2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, its small back seat, limited cargo space, and frustrating infotainment system were potential drawbacks. Mazda's decision to eventually phase out the CX-5 in favor of the CX-50 was more about marketing strategy than the model's performance or popularity. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $41,655, depending on the trim and options.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, represented a significant leap forward in design and luxury for the brand. It took the elegant design language of smaller Mazda models and expanded it into a more imposing SUV. The CX-90's interior, especially in top trims, rivaled luxury brands with features like brown suede upholstery and wood inlays. The model was available in 11 different trims, with three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option. The CX-90 Turbo S, starting at over $50,000, was the performance highlight, offering a powerful engine and a luxurious interior. The CX-90 was designed to offer a luxury experience at a more accessible price point than traditional luxury brands.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, available in higher trims, produced 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by structural and suspension updates, making it feel more refined and responsive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All CX-90 models featured standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an EPA rating of 56 MPGe combined. The CX-90's driving experience was characterized by its agility and handling, reminiscent of smaller vehicles.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support, with power adjustments available in higher trims. The interior was crafted with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather in the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were less impressive. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than some competitors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims and six in higher trims. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90 improved on the CX-9's cargo capacity but still fell short compared to some rivals. The interior featured clever storage solutions, comfortable seats, and premium materials, creating a luxurious and practical environment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its lack of a touchscreen interface and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, which could be distracting. It included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 continued Mazda's focus on reducing distractions with its non-touchscreen Mazda Connect system, using a rotary control knob and hard buttons. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition for driver settings and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. These projection systems allowed for touchscreen controls, providing a more familiar user experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 also featured the i-Activsense suite, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus model included advanced features like cruising and traffic support. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's previous ratings.