2024 Mazda CX-90 debuts as brand’s largest SUV with hybrid power

Updated Feb 01, 2023

Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It will be the first to use Mazda’s 3.3-liter turbo mild-hybrid powertrain.

Mazda has premiered the first-ever CX-90 crossover in North America for the 2024 model year. The new vehicle uses an all-new large platform with three-row seating and a choice of new hybrid powertrains to become the automaker’s new flagship offering. 

Mazda CX-90 Unboxed — The Reveal

“At Mazda, our focus is to deliver an ownership experience that enriches the lives of our customers,” said Mazda North American Operations President & CEO Jeff Guyton. “CX-90 offers powerful and responsive performance, alluring design, and inventive technology.” 

The CX-90’s size has earned it a place within Mazda’s internal ‘Large Product Group’ category, and reportedly addresses a number of shortcomings possessed by the CX-9 midsize crossover such as the cramped interior space.  

Exterior 

Mazda endowed the CX-90 with an upsized platform that resulted in a widebody design and an extended wheelbase. The automaker designed it to be sleek despite the mighty proportions, featuring curves that unleash the CX-90’s character depending on the interplay of light and shadow on the surface. 

Mazda designed the CX-90 to exude luxury despite its generous proportions

The massive grille featuring the Mazda emblem at the center is surrounded by a chrome garnish and sits between LED headlamps. Vertical slats can be found at the corners of the front bumper, topped off by a long hood that hints at the longitudinally mounted power unit within. 

The 21-inch alloy wheels will be offered on the top-spec trim 

More chrome trim accompanies the body cladding at the sides, bridging the wheel arches that frame 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that come with a black metallic finish. A hands-free rear power liftgate with programmable height will be offered. Among the new colors that Mazda will introduce on the CX-90 are Rhodium White and Artisan Red, the latter specially blended for the CX-90.

Interior 

As mentioned, the CX-90 builds on the CX-9’s cabin accommodations by dialing up the space and ambience to 11. The dashboard emphasizes the increased volume with a clean appearance, complemented by vertical air vents at the doors. Hanging stitches are used on the fabric, combining elements of hand-bookbinding and Japan’s Kumihimo weaving technique.

A clean look that awes in its simplicity

Said to be inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, the interior exudes luxury and comfort across all three seating rows. Occupants can bask in a number of materials such as Nappa leather, wood, and tone-on-tone fabrics.    

Tech & Safety

The new CX-90 is big on tech, featuring Mazda’s largest Active Driving Display on the instrument cluster and an available 12.3-inch floating-type central touchscreen monitor. These are complemented by physical buttons for a richer user experience. USB Type C charging ports are on hand, and compatible smartphones can even take advantage of available wireless charging. 

The digital instrument cluster even projects a heads-up display

For safety, the CX-90 comes with driver-assist features such as Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist, all under the i-Activsense suite.

Engine & Drivetrain

Mazda’s biggest crossover makes use of hybrid power in two flavors. One is an all-new 3.3-liter Skyactiv G 6-cylinder turbo engine with M-Hybrid Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid capability, delivering 340 horsepower and 502 Nm of torque. The other is a new e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power unit that marries a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with an electric motor, with a combined rating of 323 horsepower and 502 Nm of twist. 

Two hybrid options will be offered on the CX-90

Both engines work with an 8-speed torque converter automatic, while i-Activ all-wheel-drive is offered as standard, featuring a rear-wheel bias. Body lift when engaging corners is suppressed thanks to the use of Kinematic Posture Control, allowing occupants to sit naturally. Even the seats and suspension system have been designed for improved balance and control.      

Pricing

Mazda has not disclosed pricing information for the 2024 CX-90, but the new crossover is expected to start at $42,000 (Php 2.3 million). 

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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