Summary
- Mazda has introduced the CX-90, a larger three-row SUV that builds upon the success of the CX-9 and aims to move the brand up the luxury ladder.
- The CX-90 features updated design elements, including a broader grill with vertical slats and integrated daytime running lights in the chrome surround.
- The CX-90 boasts a more luxurious interior than the CX-9, with the option of Nappa leather and a larger center infotainment screen. It also offers more space and updated features, such as a configurable digital instrument cluster and a bigger panoramic sunroof.
Mazda has been making a good name for itself in the crossover SUV Market since it released the CX-9 back in 2006. The second generation was introduced in 2016 and built upon the success of the first generation. It still offered three-row seating and even more technology and safety features. It was such a good crossover that it was among the finalist for the 2017 Car of the Year award. But Mazda seems to have made an even better version of the CX-9.
Part of Mazda's lineup of upcoming SUVs, the Japanese automaker announced the CX-90 in 2023, which is another three-row SUV but is slightly larger than the CX-9. This new SUV is set to improve on a lot of what we love about the Mazda CX-9 and move Mazda further up the luxury ladder. It is built on a new platform with a new powertrain and offers more luxury features. But the CX-9 was already so good, we are curious to find out what Mazda has done with the new CX-90.
The CX-90 Looks Like An Updated CX-9
The CX-90 adopts the brand's Kodo design philosophy. It builds upon Mazda’s design features found on the CX-9. The grill is now broader with vertical slats and chrome on the grill surrounds and lower bumper. But a new design feature is the integration of the daytime running lights into the chrome grill surround which also acts as the turn signals. When off, the light blends into the grill, and you don’t even notice it, but you do take note when it’s on and it looks cool.
The headlights are new and a bit square compared to the outgoing CX-9. On the front fenders you get a chrome stripped badge, this badge says inline-six or PHEV to show the powertrain you chose. You get more chrome on the roof rails, windows, and bottom door panel, but bigger 19-inch wheels which look really good. It would look even better with the optional 21-inch wheels
At the rear, you get new tail lights which have long strips but do not connect. But the new LEDs look similar to the design of the ones found on a 2022 BMW X3. There is a chrome strip at the bottom with no visible exhaust tips. The CX-90 has improved on the CX-9s design in every way and despite looking bigger, it is only an inch longer and wider. But the wheelbase has increased by over seven inches which means more room in the CX-90.
Vehicle Dimensions
Vehicle | Mazda CX-9 | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
Length | 199.8 inches | 200.8 inches |
Wheelbase | 115.4 inches | 122.8 inches |
Width | 77.5 inches | 78.5 inches |
Height | 68.8 inches | 68.7 inches |
Weight | 4,364 pounds | 4,885 pounds |
Wheel size | 18-inch | 19-inch |
Towing capacity | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
The second-gen CX-9 has not had any major changes since its debut in 2016. For 2023 it still looks very good with the signature Mazda horizontal chrome grill in front and a chrome strip at the bottom of the bumper. The front-end design is very recognizable in every Mazda vehicle made in this period. The side profile is very much like a crossover but with chrome strips on the roof rails, windows, and bottom door panel.
It also comes standard with 18-inch wheels. The chrome continues at the rear, it connects the rear LED lights acting like a light strip. There is more chrome at the bottom bumper with dual exhausts. Mazda's design with the CX-9 has remained timeless even after seven years and the chrome touches give it a smart look. Its dimensions also make it look like a regular crossover but with the advantage of three-row seating.
The CX-90 Has A More Luxurious Interior
The CX-90 has an even more luxurious interior than the CX-9, you get the option of Nappa leather which gives the car a more luxurious feel than the standard leather option. It has Mazda’s clean dashboard covered with fabric and the use of traditional Japanese weaving technique is a truly exquisite detail that elevates the onboard experience. It also gets a lot of the features you get on the CX-9 as standard including an upgraded center infotainment screen. This is still controlled with a rotary knob instead of a touchscreen but has a bigger display at 12.3 inches.
There is a new 12.3 fully digital instrument cluster that is configurable. This is accompanied by a bigger heads-up display and clearer cameras. You now get a bigger panoramic sunroof to make the cabin feel more spacious with ambient lighting to set according to your mood.
