX-90.

The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, creating smooth acceleration from a standstill, and allowing the motor to power the CX-90 directly at low speeds.

All CX-90 models include such features as the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select system, or Mi-Drive, with Sport and Off-Road modes; Kinematic Posture Control, a software feature first debuted on the MX-5 Miata that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and help occupants maintain a natural posture; and i-Activ all-wheel drive.

All CX-90 models come with a new rear-seat alert feature to help avoid accidentally leaving children or groceries in the rear when exiting the vehicle.

As with the CX-9, the new CX-90 is aimed at young couples and modern families, but also is meant for older empty-nesters who pursue active lifestyles.

The CX-90 can hold up to seven passengers in its standard configuration, with two bucket seats up front, a middle-row three-person bench seat, and a two-person third-row bench seat.

With dual captain’s chairs instead of the bench seat in the middle row, the CX-90 has room for up to six passengers, which is how our tester was equipped.

Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features are standard on all models. They include Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Standard exterior features on our tester included 21-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power rear liftgate, body-color rear roof spoiler, heated/power/auto-tilt outside mirrors with memory (auto-dimming on driver’s side), aluminum roof rails, power panoramic moon roof, adaptive front LED automatic headlights with high-beam control, rain-sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, and P275/45-R21 all-season tires.

Our test vehicle came with the premium Artisan Red Metallic exterior paint ($595 extra) and the tan Nappa leather interior.

Also included on our CX-90 were a 12.3-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen with navigation, Bose premium audio with 12 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, wireless phone charging, USB inputs, and satellite radio; three-zone automatic climate control with third-row vents; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio pairing; 360-degree camera system; and frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage/gate opener.

Other Premium Plus features included Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System with next generation key fob; heated leather steering wheel; eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar and memory, and eight-way power front passenger seat; and vehicle exit warning.

The front and rear seats on our vehicle were heated and ventilated, with quilted Nappa leather in the front and middle rows.

The CX-90 competes with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas, Volvo XC-90, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Dodge Durango.

Overall, the new CX-90 stands out as one of the best family SUVs in its class. It combines large measures of style and performance into a package that not only has great curb appeal, but also is a pleasure to drive.

On our Premium tester, there was 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat.

We enjoyed the Bose premium audio and the navigation system, which had 2-D and 3-D modes. It was easy to program and had large type for easier reading on the go.

CX-90’s interior is typical of Mazda products, with great attention to detail and lots of creature comforts. The three-zone automatic climate control was efficient in keeping all passengers comfortable.

Besides the premium paint, there were no options on our 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus tester. Total sticker price was $61,920, including freight and options.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on X @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

The package: Midsize, six- or seven-passenger, five-door, turbocharged, four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive, crossover utility vehicle.

Highlights: This is the new flagship of the Mazda crossover lineup, introduced for 2024 as the largest and most expensive family vehicle from the performance-oriented Japanese automaker. It has great looks, sporty performance and lots of high-tech safety technology.

Negatives: Limited cargo space behind third row.

Engines: 3.3-liter turbo inline six-cylinder (base); 3.3-liter turbo inline six-cylinder (Turbo S); 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with electric motor (PHEV).

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.

Power/torque: 280 HP./332 foot-pounds, using regular fuel (base); 340 HP./369 foot-pounds using premium fuel (Turbo S); 323 HP./369 foot-pounds, combined gasoline/electric, using premium fuel (PHEV).

Length: 201.6 inches.

Curb weight range: 4,709-5,243 pounds.

Cargo volume: 14.9/15.9 cubic feet (behind third seat).

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds or 5,000 pounds with towing package (except PHEV).

Electronic stability control: Standard, with anti-roll feature.

Side air bags: Seat-mounted front side; side-curtain for all rows.

Fuel capacity/type: 18.5/19.6 gallons, unleaded regular acceptable.

EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city/28 highway/25 combined (base 3.3); 23/28/25 (3.3 Turbo S); N/A (PHEV).

Base price range: $39,595-$59,950, plus $1,375 freight.

Price as tested: $61,920, including freight and premium paint (2024 Turbo S Premium Plus).

On the Road rating: 9.2 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.