2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a bold step for Mazda, aiming to bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury vehicles. It showcased an elegant design that borrowed from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, but on a grander scale. The SUV's exterior was marked by a commanding presence, with a large grille, wide-set front end, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the top-tier models offered a luxurious experience with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, rivaling even the likes of BMW in terms of interior quality. The CX-90 was available in 11 different trims, with three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and the high-performance Turbo S.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 continued to build on its predecessor's luxury appeal but with some refinements. The exterior featured lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV look. The interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the 2025 model faced criticism for its ergonomics, with a confusing electronic shifter and a climate panel that was counterintuitive. Despite these issues, the 2025 CX-90 maintained its sophisticated appearance and feel, standing out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S variant offered an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models came 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, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a 26-mile all-electric range.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured the same 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The Turbo S variant delivered 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, or 340 horsepower with premium gas. The drivetrain included an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. However, the 2025 model faced issues with drivetrain refinement, including unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 maintained its impressive ride and handling, offering a firm and communicative driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with lower trims seating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs. The Turbo S models had a two-seat configuration in the third row, providing slightly more cargo space. Total cargo capacity measured 75.2 cubic feet with the two-seater third row, while models with a three-across back seat offered 74.2 cubic feet. The CX-90's interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, though it fell short on capacity compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort but limited seat-track travel, making it challenging to install rear-facing child seats. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened. Storage options were limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing 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 enhance safety, the setup proved frustrating for users. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, which employed touchscreen controls for ease of use.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform relying on a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but the vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display. Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models.

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 Turbo S Premium Plus model also had cruising and traffic support, providing hands-on driver assistance. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the previous CX-9's accolades.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings.