Review - Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 comes boasting a brand new range of hybrid powertrains, a redesigned platform and more interior space than ever before, though the upgrades have brought prices well into the premium range.

Just how good is the latest Mazda CX-90, then, and how does it handle the test of a large Australian family? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Mazda CX-90 Competition

Starting Price: $74,385

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda CX-90 range is priced from $74,385 for the G50e Touring, with prices rising to $75,800 for the D50e Touring.

Stepping up to the G50e GT brings the price to $86,085, while the D50e GT is priced at $84,800.

Finally, the range-topping Azami variant is priced at $95,185 for the G50e Azami and $93,865 for the D50e Azami.

Remember that these prices do not include on-road costs and are subject to change.

Mazda CX-90 (G50E TOURING MHEV) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mazda CX-90 car page.

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What Features Does the Mazda CX-90 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level CX-90 Touring variants come riding on 19-inch alloys, and receive auto LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a surround-view monitor with parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the CX-90 GT adds a set of 21-inch alloys with adaptive LED headlights and LED running lights, two 12.3-inch displays, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, upgraded leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, rear combination lights and an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Finally, the range-topping CX-90 Azmami receives a surround-view monitor with see-through-view, ambient lighting, black Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a frameless rear-view mirror, body-coloured wheel arches and a special set of black 21-inch alloys.

Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys

• Auto-LED headlights

• Adaptive cruise control

• Leather upholstery with heated front seats

• Surround-view monitor with parking sensors

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 21-inch alloys (GT)

• Adaptive LED headlights (GT)

• 2 x 12.3-inch displays (GT)

• Heated steering wheel and second-row seats (GT)

• Panoramic sunroof (GT)

• Ambient lighting (Azami)

• Black Nappa leather upholstery (Azami)

• Ventilated front seats (Azami)

Is the Mazda CX-90 Comfortable to Drive?

Headlining a long list of developments with the CX-90 is the choice of two mild-hybrid engines from Mazda that add impressive power and torque figures to the mix, and feel like a truly next-gen update from the company.

Buyers have the option of a 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel, which kick out 254kW/500Nm and 187kW/550Nm respectively, with braked towing figures standing at 2500kg for the G50e petrol and 2000kg for the D50e diesel.

Both engines are a masterpiece on the road, offering smooth and effortless acceleration thanks to a slick eight-speed automatic transmission and their potent power figures from Mazda’s most powerful engines to date.

“With surprising handling for a large SUV and effortless acceleration thanks to Mazda’s most powerful engines yet, the CX-90 is magic on the road.” Glynn - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Mazda has opted for a rear-biased AWD system that keeps the CX-90 planted and supportive when pushed, while offering some impressive driving dynamics when you really get up and moving.

For a vehicle of its size and weight, the driving experience on an open road is truly engaging, while Mazda has done extremely well in keeping the cabin insulated from the outside world, and remains quiet at highway speeds.

Out on the open road, Mazda has sorted out a lot of the suspension issues that bothered its previous large SUV, the CX-9, with the CX-90 taking a huge leap forward in terms of its suspension package and confidence on rougher road surfaces.

While cruising around town, the CX-90 is even more impressive thanks to its user-friendly driving nature and its comfort levels.

The suspension eats up any bumps and inclines onto driveways without an issue, while the steering remains light enough for all drivers to navigate tight spots and car parks without working up a sweat.

While it might take a minute to get used to its sheer size, as an everyday driver, the CX-90 is near faultless and makes for a great and versatile package for short hops around town and long distance trips alike.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mazda’s G50e turbo-petrol engine is rated at 8.2L/100km on a combined cycle, which drops to 5.4L/100km in the D50e turbo-diesel.

This makes the diesel CX-90 variant by far the most fuel-efficient engine option, though the petrol engine does offer a significant amount of extra power and larger braked towing figures, making for the more versatile of the two.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Luxurious and practical Interior design has always been a strength for Mazda’s team of designers, and the CX-90 is proof that the company is still very much at the top of its game, and most of its competitors.

Stepping inside the CX-90 greets the driver and front passenger with a carefully-curated and premium interior design, with leather upholstery wrapping its way across the seats and steering wheel, even in the base model.

The seats feel wonderful, while there’s acres of headroom even for the tallest of drivers in the front of the CX-90, a fully-adjustable driving position and all the important touch points in the front of the cabin picking up a soft, premium finish.

The driver and front passenger are separated by a wide centre console that houses the gear lever and rotary dials that control the infotainment system; there’s no touch inputs for the multimedia setup.

“Mazda’s interior designs are some of the best in the game, and the CX-90’s design hits the ground running with a wonderfully-appointed and practical cabin.” Dan - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Storage options in the front of the cabin include two storage trays beside the gear lever, a heap of storage inside the split-fold arm rest, with large door bins on either side of the cabin that eat up large drink bottles.

Move to the second row of the cabin and there’s a generous amount of head and leg room on offer, with no issues for adults sitting in the rear of the CX-90’s large cabin.

Amenities in the rear include a set of USB-C chargers, and dedicated climate control settings, with higher-spec variants picking up a set of heated seats, atop the usual ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats.

The CX-90 is a seven-seat SUV package as standard, while the range-topping Azami has the option of a six-seater configuration with a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row.

Mazda’s CX-90 is a bonafide seven-seater, with enough room in the third row to accommodate adults without much of a squeeze, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from a cabin loaded with kids on a long holiday road trip.

Boot space in the rear of the CX-90 stands at a very impressive 451L with all three rows standing, and expands to 1155L with the second row folded and a massive 2129L with all rows folded for large cargo and sports equipment.

Is it Safe?

The Mazda CX-90 is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, though it’s safe to expect full marks when ANCAP does get a chance to test it out.

As standard, the CX-90 comes extremely well-equipped with safety kit even in base form, which includes autonomous emergency braking with junction, pedestrian and cyclist assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, safe-exit warnings, a secondary collision reduction system and a surround-view monitor with parking sensors.

Stepping up to the CX-90 Azami adds a specialised surround-view monitor with a ‘see-through view’ system, as well as cruising and traffic support which combines the lane centering system with the adaptive cruise control for easy highway driving.

Our Verdict: Is The Mazda CX-90 Worth it?

While some might be intimidated by Mazda’s pricing for the CX-90 lineup, in almost every measurable aspect, it lives up to its bold pricing.

Everything from the engine performance through to the quality of the interior’s design and sheer space for seven people inside the cabin has taken a massive development leap over its predecessor.

The end result of these leaps is nothing short of one of the most impressive premium seven-seat SUV packages on the Australian market.

If you’re tossing up your best options in the world of seven-seat SUVs, get in touch with one of our car buying specialists who can help take the stress out of the process and find you a great price.

Five Mazda CX-90 Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines available; both receive mild-hybrid tech

3. Seven-seat cabin with large 451L boot space; six-seater option available

4. 8.2L/100km (petrol) fuel economy figures drop to 5.4L/100km in diesel variant

5. G50e petrol’s 2500kg braked towing figures drop to 2000kg for the D50e diesel