Wait, What? Mazda Made A BMW Fighting 3-Row SUV? 2024 Mazda CX-90 First Drive Review
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Date: 2023-04-03
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Comments and reviews: 14
armaniusmaximus
Alex, thanks for the great initial review. Coincidentally, I'm cross shopping the CX90 with the MDX. Your unequivocal comment that you prefer the CX90 over the MDX Type S was surprising given the performance dynamics of the Type S (at least on paper for someone who hasn't driven either. I've only driven the A-Spec. The top of the line Type S is about 73K though, but does have the very cool massaging chairs, air suspension and adaptive dampers. The one thing that makes the MDX really attractive is the second row bench seat that can be converted to captain's chairs. I hate how manufacturers have been equating captain's chairs with luxury for three row SUVs, and do not provide a second row bench seat in top trims. If the top trims CX90 had a bench seat option, the CX90 would be a no brainer for me (specs wise. Hopefully, Mazda will wise up and copy the MDX's second row seat set up. Losing that middle seat makes utilizing the uncomfortable third row a must anytime one has more than four in the vehicle. And that eats into the trunk space as well. Keep up the good work!
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Alex, thanks for the great initial review. Coincidentally, I'm cross shopping the CX90 with the MDX. Your unequivocal comment that you prefer the CX90 over the MDX Type S was surprising given the performance dynamics of the Type S (at least on paper for someone who hasn't driven either. I've only driven the A-Spec. The top of the line Type S is about 73K though, but does have the very cool massaging chairs, air suspension and adaptive dampers. The one thing that makes the MDX really attractive is the second row bench seat that can be converted to captain's chairs. I hate how manufacturers have been equating captain's chairs with luxury for three row SUVs, and do not provide a second row bench seat in top trims. If the top trims CX90 had a bench seat option, the CX90 would be a no brainer for me (specs wise. Hopefully, Mazda will wise up and copy the MDX's second row seat set up. Losing that middle seat makes utilizing the uncomfortable third row a must anytime one has more than four in the vehicle. And that eats into the trunk space as well. Keep up the good work!
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TJ
Good review but unless I missed it you did not drive or give impressions of the PHEV model. I am really interested of how the PHEV drives and feels vs the other engine. Also I did not really hear much about if the new engine is refined feeling under acceleration vs coarse etc. I think viewers are able to discern what an interior looks like and quality on their own but it is the driving aspect we obviously can not.
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Good review but unless I missed it you did not drive or give impressions of the PHEV model. I am really interested of how the PHEV drives and feels vs the other engine. Also I did not really hear much about if the new engine is refined feeling under acceleration vs coarse etc. I think viewers are able to discern what an interior looks like and quality on their own but it is the driving aspect we obviously can not.
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Neil
I like the platform and not needing the third row I am waiting to see the CX-70. If using the same engines on a smaller platform, perhaps it will be a bit more sprightly, have better mileage and improved interior space. I will say I'm a bit underwhelmed by the 25mpg combined with the PHEV. Rather than the increase in power, my reasoning for going with a PHEV would be increased mileage.
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I like the platform and not needing the third row I am waiting to see the CX-70. If using the same engines on a smaller platform, perhaps it will be a bit more sprightly, have better mileage and improved interior space. I will say I'm a bit underwhelmed by the 25mpg combined with the PHEV. Rather than the increase in power, my reasoning for going with a PHEV would be increased mileage.
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Wasabi9111
Isn t the point of getting an extra long family three row SUV is for the interior roominess, practicality, and functionality? This car is extra long, but none of that useful features. This is why the prior CX nine never sold well. The telluride is shorter, but with much more interior room and functionality
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Isn t the point of getting an extra long family three row SUV is for the interior roominess, practicality, and functionality? This car is extra long, but none of that useful features. This is why the prior CX nine never sold well. The telluride is shorter, but with much more interior room and functionality
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rod
Alex, thanks for a great review. I don't need a 3 row CUV so I'm looking forward to seeing the CX-70. Love the Tan interior and new Artisan Red color and combination. My only design complaint is that the side profile is a little flat and blocky looking. Should sell well and give luxury brands competition.
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Alex, thanks for a great review. I don't need a 3 row CUV so I'm looking forward to seeing the CX-70. Love the Tan interior and new Artisan Red color and combination. My only design complaint is that the side profile is a little flat and blocky looking. Should sell well and give luxury brands competition.
