2024 Mazda CX-90 heralds three-row RWD platform with turbocharged inline-6

Mazda has just taken its first big leap into the future and is ready to join in while aiming to accommodate the whole family.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 made its debut on Tuesday. With new hybrid powertrains, rear-wheel drive platform and three rows of seats, it has its sights set on more boring competition.

At this point, the CX-90 is detailed and flush with beautiful design elements that enthusiastic families might enjoy. Mazda said the CX-90 will go on sale this spring, with pricing, fuel economy figures, all-electric range and actual vehicle dimensions announced closer to launch.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

Inline, turbocharged and based on rear-wheel drive

The CX-90 debuts Mazda’s new large rear-wheel drive platform for the US market. Each CX-90 will be an all-wheel drive hybrid with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

Plug-in hybrids combine a 2.5-liter inline 4 with an electric motor embedded in the 8-speed gearbox. The 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is mounted just behind the second row and extends under the third row. Total system output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mazda said the system can operate in pure electric mode or as a hybrid and has enough electric range to be useful in everyday driving, but it wouldn’t comment on the range.

The Turbo 6 model features a new clean 3.3-liter inline-6 ​​single-scroll single-turbocharger paired with an electric motor that’s built into the 8-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

Mitsuru Wakiie, the executive director in charge of the CX-90 program, told Motor Authority that it’s no coincidence that the torque numbers of the two powertrains are the same. Performance is approaching the performance limit of the new 8-speed automatic. The 8-speed automatic transmission is purely an in-house development with two wet clutches and no torque converter, which is replaced by the electric motor. Behind the engine but in the gearbox housing sits the electric motor, then a wet clutch, followed by the 8-speed automatic transmission, then another wet clutch connecting everything to the driveshaft.

According to Wakiie, the all-wheel drive system developed by Mazda sends about 80% of the power to the rear wheels under typical driving conditions. The executive said that even in electric mode, the CX-90 still powers all four wheels, a feat the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge isn’t capable of. While there’s no torque vectoring or limited-slip differentials, the system can send up to 50% of the power to the front wheels.

Mazda added its Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system, first introduced on the 2022 MX-5 Miata. The electronic function improves cornering stability by applying braking force to limit body roll in corners while improving grip. It is similar in concept to a brake-based torque vectoring system used in other vehicles.

The new platform allowed Mazda to pack double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link suspension at the rear. The CX-90 has neither active damping nor air suspension.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

Luxurious look with seating for up to eight people

One look at the CX-90 and it’s clear this three-breasted suit is cut from a different fabric than the competition.

Longer and wider than the CX-9 it will replace, the CX-90 has a short front overhang and a long hood, resulting in a large dash-to-axle ratio and a tidy rear end. The design language has evolved, refined here with flourishes on the fenders, but everyone will know this is a Mazda. Top-of-the-line signature models ride on 21-inch alloy wheels.

The CX-90 can be configured to accommodate six, seven or even eight passengers. The outgoing CX-9 can seat just six or seven people, depending on configuration. Depending on specification, the CX-90 is available with either a second row bench seat or two captain’s chairs, while some models will have a third row seating two and others three rear row seats. Mazda didn’t detail which trims will feature which configurations.

The seats in the second and third rows are designed in a stadium style. At 5-foot-10, I was able to sit behind me in all three rows, and the third row left about an inch of headroom overhead. However, legroom and footroom are very important there because of the packaging and the battery. Both rows fold completely flat for transporting large cargo.

2024 Mazda CX-90

2024 Mazda CX-90

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Mazda has embraced the dial and button input system, activating the screen for touch input only while using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The active security set is being expanded, but at this early reveal not enough detail has been provided on its feature set. Signature models shown at the unveiling appeared to have support for a rear-view camera system that displays in the rear-view mirror, but Mazda was yet to comment on that feature.

Materials and finishes up close become a strength. With nappa leather and open-pore maple wood, the signature models feel like they’re in luxury territory. The latter has a shimmering effect and is used on guitars. It is complemented by a linen-like trim material on the dashboard and door panels on Signature models with white interiors. Other trims feature dark interiors and plastic trims with a net-like embossed design.