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Mazda CX-90
2024 · Mazda
CX-90
66
🔷 Premium
OctaneScore / 100
👁 9 reviews
Critics Consensus
Driving enthusiasts willing to embrace Mazda's bet on premium materials and engaging performance over segment-standard practicality and tech, though the CX-90's steep pricing and real-world efficiency shortfalls narrow its appeal to those who can afford to compromise.

Things to Look For

Turbocharged inline-6 engine delivers engaging performance with strong torque3 reviewers
Premium interior materials and cabin craftsmanship rival luxury brands3 reviewers
Excellent fuel economy across gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains3 reviewers
Cargo space and rear legroom lag competitors by 5-8 inches2 reviewers
Steep pricing climbs to $62,000+ while offering fewer features than rivals2 reviewers
Limited driver assistance tech and infotainment usability frustrations2 reviewers
Reviewers sharply disagreed on livability, practicality, and value—a 21-point score spread.

Score Breakdown

Performance
80
Livability
50
Driving Tech
72
Cabin Tech
65
Value
56
Reliability
65
Design
63
Economy
78

9 Reviews

Redline Reviews
Redline Reviews
Jan 19, 2026
76⭐ Super
Redline Reviews gave the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport a positive 76/100 rating, praising its excellent value and fuel economy—the CX-90 starts at $38,800 and achieves 25 mpg combined with a 490-mile range—along with strong performance from its 340-hp turbocharged engine and well-integrated cabin tech including a Bose sound system and digital 12.3-inch driver display. The refreshed design successfully ditches excessive chrome for a sportier look, and the vehicle delivers engaging driving dynamics that reviewer calls "easy to drive" and "puts a smile on the face." However, cargo space lags competitors by 5-6 cubic feet behind the third row, and some reliability features like remote start are missing. The CX-90 is ideal for buyers seeking a unique, fun-to-drive three-row SUV who don't prioritize maximum interior space.
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TheStraightPipes
TheStraightPipes
Feb 11, 2025
61🔷 Premium
TheStraightPipes gives the 2025 Mazda CX-90 a solidly positive 61/100 OctaneScore, praising it as a capable family vehicle with exceptional driving technology and livability features—the 360 camera that his wife loves, three-row seating with captain's chairs, and enough rear legroom for him to monitor his baby make it genuinely family-friendly. Cabin tech also impresses with practical additions like USB-C ports in the back row and rear climate control adjustable from the front. However, the plug-in hybrid's economy falls flat due to charging issues at his home and real-world fuel consumption around 10.6-12 L/100km versus the 9.4 L/100km rating, and at $64,600 CAD it carries a premium price tag. The CX-90 is best suited for families prioritizing three-row space, advanced driver aids, and convenience features over fuel efficiency and affordability.
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Auto Buyers Guide
Auto Buyers Guide
Dec 29, 2023
69🔷 Premium
Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a positive 69/100 OctaneScore, praising its exceptional driving dynamics powered by a 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 with near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, best-in-class LED headlights, and impressive fuel economy options including a plug-in hybrid with 25 miles of electric range. However, the CX-90 falls short on livability with 8 inches less legroom than competitors and a sloping rear glass design that sacrifices cargo practicality, while the interior also lacks features like four-way lumbar support found on cheaper vehicles, suggesting Mazda prioritized premium aesthetics over substance. The reviewer notes conflicting priorities throughout the vehicle, with an aggressive, muscular exterior that doesn't match the cabin quality, and a touchscreen limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring dial controller use for all menu navigation. The CX-90 is best suited for driving enthusiasts willing to compromise on interior practicality and features in exchange for engaging performance at a competitive price point.
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Redline Reviews
Redline Reviews
Nov 8, 2023
70🔷 Premium
Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV a positive 70/100 rating, praising its strong value proposition with pricing starting at $47,500 and competitive trim pricing, solid performance delivering 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and unique segment positioning as one of the few plug-in hybrid SUVs with three-row seating and up to 26 miles of electric-only range. The reviewers highlight the handsome design with full LED adaptive headlights and practical cabin tech including a 1500-watt inverter and 12-speaker Bose stereo, though they note the design represents a missed opportunity for greater differentiation and the audio system sounds just "okay" compared to competitors. Notable drawbacks include limited towing capacity (3,500 pounds versus 5,000 for the Turbo S), missing full active lane keep assist on this trim, and interior quality concerns like cheap second-row cup holders. The CX-90 PHEV suits buyers prioritizing daily-use efficiency and three-row capacity over maximum performance, as reviewers suggest they'd prefer the PHEV powertrain over the inline-6 for regular driving.