The technology in the CX-9 is showing its age but not the design and layout. It has the look and feel of a premium vehicle with leather upholstery and wood trim. There are chrome trim pieces on the dashboard, steering wheel, center console, and doors. People who are not familiar with the Mazda’s interior will be pleasantly surprised that it looks this good.
The gauge cluster is a physical display but looks classy with the option of LED screen inserts in higher trims. There is a 10.3-inch center infotainment display which is not a touchscreen. A rotary knob on the center console is used to control this screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Everything on the dashboard and center console is laid out very neatly and easy to get used to.
For 2023, the CX-9 comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs but can have the third rows fitted back in with the touring plus trim. Other features include:
- Black or tan leather
- Power adjustable seats
- Power sunroof
- Heated front and second-row seats
- Tri-zone climate control
- Push button start
- Keyless entry
- Backup and 360-degree camera.
- Heads up display
- Wireless charging pad.
- Power rear liftgate
Interior Dimensions
Vehicle | Mazda CX-9 | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
Passenger Space | 135.8 cubic-feet | 141.6 cubic-feet |
Max Seating | Seven seats | Eight seats |
Cargo Space Second-row | 38.2 cubic-feet | 40 cubic-feet |
Cargo Space Third-row | 14.4 cubic-feet | 14.9 cubic-feet |
The biggest advantage of the CX-90 is the bigger interior space due to the longer wheelbase. The CX-9 can seat seven people but the CX-90 carries seven and a bit more with the bench seats. The trunk room is similar but the CX-90 is a few inches bigger at 14.9 cubic feet. The CX-90 has been able to keep the exterior dimensions similar while utilizing interior space and updating its features.
The CX-90 Has A New V-6
The CX-9 still features the same inline-four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive standard for this year. This is the only powertrain available for CX-9 but the CX-90 introduces an all-new powertrain. It comes with a new 3.3-liter turbo inline-six-cylinder engine which is a staple of luxury cars like BMW AND Range Rover.
Engine Specifications
Vehicle | Mazda CX-9 | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
Engine | Turbo I-4 | Hybrid Turbo I-6 |
Displacement | 2.5 liters | 3.3 liters |
Horsepower | 250 horsepower | 340 horsepower |
Torque | 320 pound-feet | 369 pound-feet |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Fuel Economy (MPG) | 20/26 City/Highway | 24/28 City/Highway |
This engine is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. A second powertrain is available as a plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) with a 2.5-liter inline-four paired with a 17.8 kWh battery. This is good for 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque with the same eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.
Safety And Warranty
Mazda has included a lot of new safety features with the CX-9 and new CX-90. The CX-9 has earned a top safety pick from the IIHS which makes this car one of the safest vehicles on the road. On the other hand, the CX-90 is so new there have been no official ratings yet but we expect it to be similar or better than the CX-9. Some of these safety features include:
- Electronic Stability and Roll Control
- Traction Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Smart Brake Support (SBS)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning and Road Departure Prevention
- Collision Mitigation
Reliability is also great with the Mazda CX-9 with a JD power score of 81. Many owners have been satisfied with the overall experience of this vehicle. The CX-90 is so new but is expected to improve on many of the CX-9s qualities but the new powertrain will be the part to watch out for. Since both models are from the same brand they offer similar warranties which should take of new and existing owners.
- 3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
- 5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
- 5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
- 3 Roadside Assistance Years / 36,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
The CX-9 Has Been Discontinued
2023 will be the final model year for the CX-9 as it is being replaced by the CX-90. This is why the CX-90 has been similar in so many ways but with many improvements. Prices are also similar with the CX-90 starting at $40,970 which is almost the same as the CX-9 which starts at $40,125. But while the top range CX-9 starts under $50,000 a fully loaded CX-90 starts above $61,000.
This is very reasonable and the CX-90 offers up to 11 trim levels while the CX-9 has just four. This adds more options, features and includes the plug-in hybrid variants. The CX-90 is aiming for the upper luxury spot with more options available to customers. This will help achieve this goal without forcing you out of the CX-9 price range.