We have mixed feelings as the Mazda CX-9 is on its way out to make room for the new and improved Mazda CX-90. The CX-9 is sporty, refined, and luxurious, with three rows for young families to enjoy. But the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has significant family improvements to consider. 

Is the 2024 Mazda CX-90 bigger than the Mazda CX-9?

Yes, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is larger than the Mazda CX-9. The CX-90 rides on a large platform. It’s 201.6 inches long, 68.7 inches tall, and 77.6 inches wide. The CX-9 is 199.4 inches long, 69 inches tall, and 77.5 inches wide. 

The larger size of the CX-90 provides more cargo and passenger space for families to enjoy. Plus, the CX-90 has larger door openings for easier access to each row. I hit my head getting into the CX-9 a few times because it sits lower to the ground with smaller doors. 

In the CX-90, loading larger and bulkier cargo is much easier with wide back doors. The middle seats slide forward and back, making them easier to work with. We’re confident that it’s easier to install child seats in the CX-90, too. 

Also, the extended wheelbase in the CX-90 provides a smoother ride. However, the CX-9 quickly dampens impacts as well. 

How much space does the Mazda CX-90 have? 

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has 41.7 inches of legroom in the front, 39.4 inches of legroom in the second row, and 30.4 inches of legroom in the third row. 

With the Mazda CX-9, you get 41.0 inches in the front, 39.4 inches of legroom in the middle, and 29.7 inches in the rear. 

While the front and second rows feel more spacious with plenty of adjustment controls, the most noticeable difference is in the third row. I could sit and relax for short rides in the back of the CX-90. 

At 5/1”, my knee space did feel tight, but anyone shorter than me would have all the space in the world. Plus, the second-row seats slide forward if needed. In the third row of the CX-9, the headrest hit the center of my back, and I felt scrunched up like a spider. 

Also, the CX-90 provides 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and up to 75.2 cubes overall. The CX-9 has 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 71.2 cubes. 

While the CX-0 falls short compared to rivals, it still builds upon the CX-9 with more space for your gear. Plus, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while the CX-9 maxes out at 3,500 lbs. 

The 2024 CX-90 is sportier and more efficient 

Both the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and the 2023 Mazda CX-9 have standard AWD and plenty of power for an engaging ride. However, the CX-9 only has one engine. 

The turbocharged  2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds. 

The standard CX-90 engine is a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the Turbo S for 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.5 seconds. 

Save fuel with the 2023 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack to generate 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

It has an EPA-estimated 20 miles of electric range on a full charge and up to 56 MPGe. When the charge is depleted, it gets about 25 mpg, but the regenerative brakes are constantly recharging the batteries. 

The Mazda CX-90 is more modern 

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has a modern interior with upscale materials. While the Mazda CX-9 is plush, with brushed metal accents and surfaces covered with soft-touch materials, it started showing its age. 

Also, the CX-90 has wireless Apple CarPlay with touchscreen functionality, larger screens, improved cameras, ventilated seats in the second row, a panoramic sunroof, cross-traffic alert, and automatic rear braking. 

Standard safety features include forward collision mitigation, rear sear reminder, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, and safe exit assist. 

Basically, the CX-90 takes everything we love about the CX-9 into a bigger package. You get more cargo space, passenger space, and a larger towing capacity. 

Plus, it’s sporty and well-equipped to easily merge into traffic while being nimble and easy to operate in tight areas. Also, the tech is more advanced with more standard features to give you peace of mind. 

Do you like where the Mazda CX-90 is going, or do you wish the classic Mazda CX-9 was sticking around?