2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front of the LYRIQ was adorned with vertical light bars and nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille varied between trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The vehicle's imposing presence was enhanced by 22-inch wheels, while the wraparound taillights and steeply raked glass window added to its unique style.

Inside, the LYRIQ's interior was a testament to Cadillac's attention to detail. The seats featured C-shaped headrests and were wrapped in leather, with polished window switches and door-mounted seat controls. The armrest was padded with leather and trimmed with aluminum, forming a speaker grille at the driver's knee. The steering wheel was unique to Cadillac, with knurled toggle switches and a sleek black panel of buttons. The air vents had a retro feel, controlled by swiveling knobs. However, the floating center console offered limited usable space, and the 33-inch OLED display, while impressive, was integrated without dominating the space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offered a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its athletic look. The interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. Despite some materials reflecting its competitive price, the cabin felt upscale. However, the ergonomics had some drawbacks, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Nevertheless, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was built for long-distance comfort rather than sporty driving. With over 500 miles tested, it excelled on the interstate, offering a calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain in the test car produced 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both powertrains used a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with Cadillac claiming a range of 314 miles for rear-wheel drive and 307 miles for all-wheel drive. However, real-world testing showed a max range closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery topping to 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. Despite its impressive power, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain, while offering respectable power figures, lacked refinement. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with the Turbo S variant delivering up to 340 hp with premium gas. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the drivetrain's refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The ride and handling were impressive, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch interaction. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, while luxurious, had its own set of challenges. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently, and the front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. However, the long rear doors could pose challenges in tight spaces. The third row was best suited for children, and the cargo space was limited, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving, with a helpful colored bar on the steering wheel indicating system status. The 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented in a traditional manner, with 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 requiring console knob interaction. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids were effective, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.