There’s a new family SUV in town, and it’s moving Mazda’s largest SUV option more into luxury territory than ever. The new CX-90 will arrive on Mazda dealer lots as the new three-row crossover to replace the CX-9. It’s new in so many ways, giving drivers the opportunity to experience Mazda’s new rear-bias platform, new turbo engine, and its very first PHEV.
Where Does the Power Come From?
The CX-90 is the first Mada model to get a new turbo engine. The 3.3-liter six-cylinder works with a 48-volt hybrid system that combine to generate 340 horsepower under the hood of the S trims and 280 horsepower in the non-S models. If you like the idea of some pure-electric driving, a plug-in hybrid version of the CX-90 is also available. It uses a 332 horsepower four-cylinder and an electric motor, and in some tests, it went 25 miles in full-electric mode before the gas engine needed to kick in.
Regardless of what engine you choose, the Mazda CX-90 comes with all-wheel drive. But it’s an all-wheel drive system with the power biased more toward the rear wheels to give it a sportier feel. This bias also helps make it feel balanced.
How Does It Drive?
There’s no question that the CX-90 drives like a Mazda. It responds to the driver’s pressure on the gas pedal almost instantly and does in a sophisticated manner that is unique to Mazda. No matter what trim level or model you drive, it exhibits impressive body control when taking tight corners without any of that stiffness that makes you second-guess your speed. When you see a large dip in the road ahead, you can drive the CX-90 over it with confidence, knowing the suspension will eat it up and smooth it out without a second thought.
The six-cylinder engine has a nice low growl, but it uses its inside voice, so it doesn’t disturb the passengers who may want to take a nap on the road. The throttle responses in the PHEV are even stronger than with the V-6, and when the engine and motor work together, it is just as quick as the V-6.
It’s Also About the Style Inside
Upscale is the first word that comes to mind when you see the Mazda CX-90. It has room for eight passengers, with the second-row bench seat and room for seven if you get the second-row captain’s chairs. The high-end models have a dashboard covered in fabric upholstery, and the seats in the higher trims come covered in plush Nappa leather.
New Platform, New Look
When the CX-90 hits your local Mazda dealer, it will stand out from others on the lot. The new platform not only changes how this Mazda drives it changes how it looks. The hood is long, giving it an elegant but bold appearance as it heads down the road, and the details on the grille are new. These new features, along with chrome trim along the lower body for the top-level trims add to the luxurious vibe.
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