The Mazda CX-90 Packs a Lot of Firsts
There’s something inherently exciting about the newness of a first, and the Mazda CX-90 Turbo is packed with firsts. The CX-90 is the first plug-in hybrid SUV in the brand’s history. It’s also the first model to use an all-new turbocharged inline-six engine designed to allow the SUV to compete in the more luxurious end of the segment. The CX-90 is also noteworthy for being the first Mazda model to use the brand’s new longitudinal engine layout, which serves as a clear indicator of the automaker’s luxury aspirations. If you are looking for a Kirkland Mazda dealer to see this new SUV for yourself, come pay us a visit over in Seattle.
In addition to its size, design, and powerful engine, the CX-90 is packed with clever tech and boasts a mature, sleek style informed by Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy. A quick survey of our inventory here at Lee Johnson Mazda of Seattle will turn up three distinct CX-90 models: the entry-level Turbo, the performance-focused Turbo S, and the earth-friendly plug-in hybrid. While the hybrid is certainly worth a closer look for those seeking to reduce their fuel costs and carbon emissions, we’re going to pop the hood on the two gas-powered models and see if Mazda’s latest three-row offering might just be its best SUV to date.
A New Level of Performance
As the brand’s first rear-wheel-biased SUV, the CX-90 allows Mazda to compete in an entirely new category, expanding the automaker’s reach and allowing it to round out its lineup. At first glance, the CX-90 might not seem like that much of a risk for Mazda, but one only needs to pop the hood to see why it’s such a game-changer for the Japanese company. The CX-90 is powered by an all-new turbocharged inline-six built specifically for the SUV, which is an expensive proposition in an age when more and more automakers have announced plans to phase out their gas-powered offerings altogether.
This new engine allows the CX-90 to offer the sort of sporty performance that will help it keep space on the premium end of the SUV spectrum. Kirkland drivers who value fuel economy above all else will be happy to hear that the CX-90 also comes in plug-in hybrid form, but the inline-six factors heavily into Mazda’s long-term plans. Mazda has gone decidedly luxe as of late, gaining a reputation for stylish, performance-minded vehicles that look as good as they are fun to drive. In order to compete on the upper end of the market, an inline-six is a must, given the fact that most of the segment’s stalwarts––including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover––all have a similar engine in their lineups.
What is this all-new inline-six capable of? It all depends on the model. The 3.3-liter turbocharged engine produces 280 hp for the lower half of the trim ladder, but the higher-trim Turbo S options see a substantial increase in power with some 340 hp to play with. The difference in power all comes down to the turbocharger’s tuning. Mazda has designed the turbo to provide 14 pounds of boost on the base models and 19 pounds on the upper trims, which can also snag a performance boost with the switch to premium fuel.
Add in 369 lb-ft of torque, and you have an SUV that makes a strong case for its premium designation. The base Turbo models hold their own with 332 lb-ft of torque, but if you’re looking for a sportier ride, the higher-end Turbo S trims are the way to go. Impressive power stats aside, the inline-six can’t take all the credit for the CX-90’s stellar performance. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system comes standard on all models, which adds around 17 hp and an impressive 113 lb-ft of torque to the proceedings.
The choice to go with an inline-six for the CX-90 wasn’t solely a power-based decision. Most premium SUVs in the segment opt for a rear-wheel-biased setup, which requires the engine to be mounted longitudinally rather than transversely. A typically four-cylinder or V6 engine is about all you can fit into a vehicle designed for a transverse engine, but the longitudinal approach opens up the door to an inline-six, which provides a smoother ride thanks to its balanced design.
This longitudinally-mounted inline-six is also significantly narrower than a V6, which allowed Mazda to grace the CX-90 with a double-wishbone front suspension that has a significant impact on overall handling and control. This design will go a long way in improving comfort when you’re cruising down Central Way or skirting Moss Bay, making the CX-90 the perfect choice for a busy day around Kirkland.
An Emerging Luxury Brand
One look inside the CX-90, and you’ll see just why so many critics are starting to recognize Mazda as an emerging luxury brand. From premium Nappa leather and stately wood inlays to all the advanced tech, entertainment, and safety features drivers have come to expect from the luxury segment, the CX-90 represents a significant improvement over the outgoing CX-9. Heated and ventilated front seats are nothing new at the upper end of the market, but extending these comfort-enhancing systems to the second-row captain’s chairs certainly goes above and beyond. Three-zone climate control allows each row to select their desired temperature while a power sunroof lends the cabin a bright, airy feel, not to mention a unique POV on the Space Needle.
On the tech front, it’s screens galore, with the higher trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrument display complemented by a 12.3-inch central infotainment display. Lower trims come with a seven-inch digital instrument display and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, which is still pretty respectable considering the $39,595 starting price.[a] But it’s not the size of the infotainment display that really makes the difference; it’s how drivers interface with it. A lot of brands have gone a little touchscreen crazy as of late, but while this technology certainly allows for some intriguing possibilities, it can lead to distraction when it comes to actually interacting with the infotainment system. Drivers in Kirkland are probably a little more tech-savvy than most, but they also know that digitization doesn’t always mean progress.
