2024 Mazda CX-90 Electrified Crossover First Look: Mazda announced the 2024 CX-90, its most significant, plushest, and most potent vehicle yet to expand its product selection into more luxury areas. A newly built inline six-cylinder engine and Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid are both included in the vast three-row SUV.
The carmaker keeps most information under wraps, delaying information on the PHEV’s price, headroom, legroom, towing capacity, fuel economy, and all-electric range until closer to an “early spring” release.
However, during a recent show-and-don’t-tell session, Mazda officials confirmed that the CX-90 would replace the company’s existing three-row crossover, the outdated CX-9. The 90 will have a roomier third row and perhaps more remarkable cargo space than the CX-9. It will also be longer, broader, and, based on looks, higher. Additionally, it will have Mazda’s most upscale cabin.
Nearly everywhere and everything at once
Mazda will defy industry convention and release electrified vehicles months after a new car’s primary (gasoline-powered) version goes on sale. Additionally, Mazda will initially only sell the more expensive and complicated EVs and plug-in hybrids in several states.
Both the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of the 2024 CX-90 will be on sale in all 50 states within a few weeks of one other, according to Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Jeff Guyton.
Count ‘Em: CX-90 Gets Two Powertrains
Two all-wheel drive configurations of the CX-90 will be offered, one of which will use the e-Skyactiv-G, a brand-new 3.3-liter, turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine from Mazda.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched in between is used in a moderate hybrid version of the inline six, which has been adjusted to generate 340 horsepower. When the CX-90 is halted, the gas engine may be turned off for emission-free idling. The e-motor can also offer all-electric propulsion for a brief period at extremely low speeds. The mild hybrid CX-90 has the most significant towing capability of any Mazda thanks to the system’s powerful 369 pound-feet of torque rating.
The long-lasting 2.5-liter four-cylinder Mazda engine will power a plug-in hybrid version with a front-axle mounted electric drive motor and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The machine has been tweaked to provide 323 hp and 369 lb torque. The PHEV will also use the mild hybrid’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
There have been no specifics provided on all-electric performance or charging speed. However, the lighter and smaller CX-60, marketed in Europe and Australia, utilizes the same PHEV engine as the CX-90 and has an estimated all-electric range of close to 50 miles with an approximate fuel economy of 85 mpg.
The mild hybrid version of the CX-90 is optimized for more performance-oriented driving than the plug-in hybrid version, according to Mitsuru Wakiie, program manager for the car. However, it may be hard to imagine performance driving in a vehicle over 200 inches long and weighing more than 2 tons.
Premium fuel is advised for both powertrains to perform optimally, while ordinary-grade gasoline will also work.
AWD For Every: Mazda CX-90 Electrified Crossover
A rear-biased version of Mazda’s electronically controlled i-Activ AWD, standard across all trim levels for both types, is the mechanical all-wheel-drive system intended to send most power to the rear wheels during everyday driving.
However, if necessary for maximum traction, it may switch the torque from the back to the front and from one side to the other. However, this is not an off-road AWD system. It enhances ride and handling qualities, particularly in slick, rainy conditions.
Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control is also included as standard equipment on the CX-90. For a smoother ride, the body lift on turns is suppressed by the software-controlled brake modulation system. It first appeared on the substantially more compact and lightweight 2022 Miata sports vehicle.
Big but athletic: Mazda CX-90 Electrified Crossover.
The word “sleek” is not often associated with huge cars. Still, the CX-90 seems somewhat athletic thanks to its tall hood and sharply sloped windscreen, particularly when mounted on optional 21-inch alloy wheels.
LED headlights with cat-eye lenses are placed on each side of the front end’s trademark trapezoidal Mazda grille. For a highly contemporary appearance, thin LED running lights are deftly incorporated into the grille—chromed for the top trim.
A sporty, sloping roofline was ruled out due to the third-row seating area’s need for headroom. However, designers were able to balance things out and prevent the passenger and baggage compartment from seeming like a box by giving the rear window a rakish forward slant. The CX-90’s general design is limited because it is primarily a people-hauler, although slightly flared rear wheel arches help prevent the car from seeming like a large box.
The CX-90’s interior is rather plush, with a roomy center console made of high-quality materials. For example, the stitching on the Kumihimo woven fabric dash cover is a distinctive pattern based on traditional Japanese hand-bookbinding. The top trim utilizes birch wood and chrome trim pieces.
Old Tech/New Tech: Mazda CX-90 Electrified Crossover
Mazda refrained from jamming controls for every conceivable car function onto the infotainment system just “because we can” mentality. Many parts are controlled by the 12.3-inch horizontal screen in the middle, but there are also many physical knobs and buttons for things like lighting, music, and temperature settings. A significant driver information panel with programmable displays is also included.
The CX-90 will provide a range of sophisticated safety and driving assistance technologies from Mazda’s i-Activsense system, including what Mazda calls a “See Through View” monitor to aid drivers in various parking scenarios. The portfolio includes radar-based cruise control, lane departure warning, adaptive front illumination, and blind spot monitoring.
What will the Mazda CX-90 cost in 2024?
Before the 2024 CX-90’s launch—likely in April or early May—Mazda won’t reveal its price. The mild hybrid CX-90 is expected to cost at least 7% more than the CX-9; however, if the price gap between the CX-5 and CX-50 crossovers is any indication. Compared to the 2023 CX-9, which begins at $40,025 and tops at $49,735, it would be placed in the $43,000 to $53,500 bracket.
The CX-90 plug-in hybrid will cost less, but battery packs remain pricey despite significant cost reductions. The CX-90 PHEV’s most likely rivals start in the $60,000 to $70,000 price bracket, except for the less wealthy Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander three-row PHEVs. Most premium trims cost between $70,000 and $80,000, while the Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring costs more than $90,000.
