Thanks: Mazda Showroom – Galadari Automobiles
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Tel: +971 50 496 7562
2027 Mazda CX-90: Premium Ambitions, Rough Edges
Highs and Lows
Strengths include first-class interior accommodations, good fuel economy, and handling that is strong for its size. Drawbacks include a stiff ride, misbehavior from the transmission at low speeds, and third-row legroom too snug for adults.
Verdict
The CX-90 is a handsome, well-equipped three-row SUV, but its coarse engine note, balky transmission, and tiny third row undercut its luxury aspirations.
Overview
The CX-90 reflects Mazda’s push to be seen as a premium brand, with graceful styling and a cabin trimmed in leather and faux suede. It uses an inline-six, a rarity in its segment, making 280 hp in base trims and 340 hp in the S models. That is plenty of power, but the engine’s agricultural sound and the transmission’s low-speed shuddering work against the upscale image. So do the overly heavy steering, a suspension that gives up too much comfort for handling, and some cabin features that could work better. Buyers who don’t need a third row can consider the nearly identical CX-70, and a plug-in hybrid CX-90 is reviewed separately.
Pricing
The 2027 CX-90 is expected to start around $41,000 and reach $59,000 depending on trim and options.
Engine and Performance
The nonhybrid CX-90 uses a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six making 280 hp and 332 lb-ft in non-S trims, or 340 hp and 369 lb-ft in S models. All versions get an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid makes 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. Testers drove only the S model, finding power plentiful but the engine not especially smooth at higher revs, and the transmission prone to head-bobbing shifts at low speed. Paddle shifters are fitted but there is no manual-shift mode, so letting the transmission shift for itself works best. Handling is as athletic as expected from a Mazda, though the suspension lets through harsh impacts on broken pavement. A long-term CX-90 Turbo S was also tested over 40,000 miles.
Acceleration
Car and Driver recorded 6.3 seconds to 60 mph for the 340-hp S Premium Plus and 6.9 seconds for the 280-hp version, both competitive. The S model beats the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Towing
Select and Preferred trims tow up to 3,500 pounds, while higher trims reach 5,000 pounds, matching the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride but well short of the Dodge Durango’s 8,700 pounds.
Fuel Economy
EPA ratings are 23 to 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway regardless of engine output. In real-world highway testing, the S Premium Plus returned 29 mpg. The CX-90 beats the Telluride, Grand Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade in both city and highway ratings.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin has stylish details such as fabric inserts on the dash and door panels in high-end models. Leather is standard from the Preferred trim up, with softer Nappa leather reserved for Premium Plus trims. Most models come with a second-row bench, while captain’s chairs, which are very comfortable, are standard on Premium Plus trims and optional elsewhere except Select, reducing capacity to six or seven. The third row suits children best, whether contoured for two or three. Cargo space is 16 cubic feet behind the third row (three carry-ons), 40 cubic feet with it folded (16 carry-ons), and 75 cubic feet with all seats folded.