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SavageGeese
SavageGeese
Sep 8, 2023
69🔷 Premium
SavageGeese gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a solid 69/100 rating, praising Mazda's engineering priorities and value proposition. The reviewer highlights the vehicle's exceptional performance (87/100) with its purpose-built inline-6 engine tuned for North American drivers, excellent fuel economy (100/100) across its powertrain options, and compelling design (86/100) featuring laser-etched interior accents and sleek proportions. However, the CX-90 stumbles in livability (30/100) and driving tech (33/100)—notably lacking adaptive steering and experiencing some reliability quirks like drivetrain vibrations and malfunctioning safety systems in the pre-production test vehicle. The CX-90 is best suited for buyers prioritizing driving dynamics and material quality over maximizing three-row practicality and cutting-edge tech features.
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Doug DeMuro
Doug DeMuro
Aug 22, 2023
62🔷 Premium
Doug DeMuro gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a moderately positive 62/100 rating, praising its stunning exterior design, excellent turbocharged inline-six performance with instant torque, and genuinely luxurious interior materials that rival far pricier competitors. However, the vehicle struggles significantly with value—pricing climbs to $62,000 for top models while offering less equipment than cheaper rivals like the Palisade—and its technology falls short with outdated driver assistance features, infotainment lockouts while driving, and a proximity key that only works on front doors. The CX-90 demands buyers choose between premium styling and materials versus modern convenience features and competitive pricing, making it best suited for luxury-minded SUV shoppers willing to sacrifice practicality for design and substance.
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Redline Reviews
Redline Reviews
Aug 11, 2023
65🔷 Premium
Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S a positive assessment (65/100), praising its impressive fuel economy that exceeds EPA estimates with up to 29 mpg highway, its powerful 3.3L turbocharged engine producing 340 hp and enabling 0-60 acceleration in 6.6 seconds, and its premium interior quality that rivals European luxury brands at just under $40,000. However, the review notes meaningful compromises in livability, with cargo space under 16 cubic feet and underseat storage falling short of competitors like the Honda Pilot, plus a design that feels like a CX-9 refresh rather than a bold new direction. The CX-90 is worth considering for buyers seeking premium feel and performance without the price tag of European luxury, though those prioritizing maximum interior space should look elsewhere.
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TheStraightPipes
TheStraightPipes
Jun 2, 2023
55🔷 Premium
TheStraightPipes gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV a mixed 55/100 rating, finding it a solid choice with some meaningful compromises. The standout strengths are its intuitive hybrid interface—praised as "the most intuitive display of hybrid information out of probably any manufacturer"—comfortable seating, and practical tech like the 180-degree reverse camera and simple charge-target system. However, the PHEV struggles with sluggish EV-to-gas transitions, noticeable body roll when cornering, limited 42-kilometer electric range, and poor value at $64,700 CAD for the top trim, which actually costs more than the inline-six version while missing certain features. This PHEV works best for buyers who prioritize user-friendly hybrid tech and daily comfort over performance, efficiency, or competitive pricing.
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Redline Reviews
Redline Reviews
Apr 3, 2023
68🔷 Premium
Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Mazda CX-90 a positive 68/100 score, praising it as a compelling luxury-oriented three-row SUV with standout economy and reliability credentials. The cabin impresses with luxury-rival craftsmanship, unique features like the removable engine cover, and strong tech including a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heads-up display on premium trims, while the PHEV variant delivers 323 horsepower with 26 miles of electric range and 2.5-hour Level 2 charging. However, value represents a significant weakness (17/100), with the panoramic roof limited to higher trims and third-row seating restricted to just two passengers on some models, making customization options feel restrictive. The CX-90 is best suited for buyers seeking a premium driving experience and willing to pay for it, particularly those interested in the PHEV's efficiency or the upmarket feel that rivals luxury competitors like Volvo.
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