When it comes to buying a car, there are a lot of factors that people usually consider. Apart from the performance and design of a vehicle, car safety is also important to consider when shopping for a car. In the modern world, having safety features is important for all recent models, and Mazda has enforced this effectively in its new model, the CX-90.

Before the CX-90, Mazda had several high-quality vehicles, including its predecessor, the Mazda CX-9, and also the CX-5. Although previous models have exceptional performance and features, their safety features are out-of-date. Mazda has addressed this issue in the new CX-90, which has the latest safety updates and passed the new rear-seat crash test.

Is the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a good vehicle to buy?

Certainly, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a stunning midsize crossover SUV with various distinct features and 7-passenger seating, making it ideal for families. Many would argue that the 2024 CX-90 is simply the perfection of the CX-9.

According to Mazda USA, the CX-90 will have a starting MSRP of $39,595, which is more than fair for such a beauty. The CX-90 has three electrified powertrains: the CX-90 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the CX-90 PHEV. 

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo S models will have a 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder Turbo engine, which is more powerful compared to the CX-9’s engine. This engine has a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. Also, the CX-90 has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, which is better than many other SUVs. 

It also comes in four different premium paint colors: Artisan Red, Rhodium White, Machine Gray Metallic, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic, each for $595. Buying a CX-90 would therefore be a good move for vehicle owners. 

The CX-90 is equipped with new and enhanced safety features

In Mazda’s quest to prove itself as a superior brand, several extra safety features have been added to the CX-90. Some of the i-Activsense safety features include an Emergency Lane Keeping system, which has lane-keeping alerts that warn the driver whenever the vehicle is too close to other lanes, and a Secondary Collision Reduction System, automatically applying the brakes in the case of a rear-end collision to avoid more damage after it has happened.  

Passenger safety is also improved in the CX-90 with its rear-seat alert system, which prevents both objects and children from falling off the seats by alerting the driver. Consumer Reports says newer vehicles have pretensioners and load limiters, and the CX-90 is part of this group. 

Pretensioners minimize collision damage by tightening the seatbelts at the onset of a crash. At the same time, load limiters slightly loosen the grip on the belt spool to reduce any force that would injure a person’s chest. Even though the CX-9 lacks these two safety features, they have been included in its successor, the CX-90. 

The Mazda CX-9 failed the IIHS’s new frontal test

Every time a new vehicle enters the market, it has to undergo a series of safety tests to evaluate whether or not it would be safe for its passengers to use. These tests change occasionally, so automakers are challenged to make their vehicles safer. One of its latest tests is the moderate overlap frontal test. 

Unfortunately, the CX-9 failed this test when it was evaluated, and this was due to its lack of load limiters and pretensioners. Mazda was thus challenged to make an even safer vehicle that also ensures passenger safety. By adding pretensioners and load limiters to the 2024 CX-90, Mazda has achieved its goal of providing a safer means of travel for its users.