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The CX-90 contains the most powerful engine Mazda has ever put inside a vehicle - the
e-Skyactiv G 3.3L inline-six turbo. It doesn't look bad in this new color called "Artisan Red". |
Mazda has officially taken the wraps off the 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV, and it represents a continued march upmarket for the brand. The CX-90 will be Mazda’s flagship vehicle and will eventually serve as a replacement for the current CX-9 SUV. We can look at the CX-90 and clearly see family resemblance to the upcoming CX-70 – mainly that both will use Mazda’s new longitudinal-engine architecture capable of supporting electrified powertrains. AWD is standard on the CX-90.
Speaking of powertrains, two will be found under the hood of the CX-90. One setup will consist of a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six cylinder paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power output will be 340 HP and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, which if you really think about it, makes the CX-90 one of the more powerful entries in the mainstream segment. In fact, an I6 engine with electrification is so uncommon and European in flavor, until I would say that this vehicle will compete more so with luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5, Buick Enclave and Genesis GV80 than a Hyundai Palisade, the new Honda Pilot or Chevrolet Traverse.
If for some reason you want to go the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) route, Mazda has you covered. The second powertrain you can choose from in the 2024 CX-90 is a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder paired with a 17.8-kWh battery pack good for 323 HP and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with an in-house Mazda-designed eight-speed automatic transmission and the PHEV should have between 20-30 miles of all-electric driving range.
As for its design, I think that the CX-90 is a handsome vehicle. It looks like a longer, more luxurious evolution of the CX-9 and has solid RWD-based proportions. It also embodies Mazda’s Kodo design language well and looks sportier than many of its direct and indirect competition. Despite its expressive styling, the CX-90 is going to be roomier than the current CX-9. Mazda says six, seven and eight passenger variants will be offered, but I’ll reserve judgement on if this is going to be a comfortable family hauler until I’m personally able to get seat time in one.
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| To my eyes, the CX-90's interior uses thoughtful wood trim and fabric to create an environment that would make you think you're in a BMW instead of a Mazda. |
Overall, I’m a fan of modern Mazdas and the direction they’re taking in general, although the loss of the Mazda6 sedan is still a disappointment to me. How about you – do you like the new CX-90? Pricing is unknown, but I will update this piece once it becomes available. Mazda says the 2024 CX-90 will go on sale in spring 2023 - so not that long of a wait for you die-hard Mazda fans out there!
Update 2/8/2023: Pricing for the 2024 CX-90 will start at $40,970 for a base model. PHEV models begin at $48,820 for the Preferred trim and $54,275 for the Premium trim. The non-electrified 3.3 Turbo S trim stats at $53,125 and Premium Plus trims begin at $61,325.
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