Design-wise, the Mazda CX-90 is stunning. For the automotive savvy, it’s a grounding breath of fresh air in a time of questionable (to say the least) automotive design. Heck I’ll just say it – the Mazda CX-90 makes some of the other car brands look like bad AI. And for that reason alone, the Mazda deserves admiration & consideration. But Mazda’s attraction isn’t just skin deep. Let’s talk about the interior, and the engine…
Mazda CX-90 cockpit…
The interior reflects the same confidence in design as the exterior. Mazda does not follow the iPhone design trends that have been nothing short or cancerous to real automotive design. The Mazda CX-90 is the Goldilocks of SUV cockpits. It’s not too modern or sanitized, nor is it too busy & gimmicky. Mazda’s interiors center around DRIVING & focus… not mobility & distraction. And that’s a crucial distinction. There is a sense of sophisticated motorsport within Mazda vehicles. And the CX-90 is luxurious… yet lean. I will say: Some of the audio/infotainment controls may take a little getting used to. But once you do, it’s arguably better. So – don’t let the first 10-seconds of a test drive turn you off. Rather… spend a little time with it.
Mazda CX-90 engine…
The heart of the Mazda CX-90 is a 3.3 inline-6 turbo. You serious Clark? Yeah – in an age of anemic and/or overworked 4-cylinder hybrids with moped-like CVT transmissions, it really seems like Mazda tossed the narrative/script. Remember, when everyone was losing their minds over EVs a few years ago, it was Mazda who told the Australian government to “fine them”… because they weren’t gonna stop making the cars their customers want. So if you’re not pleased with the numbing & dumbing-down of the automotive industry over the last 10 years, you really should give Mazda some consideration.
All CX-90s use the 3.3 turbo inline-6. But the Turbo S models (as shown) make 340hp and 368tq. Turbo S models start at $53,900. However, a base turbo CX-90 is under $40,000. There’s also a plugin hybrid CX-90, but that’s a different discussion/powertrain altogether.
Mazda mindset…
Historically, Mazda tends to take chances & do things that no one else is really doing. That’s kind of always been their thing. In the past, it was rotary engines in sports cars (RX-7). They saw a path to open-top driver’s bliss & created an icon with the Miata. It’s like this: Mazda is not constantly looking over their shoulder at what everyone else is doing. They do… what they believe. And I think that makes them an authentic car company.
I-Stop…
On the CX-90, Mazda uses what they call i-stop. In the effort/requirement to improve fuel economy, i-stop essentially cuts the engine to 0-RPM when the vehicle is coasting (or not under load). I-Stop yields impressive MPGs, ESPECIALLY when you consider it’s only using a mild hybrid system. That is – a minimal, supplemental system that’s not able to power the vehicle on its own.
The i-stop tradeoff??
I-stop can cause the Mazda CX-90 to feel a little clunky or chattery at times… perhaps a little laggy. It’s hard to find the right words, but I found i-stop to be noticeable hiccup. Personally, I’d rather buy another gallon of gas at the pump & not be leashed lol. The good news: You can turn i-stop off. But – you have to do it every time you start the vehicle. I’d let it ride on a roadtrip, where you’ll barely perceive it & you can stretch the MPGs to the next stop. On the open road, i-stop can get the CX-90 to almost 30 miles-per-gallon. But around town, it was a little irritating to me. What can I say, I’m a purist.
Overall – here’s the deal…
The Mazda CX-90 is a truly well-penned 3-row SUV – in a segment that often lacks style, soul, & distinction. It’s a bonafide head-turner, and makes an impact beyond its price tag. And it blends engagement & efficiency (usually two opposite ends of the spectrum) into one versatile, usable package. When I see a CX-90 – I see an owner who speaks the language & bought with intention… not out of apathy or the path of least resistance.
CX-90 CX-90 Turbo S (as shown)
•3.3 inline-6 turbo •3.3 inline-6 turbo
• 280hp • 340hp (w/ premium… 319 on regular)
• 332tq • 369tq
• 25 MPG (combined) • 25 MPG (combined)
• $39,000 (starting) • $53,900 (starting)
