For almost a decade, the Mazda CX-9 had been the family SUV that was a little towards the premium side, while competing with SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The CX-9, which was almost perfect as a 3-row family SUV, was replaced last year by the new Mazda CX-90. Is it any good?
Mazda CX-90 Design – Handsome Profile
The Mazda CX-90’s exterior design is a handsome mixture of elegance and subtle bold presence. It follows Mazda’s Kodo design language, which aims to give the car a sense of motion even at a standstill. You’ll notice this in the sculpted body lines and the way light plays across its surfaces. The wide front grille, flanked by sleek adaptive LED headlights, gives the SUV a confident, upscale look that could very much resemble cars like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC60. Depending on the trim, it rides on 18 to 21-inch wheels, with the larger options adding to its elegant stance.
At the rear, the CX-90 keeps things clean and modern with slim LED taillights and a wide tailgate. Some trims come with blackout elements and a dark chrome grille, which gives the vehicle a sportier, more premium appeal. Mazda also offers a rich colour palette, including a standout deep red finish called Artisan Red Metallic. Overall, the CX-90 manages to look both sophisticated and athletic, striking the perfect balance for a family SUV that doesn’t want to blend into the crowd but also appeal highly.
Mazda CX-90 Interior – Interior
Inside, the Mazda CX-90 leans heavily into a premium and rather minimalist aesthetic. The cabin is spacious and well thought out, just as you would expect from a well-engineered Japanese car, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather, real wood, and aluminium trim available on higher variants. The dashboard layout is clean, with a wide infotainment screen that morphs into the design, and physical controls are kept to a minimum for a more refined look, although that may not be very convenient to most. Mazda’s attention to detail shows in things like the stitching on the seats and the textured finishes on the dash and door panels. It’s a calm, quiet space that feels more like a luxury car than a typical three-row SUV.
Mazda CX-90 – Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium interior with high-end materials (Nappa leather, wood, etc.) | Third-row seating is tight and best for children |
| Elegant, athletic exterior design with strong road presence | Infotainment system can be unintuitive due to rotary dial interface |
| Powerful engine options, including an inline-6 and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Top trims can get expensive, edging into luxury pricing |
| Smooth and comfortable ride with refined handling | Not designed for serious off-road use despite AWD |
| Modern tech features like wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and HUD | Rear styling may not appeal to everyone; some say it resembles a minivan |
| Spacious, flexible interior with optional captain’s chairs |
Mazda CX-90 – Powertrain
3.3L Turbo Inline-6 (Standard Output)
- Type: Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder with 48V Mild Hybrid system
- Power: 280 HP
- Torque: 450 NM
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Efficiency: 9.8 – 8.4 L/100KM (combined)
3.3L Turbo Inline-6 (High Output)
- Type: Turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder with 48V Mild Hybrid system
- Power: 340 HP (on premium fuel available in UAE)
- Torque: 500 NM
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: i-ACTIV AWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 10.2 – 8.7 L/100KM (combined)
An inline-six-cylinder engine is a hallmark of SUVs such as the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, signalling Mazda’s desire to move its brand even more toward the premium end of the market.
Mazda CX-90 – Pricing In the UAE
The Mazda CX-90 e-SKYACTIV G (Standard Power) starts at AED 230,000, whereas the top-of-the-line Mazda CX-90 e-SKYACTIV G High Plus 4WD costs a massive AED 290,000. This is an expensive price that puts this vehicle on par with vehicles like the Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol as well, which could be one reason why this vehicle is not selling as much.
Mazda CX-90 – Luxury That We Don’t Understand
The profile of the CX-90 sure may be handsome, but those handsome lines do not justify the hefty pricing for the top-of-the-line CX-90 model. At this exact same price, you can get an SUV from Mercedes-Benz or BMW. But a customer who truly understands the pricing of this vehicle, based on its quality, attention to detail, and comfort, will truly enjoy this vehicle to the max. But for others, it’s going to be a confusing, yet luxurious experience.
