A version with two-row seating, while retaining the same bodywork, body length and engine options is marketed as the Mazda CX-70. The CX-70 was introduced in January 2024, featuring minor styling differences compared to the CX-90.[8]
Overview
The CX-90 was revealed on 31 January 2023, for the North American market, while a release in the Australian and Middle Eastern markets occurred later during 2023.[6][9] The CX-90 is available with a choice of six, seven, or eight seat configurations. The CX-70, the two-row variant with five seats, was revealed on 30 January 2024 in North America. The CX-70 differs from the CX-90 by its front and rear bumper designs, black exterior accents replacing chrome, unique wheel designs, and differing interior colour scheme options.[10]
With the use of the rear-wheel-drive-biased large vehicle platform, the CX-90 and CX-70 are placed into the brand's internal "Large Product Group" category. According to Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, the CX-90 addresses many of the weaknesses of the CX-9 such as its small interior space.[11]
The CX-90 and CX-70 are also equipped with the Kinematic Posture Control technology, a feature originally developed for the 2022 MX-5 Miata and also present in the similar CX-60. The software suppresses the vehicle's body lift during cornering to improve stability and traction, helping occupants maintain a natural posture.[4]
The CX-9 was discontinued in North America, replaced by the CX-90 and CX-70.[7] Like its predecessor, the CX-90 will not be sold in Japan (despite being built in the country) and Europe.
Rear view
Interior
The Skyactiv straight-six engine
Markets
North America
The CX-90 was released for the North American market in Spring 2023. Trim levels for the straight-six models are: Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, Premium Plus, S, S Premium, and S Plus. Trim levels for plug-in hybrid models are the Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus.[12]
Australia
The CX-90 went on sale in Australia on 14 August 2023, with 3 grades available: Touring, GT, and Azami. The Azami grade is available with SP and Takumi option packages. Two powertrains are available for each grade: 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv-G mild hybrid petrol (G50e) and 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv-D mild hybrid diesel (D50e); all wheel drive comes as standard for all variants.[13]
For the Australian market, the Touring trim includes a 10.25-inch full colour widescreen display, using the 'Mazda Connect' infotainment system, 19-inch silver metallic alloy wheels, a 7-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display, air-conditioning, with three-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driver monitor and heated seats. The GT, which includes what the Touring trim brings, also includes a 12.3-inch full color widescreen display, a 12.3-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display, heated front and rear seats, 12 speakers, and the wheels are upgraded to 21-inch silver metallic alloys. The Azami trim adds 21-inch black metallic alloy wheels, 360° view monitor with see-through view, ambient lighting, and ventilated seats for the front.[14]
New Zealand
The CX-90 was launched alongside the CX-60 in New Zealand in September 2023, in a sole Takami grade powered only by a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv-D mild hybrid diesel engine.[15]
Philippines
The CX-90 was released in the Philippines on 22 September 2023, with two variants: Turbo and Turbo Exclusive. Both variants are solely powered by a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv-D mild hybrid diesel engine.[16]
Powertrain
Available with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, the CX-90 along with the CX-70 became Mazda's first production models to offer a hybrid powertrain in the North American market.[17] There are two market dependent, mild hybrid engine options. The first is a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine marketed as the e-Skyactiv G powertrain with the M-Hybrid Boost system with two outputs, it is producing either 280 hp (284 PS; 209 kW) and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m; 45.9 kg⋅m) of torque on regular fuel or 340 hp (345 PS; 254 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m; 51.0 kg⋅m) on premium fuel. The second is an Australian only option of a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine marketed as the e-Skyactiv D powertrain with the M-Hybrid Boost system producing 251 hp (254 PS; 187 kW) and 406 lb⋅ft (550 N⋅m; 56.1 kg⋅m) of torque.[18]
The plug-in hybrid powertrain marketed as the e-Skyactiv PHEV uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a tuned air intake and an electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh battery, producing combined power figures of 323 hp (327 PS; 241 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m; 51.0 kg⋅m) of torque when powered by premium fuel. All-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard for all models.[19] While the automatic transmissionis a conventional hydraulically actuated planetary gearset, it uses a single wet clutch instead of a more common torque converter to increase front passenger space in the footwell area.
The 2024 CX-90 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received overall Good and Superior ratings on all categories except the non-turbo models, which received an Acceptable rating on headlights, as only the turbo models are offered with adaptive headlights.[22]
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day)
Superior
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use
Good+
Marketing
Mazda USA released a series of teaser videos featuring Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada from January 12, 2023, to the CX-90's unveiling on January 31, 2023.[23]
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