2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a testament to Mazda's ambition to elevate its brand into the luxury segment. With its imposing size stretching over 200 inches, the CX-90 commanded attention with its elegant design, reminiscent of its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, but on a grander scale. The SUV's exterior featured a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivaled luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered 11 different trim levels across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and the performance-oriented Turbo S, which started at over $50,000.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse focused on practicality and rugged appeal. While Chevrolet's SUVs were generally praised for their exterior styling, the Traverse's interior materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse was available in trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a more capable Twin Clutch AWD system. Despite its rugged enhancements, the Traverse's interior lacked the refinement and quality materials found in the CX-90.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models came standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with Sport mode enhancing the engine's roar and performance. 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-estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, the engine exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique wheels, and a hill descent control system. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, but it lacked the sporty feel of the CX-90. The Z71's suspension and tires provided a smoother ride on rough terrain, but the Traverse's steering lacked road feel, and the brakes were touchy. The EPA-rated fuel economy for the Traverse was 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with lower-level trims accommodating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs for seven-passenger seating. The Turbo S models had a two-seat configuration in the third row, with the base trim seating seven and the Premium models seating six. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90's interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, though it fell short in cargo capacity compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, offering eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat. The Z71 trim featured individual captain's chairs in the second row, providing comfort and support. However, the Traverse's third-row seats lacked a view due to the rear window design and did not offer USB charging ports. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient. While the Traverse offered ample space, it lacked some family-friendly features found in competitors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 prioritized safety by eliminating distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Traverse's user interface was intuitive, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The test vehicle featured a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This included features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus also had cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.