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Damilola
Despite being a three row crossover, it doesn't compete with the X7 size wise. It's more of an X5 competitor, although the introduction of the X7 in 2019 meant that BMW dropped the three row option for the X5. It might also compete with the Genesis GV80 at the high end as well.
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Despite being a three row crossover, it doesn't compete with the X7 size wise. It's more of an X5 competitor, although the introduction of the X7 in 2019 meant that BMW dropped the three row option for the X5. It might also compete with the Genesis GV80 at the high end as well.
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autos
Does the touchscreen work while in motion? Mazda's garbage infotainment is a main reason why they're lower in my consideration set. The pricing is competitive for the non S version, waiting to see what Grand Highlander is priced like. Probably buying Palisade Caligraphy.
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Does the touchscreen work while in motion? Mazda's garbage infotainment is a main reason why they're lower in my consideration set. The pricing is competitive for the non S version, waiting to see what Grand Highlander is priced like. Probably buying Palisade Caligraphy.
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MatE2010
I'm a big Mazda fan but both the front and rear of the CX-90 are a little too egg shaped for me. Maybe it's the width but the front doesn't pull of the rounded nose as well as the 2014-2016 CX-5. The back reminds me of a minivan. Lots to love about the car otherwise
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I'm a big Mazda fan but both the front and rear of the CX-90 are a little too egg shaped for me. Maybe it's the width but the front doesn't pull of the rounded nose as well as the 2014-2016 CX-5. The back reminds me of a minivan. Lots to love about the car otherwise
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Jimmy
So glad Mazda finally stepped up and brought out a great new product. I have liked the prev CX-9 but it had been outdated for really long time. I ended up with Subaru Ascent back then cuz Mazda was still not a good contender. But now, all new ball game! Thanks Alex!
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So glad Mazda finally stepped up and brought out a great new product. I have liked the prev CX-9 but it had been outdated for really long time. I ended up with Subaru Ascent back then cuz Mazda was still not a good contender. But now, all new ball game! Thanks Alex!
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George
The mistake Mazda made is not in going upscale, it's going upscale while keeping the same design language and the same emblems as before the change. If you're looking to establish a new identity then Mazda needs to institute an entirely new face-lift.
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The mistake Mazda made is not in going upscale, it's going upscale while keeping the same design language and the same emblems as before the change. If you're looking to establish a new identity then Mazda needs to institute an entirely new face-lift.
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SunnyD88
The CX-9 and Mazda 3/CX-30 look so much better than this CX-90. I really don't like where Mazda's design is going. Also, instead of this large and expensive CX-90, I would've rather just gotten a hybrid or Skyactiv-X CX-30 or Mazda 3.
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The CX-9 and Mazda 3/CX-30 look so much better than this CX-90. I really don't like where Mazda's design is going. Also, instead of this large and expensive CX-90, I would've rather just gotten a hybrid or Skyactiv-X CX-30 or Mazda 3.
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Michael
Wow I did not expect the pricing to be this competitive, this is really gonna give Genesis and Acura a hard time, especially considering the Acura is FWD-biased, and both of those are using V6s compared to a smoother Inline 6.
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Wow I did not expect the pricing to be this competitive, this is really gonna give Genesis and Acura a hard time, especially considering the Acura is FWD-biased, and both of those are using V6s compared to a smoother Inline 6.
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Ozzie
As a current Mazda owner, I absolutely love the CX-90. This vehicle far exceeds my expectations. I m gonna hold on to my 21 CX-9 GT for a few more years and then try to pick up a lightly used CX-90. Well done Mazda!
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As a current Mazda owner, I absolutely love the CX-90. This vehicle far exceeds my expectations. I m gonna hold on to my 21 CX-9 GT for a few more years and then try to pick up a lightly used CX-90. Well done Mazda!
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Krzysztof
For true 7 seater my hopes remains with Lexus TX (GH sibling) HEV / PHEV for Europe. Toyota is not bringing GHL to UE - why Toyota, why? Mazda Cx 80 as rumor has it is smaller than cx 90 / shame!
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For true 7 seater my hopes remains with Lexus TX (GH sibling) HEV / PHEV for Europe. Toyota is not bringing GHL to UE - why Toyota, why? Mazda Cx 80 as rumor has it is smaller than cx 90 / shame!
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