Overview .. The Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is an all-new three-row SUV with room for the whole family. It offers seating for six, seven, or eight depending on configuration, with an upscale interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury car, especially on the top trims. No matter which trim you choose, the CX-90 is roomy and comfortable, with premium materials and a clean, elegant design. Powertrain options include two turbocharged gas engines and a plug-in hybrid. All are powerful enough to provide the responsive, engaging drive for which Mazda is so well known. That performance is paired with sporty handling that’s unusual in the three-row SUV segment. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup to ensure surefootedness in inclement weather.
All CX-90s have large infotainment display screens, but instead of full touchscreen functionality, there’s a rotary dial controller on the center console. It takes time to master and isn’t as intuitive as a touchscreen. But it’s not a dealbreaker since the Mazda has plenty of positive attributes, including good fuel economy and a full list of standard and optional safety features.
The new CX-90’s rivals include the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. The Telluride costs less and has more off-road-focused trims, but its interior, while attractive, is not as elegant as the Mazda’s. Redesigned for 2023, the Pilot has a more modest interior and more affordable pricing. But neither is available as a hybrid. The upscale Lincoln Aviator provides a plug-in hybrid model, but it costs nearly $10K more than the CX-90 PHEV’s highest trim.
