3 Pros and 1 Con of Driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90
The newest three-row SUV from Mazda hits it out of the park. Thanks to the latest technology, driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is easy and feels safe. The CX-90 was a joy to drive during testing, and the pros outweighed the cons. Check out some important reasons that make this brand-new sport utility vehicle worthy of such a positive reaction.
What is driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90 like?
Living with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is comfortable. Mazda knew that people loved the outgoing CX-9 and really improved upon that platform to make the CX-90 excellent right out of the gate. This is pretty clear when you first step inside the cabin of the CX-90. It makes good use of the space, and the third row is a benefit. During testing, the cargo space proved more important than the actual seating. That might not be the case for all families, though.
The SUV has 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats up. That increased to 75.2 cubic feet when all of the rows were folded. There is also more space under the cargo floor for things you might not need all the time or want to hide away.
Those who order it from the factory can decide between a six, seven, or eight-passenger seating configuration. If you don’t plan on using the third row, that opens up plenty of space in the back. Our test vehicle was the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus in a six-seat arrangement. Any of the configurations make for a good family vehicle.
Technology is just enough in the 2024 Mazda CX-90
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has the latest technology but isn’t overwhelming. For some of the more essential controls, Mazda opted for actual buttons. That makes changing the air conditioning and other climate control settings uncomplicated without hunting through a touchscreen.
The touchscreen is responsive, and our test vehicle came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly, and the 360 View Monitor made parking uncomplicated. Speaking of parking, this SUV has an incredible turn radius. It turned around in small spaces very easily, and all the cameras helped.
Mazda displayed important information on the dashboard, such as speed and gas levels. This Active Driving Display was clear and straightforward. It also showed some safety system features like Lane Keep Assist and Blind-Spot Assist. Mazda made it simple to find important information without taking your eyes off the road.
Mazda’s engine lineup for the CX-90 is quick!
There are three trim levels to choose from for the 2024 CX-90. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus had a 3.3L inline-six turbo engine with 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was unexpectedly quick! The SUV had no trouble coming up to speed on the highway and was quite energetic during regular driving. This trim level is at the top of the lineup, costing $61,920, and has the highest horsepower.
| Engine | Horsepower/Torque | Fuel Economy/Range | MSRP |
| CX-90 3.3 Turbo | 280 hp/332 lb-ft | 24 city/28 hwy/25 mpg combined | $39,595 |
| CX-90 PHEV | 323 hp/369 lb-ft (Premium fuel) | 26 miles EV range, 490 miles total range, 56 MPGe combined | $47,445 |
| CX-90 3.3 Turbo S | 340 hp/369 lb-ft (Premium fuel) | 23 city/28 hwy/25 mpg combined | $51,750 |
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has 490 miles of total range, which is a great option for those who want more fuel economy but aren’t ready for an EV. This gets 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. For the third engine choice, another 3.3L inline-six turbo with 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque is available.
First-generation problems are possible
The CX-90 replaces the CX-9 in the lineup but is still a brand-new vehicle. Sometimes, this can mean more problems than a vehicle on the market for a few years. There was some wear on the plastics in the second row of our test vehicle after only 3,000 miles or so. While scuffed plastic isn’t a big deal, it could mean that some other interior pieces show signs of wear easily.
On the flip side, purchasing the CX-90 in its first year might mean you get a better deal. New cars tend to increase in price in the current environment, especially if it is popular among shoppers. Getting into the CX-90 before it receives price markups could be wise.
In conclusion, driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a positive experience on all levels. There are a significant amount of three-row SUVs on the market, which means something really has to stand out in the crowd. The CX-90 does that in all the right ways.
