New 2024 Mazda CX-90 Unveiled As CX-9 Replacement

Mazda has finally unwrapped its new and North American-focused SUV, the 2024 CX-90. At the heart of this CX-9 replacement of sorts is the most powerful petrol mill ever built by the automaker, plus two different hybrid powertrains choices too.

The three-row SUV is the latest to join Mazda’s Large Product group that includes the smaller CX-60. Evidently, Mazda has set its sights on the premium SUV segment with the CX-90, and just like the CX-60, it underpins the brand’s Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture.

For North America, the CX-90 will have two electrified powertrain options offered starting with an e-Skyactiv G 3.3 litre 6-cyl turbo plus a 48-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV) called M Hybrid Boost. This package offers 340 HP (345 PS) and a meaty 500 NM of twist.

Notably, the M Hybrid Boost system employs an electric motor mounted in between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the latter being an unconventional type using a multi-plate wet clutch setup instead of a torque converter a la Mercedes-Benz’s transmission units.

MHEV setup aside, the CX-90 also gets a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) boasting a total system output of 323 HP (327 PS) and 500 NM as well. With identical outputs as the CX-60, this e-Skyactiv PHEV package consists of a Skyactiv-G 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl petrol mill working in tandem with an electric motor plus a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Given its larger size and – presumably – heftier weight, expect a slightly shorter all-electric range than the CX-60’s claimed 60 KM.

Both these MHEV and PHEV powertrains are primed with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD), though Mazda eagerly notes the system’s rear-biased nature. It also gets the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offering four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Off-road and Towing), whilst the PHEV variant gains further options to better manage its powertrain.

Notable here too is the addition of the Kinematic Posture Control system lifted form the MX-5. This, according to Mazda, helps to minimise vehicle body roll and enhance cornering stability, perhaps putting the ‘Sport’ in ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ package that the CX-90 is presented as.

As for its design, the CX-90 appears to be an enlarged CX-60 of sorts. The front end sports a massive vertical grille linked by light bars to the small headlamps whilst the rear sees the CX-60’s familiar L-shaped taillight design present plus exhaust outlets hidden behind chrome trim. Wheels, on the other hand, measure up to 21-inches whilst a new Artisan Red hue will be offered to customers too.

Similarities with the CX-60 continue on board with the CX-90’s cabin as it features an identical dash layout and look. Crucially, this larger SUV houses three rows of seats with configurations for six, seven or eight persons, with the six-seat options featuring posh second-row captain seats.

Furthermore, materials used to line the CX-90’s cabin are pretty high-end and fits with its premium ambitions. It includes Nappa leather upholstery, wood, as well as tone-on-tone fabrics.

As for tech, a digital instrument panel, 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment screen, three-zone automatic climate control with vents for all rows, novel ambient lighting, USB-C charging ports, as well as a See-Through View monitor are stand-out highlights present.

Lastly, Mazda’s i-Activsense systems are also standard equipment, offering advanced driver assistances (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitor (BSM), as well as a radar-based cruise control.

As for price and availability, Mazda has yet to announce these, but the CX-90 is expected to hit the North American market first sometime later this year at similar or slightly higher pricing than the CX-9 it replaces.

What do you folks think of Mazda’s latest flagship SUV, then? Would you fancy this left-field Japanese offering over the refreshed Hyundai Palisade we sized up recently? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…