There is a pair of Mazda SUVs that deserve a closer look if your needs are two or three rows of available luxury and strong performance. Mazda’s CX-90 replaced the former CX-9 in 2023 and will accommodate up to eight passengers depending on seat configuration.
Sibling CX-70 debuted last year as a two-row SUV with the same amenities for less coin.
Each of six trim levels is powered by three variations of a 3.3-liter turbo powered inline six-cylinder engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Our tester for the week was tuned at 280 horsepower and a healthy 332 lb. ft of torque with all-wheel drive.
A Turbo S variation is loaded with 340 ponies and 369 lb. ft torque. Topping off power choices is a Plug-In hybrid powertrain, a 2.5-liter engine and 68 kW electric motor with up to 323 horsepower.
Trim levels include Select, Preferred, Premium Sport, Premium Plus, Turbo S Premium and Turbo S Premium Plus with base prices from $37,845 to $57,950.
Our tester with its smaller engine reached the 60 mile-per-hour mark at our independent test track in a respectable 6.9 seconds from a dead stop.
While more costly, the Turbo S models have more oomph if higher performance is your forte. This newest generation of SUVs from Mazda sets a new direction for the Japanese car company as it moves to a more premium brand image ala BMW with an extended hood and excellent visibility.
As such, it has moved away from the sporty vibe associated with the outgoing Zoom Zoom — a memorable slogan adopted by the company since the early 2000s through 2015.
While cabin seating can be configured for up to eight, the third row is tight and best suited for small children or additional cargo. Well bolstered front seats offer comfort for long hauls while available Captain’s Chairs give second row passengers spacious room with ample head and leg room.
We give high marks to the CX-90’s highway manners. The transmission shifts seamlessly and, on demand, has plenty of passing power. The ride is compliant with little body roll in cornering maneuvers. Steering is mostly precise and braking firm.
Twenty-one-inch alloys with all-season paws provide firm grip in all kinds of weather and, surprisingly there is little road noise at higher speeds.
For its size, the CX-90 is easy to maneuver into tight parking spaces with sensors and 360-degree camera views with marked lines while backing.
Interior treatment is upscale with included Nappa leather throughout, heated first and second row seating, eight-way power seat adjustment for driver and passenger, ventilated front seats and windshield de-icer. Wireless connectivity is standard for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and phone charging.
The CX-90 includes a full suite of driver assist features including one of the best adaptive cruise control systems we’ve experienced, rear cross traffic alert, emergency lane keeping, smart brake support and blind spot monitors with vehicle exit warnings.
Shopping in this mid-size SUV segment? Consider test drives with the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe.