Do you know how many mid-size, three-row SUV’s options there are? There are 15 models across 13 brands, and that is before we get into the luxury sector which tacks on addition 11 models. And some of those brands offer more than one mid-size, three-row SUV in their line-up. Crazy, right? So, to you, the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is just another new family SUV… but it is so much more than that.  

Stately Elegance 

Mazda took a completely different approach when it came to the development of their new family crossover. With most crossovers being designed from the start to be a front-wheel drive system this gave their design propositions a less than premium stance. Just looking at the CX-90 in its side profile, it gives off a stately luxurious flow, almost Range Rover, Volvo-ish with the front wheels pushed forward, away from the front doors. That is because Mazda took on a rear-drive platform design, even though it is standard with all-wheel drive. But this gives the profile a far more dignified posture that stands up against the premium brands.  

Over the lifespan of SIX SPEED BLOG, if a Mazda did not show up Gray, Silver or White, it was in its popular Soul Red color palate. Now, we hate red on cars because they are notoriously difficult to photograph. But there was something special about this new Mazda Artisan Red. It comes at a $595 premium, and it is perfectly stunning, giving a more maroon look in the right lighting and extinguishing its silky silhouette that gives an elegant stance anywhere its parked.  

Music to our Ears 

There are three stages to the CX-90. There is an entry powertrain in the form of a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine that starts with the Turbo Select at $39,595. That entry powertrain comes in the form of 280-horsepower and 332 lbs-ft of torque. Next a Plug-In Hybrid comes into the light with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 68 kW electric motor with a combined total output of 323-horsepower that starts at $49,945. Then we have the daddy of the bunch with a re-tuned version of the 3.3-turbo that produces 340-horsepower and 369 lbs-ft of torque that starts at $51,750 with the Turbo S model. However, this premium engine requires premium fuel – should you skimp on the premium gold, the performance figures drop from 340, to 319-horsepower. Not a dramatic difference, but a difference.  

With our top-tiered example fuel up with prime-time juice, it marks itself as one of the quicker mid-size SUV’s out of the lot with 0-60 in about 6.5-seconds. Now, that may not seem like it is all that quick but considering that many of the other brands push closer to and/or beyond the 7-second mark, those are impressive numbers for an SUV that weights nearly 5,000-pounds.  

Both turbocharged engines are paired with a system noted as M-Hybrid Boost. It is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that works to fill in the efficiency gaps the run accessories like air conditioning, onboard electrics and generates an extremely smooth start/stop system, like the systems found in Mercedes-Benz.  

There is something different about the CX-90 compared to its rival brands. You can tell Mazda went the extra mile engineering it in such a way that it feels competent and composed – as if they do not want you to spot the difference when getting out of your MX-5 and getting into the CX-90. Not that the CX-90 drives like a sports car, but the attributes are surely there. The steering is firm with heavily weighted tunning that is quick to respond and provides the feeling that there was more precision to the wheels. The brake pedal is sensitive to the touch. And the inline-six makes a musical to the ears when we press the go pedal.  

We must remember that the CX-90 is not a sports car, despite how much Mazda wants to make it. On the road, the suspension is confident soaking up the necessary roughness of the road. It provides the necessary comforts of a family SUV. But take a drive out of town to your once favorite mountain road and suddenly it does not quite feel like the MX-5 you had before children came around. However, compared to other competitors, the CX-90 can still outmaneuver them.  

If there was any beef to be had with the CX-90, it came down its 8-speed automatic transmission. It is a clever transmission that uses a wet clutch in lieu of a torque converter, the results feature quicker and more direct shift points but the at slow speeds, such as in traffic, the system becomes childish jerking the entire vehicle – like its throwing a tantrum because we want it to be in first gear.  

Premium Is Too Basic for This Interior 

You can tell that Mazda really wanted the CX-90 to be the next level. Now-a-days, the word “premium” has become an overused synonym to describe what was once ordinarily basic & cheap to feeling something more than it should – a smoke and mirrors concept. When it comes to “premium” it is something we would describe the CX-50, but the CX-90… the CX-90 is classy. It gives a hit of vintage luxury with fabric material on the dash and door panels with wood accents and hint of metal dividing the two materials. Even the 12.3-inch infotainment screen has a way of being there, but not overbearing or encroaching your space.  

With our example being the Premium Plus, it was outfitted with supple nappa leather seats. Passenger comfort was top notch with second row passengers having access to their own climate control system and their own heated AND ventilated seats. Unfortunately, like many SUVs with a third row, access is not always the easiest and passenger comfort is not exactly on the same level as the first two rows. But should you really need that much more space, might we introduce you to the world of minivans… just saying.  

Still A Win, But by a Margin 

The biggest problem the CX-90 faces is where it really fits in. Stuck between the general population and the luxury class its pricing starts to become harder to justify. With many of its competitors coming in short of $60,000 in their highest, most optioned trim, our CX-90 finished off at $61,920, which starts to put it in a different class. For the same amount of money, one could find themselves in an Acura MDX, Lexus TX 350, or Volvo XC90… just to name a few out of the 11 luxury options.  

With the CX-90, you do get what you pay for. You get a little bit of class with a hint of sportiness and refinedness. It is an SUV that will not be for everyone, especially toddlers with dirty hands against the white cloth door panels but it is an SUV for those who want a little bit of sophisticated comfort and space without losing out on the spirit of driving. And for that, it is still a win.