Mazda has avoided this common pitfall by outfitting the CX-90 with a rotary dial and hard buttons on the center console. Both tactile and satisfying, this combination makes interacting with the infotainment system as easy as turning a dial. The climate control system also gets its own dedicated buttons, which reduces the amount of frustrating––and potentially dangerous––menu diving that’s become all too common in the industry. Activating or deactivating the lane-keep assist and other features can also be accomplished at the touch of a button, which marks a refreshing change from the new normal.
Luxury isn’t just about cutting-edge tech features and premium materials; it’s also about how a vehicle drives. All the open-pore wood and chrome details in the world won’t make much of a difference if the ride isn’t right, which is why it's nice to see Mazda emphasize the CX-90’s ride quality. This SUV is not only powerful, but it’s also exceptionally smooth, with a pleasant responsiveness and almost zero turbo lag. This is made possible thanks to two factors: the engine’s high compression ratio and the 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system.
Of course, nothing is quite as luxurious as the ability to customize your ride, and the CX-90 certainly has that going for it. With eight available trims (not counting the plug-in hybrid versions) and two seating configurations for seven or eight passengers, building the premium SUV of your dreams has never been easier. From bench seats to captain's chairs, the CX-90 can be optioned as a roomy family vehicle, ample cargo hauler, or an eight-passenger people-mover.
Eye-Catching Style
You don’t need to speak Japanese to appreciate the CX-90’s eye-catching style, but it helps. While most automakers emphasize design and styling as an essential part of the development process, few take quite as comprehensive an approach as Mazda. Since 2010, Mazda has been using a unique, homegrown design language to inform the style of its models. Known as Kodo, this approach emphasizes clean lines, nature-inspired styling, and minimalist aesthetics intended to foster a strong relationship between the person behind the wheel and the vehicle itself.
The word "kodo" literally translates to “heartbeat”, but that doesn’t exactly sum up the philosophy behind the Kodo design language. In Japanese, “kodo” is all about infusing something with a soul or giving life to an otherwise inanimate object. It’s a concept that infuses every part of the vehicle design process, as explained by Mazda design director Ikuo Maeda.
“It’s about creating cars that embody the dynamic beauty of life—cars that visually suggest different expressions of this energy,” he says. “In Japan, we feel that craftsmen inject life into what they make, so objects that receive the love and caring attention of these craftsmen have a vital force; a soul. As we are a Japanese car company, we believe that a form sincerely and painstakingly made by human hands gets a soul.”
The Kodo philosophy also emphasizes the emotional connection between the car and the driver, which is not an entirely new idea in Mazda culture. Guided by the principle of “Jinba-Ittai”––or “the oneness between horse and rider”––Mazda’s Kodo-informed models are built to encourage a natural connection between driver and vehicle, making designs like the CX-90 feel like an extension of one’s self.
How does the Kodo design language play out when it comes to the CX-90? On the exterior, a longer-than-average hood and dash-to-axle ratio give the SUV an elegant look. A low, wide stance enhances this effect, making the vehicle a good deal sportier than most other three-row SUVs. Simple horizontal lines give the CX-90 a sort of understated elegance, allowing the SUV’s careful craftsmanship to take center stage. The SUV’s wave-like contours recall Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave,” which is currently on exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum.
While the painting and SUV are both stationary, they suggest a sort of raw, powerful energy that’s been momentarily captured in paint or––in the case of the CX-90––aluminum and high-strength steel. A unique front grille with an almost woven look is framed by two slim LED headlights, while chrome accents tie the front fascia together. In the back, a roof spoiler and flowing taillights that frame the Mazda badge give the SUV an athletic, performance-inspired look that’s a perfect match for the turbocharged engine you’ll find under the hood.
The Kodo design aesthetic continues on the inside of the CX-90. Similar to the exterior, Mazda designers have taken a light touch when it comes to interior styling in an effort to let the SUV’s premium materials show through. These materials include Nappa leather, real wood trim, and brushed metal accents, but it’s how they’re arranged that really makes the difference. On the door panels and center console, Mazda has employed a Japanese weaving technique known as nishijin-ori.
Born in Kyoto, this technique allows the CX-90 to stand out in a crowded field. The dash features another technique inspired by traditional Japanese hand bookbinding known as Kumihimo. The two panels of nishijin-ori fabric are joined with a conspicuous stitch that is a design feature in and of itself. While the clean, minimalist interior might take a little getting used to for those who are more accustomed to busy, over-designed interiors, the Kodo approach goes a long way toward minimizing distractions and enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Perfect Companion for Any Journey
With the CX-90, Mazda is making a strong case for its membership in the rarefied luxury segment. The brand might not yet have the recognition of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but the CX-90 is a clear statement of intent. Not only does this three-row SUV allow Mazda to round out its lineup, but it also serves as a showcase for the brand’s performance, design, and luxury credentials. The addition of an all-new turbocharged inline-six engine gives the CX-90 all the power it needs to run with the big boys, while the Kodo design language gives the SUV a distinctive, sophisticated look. Premium materials and tech give the interior a blend of opulence and convenience while steering clear of the digital pitfalls experienced by some other automakers. Whether you’re headed to Benaroya Hall to catch a performance by the Seattle Symphony or commuting to the Google campus in Kirkland, the all-new Mazda CX-90 is the perfect companion for any journey.
