Mazda has been hard at it to match the European haute couture of SUVs from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover. Now, the Japanese automobile manufacturer has paused to take stock of its high-end ambitions.
The move is intended to enhance equipment at the same time as paring prices for the Mazda CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 models, resulting in MY26 3.3 litre inline-six petrol and diesel variants priced the same across all grades.
At more than five metres long, the wide-body CX-90 is a seven-seater in three rows.
The petrol CX-90 is more than $3000 cheaper than before, starting from $66,100, while the diesel has come down by more than $5000.
Following Mazda’s philosophy of ‘Koda – soul of motion’ the CX-90, says the maker, has been designed in the context of ‘dignified performance’, yet imbued with sporty styling, plenty of space and high levels of cabin luxury.
P50e Plug-in Hybrids, exclusive to CX-60 and CX-80 have also been repriced and are now just $5000 more than equivalent G40e and D50e engines. Leading the upgrades is the addition and standardisation of a Sports Appearance Package (SP) on CX-90 GTs.
On test was the Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami SP AWD, which sells for $87,100, plus on-road costs.
Like all Mazdas, the CX-90 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, backed up by five years of roadside assistance.
STYLING
A striking vehicle, the CX-90 has a pronounced cab-backward profile. There are shorter front overhangs, an increased wheel arch to front door and a longer rear overhang.
Chrome, especially up front, has taken a back seat, with black predominating, including on the 21-inch machined alloy wheels.
The larger, more bulbous back section, despite three rows of seats, makes for generous space inside.
INTERIOR
The test car paid customers a compliment with its gentlemen’s’ club luxury all round from the optional SP Package, which includes tan Nappa leather seat trim, suede finish dash panel and two-tone steering wheel.
Up to seven occupants can be seated in limo-like comfort in heated seats, ventilated up front. A flat floor extends to the rear hatch with lluggage capacity up to 2025 litres with seats down. There is underfloor storage with easy access to items regularly in use. A space saver spare is on hand.
INFOTAINMENT
There’s a 12.3-inch full colour widescreen display, plus 12.3-inch TFT multi-information meter in front of the driver. It’s all controlled by this multi-information screen and separate buttons.
Mazda Connected Services integrates with the MyMazda app offering features such as vehicle status and health, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, remote lock, flashing lights, vehicle location and emergency SOS.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The turbocharged petrol engine, Mazda’s most powerful mass-production powerplant, serves up 254kW, is well equipped with a range of Mazda’s latest safety and 500Nm, while the test car’s 187kW diesel unit delivers up to 550Nm as low as 1500rpm.
Each engine uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system, so there’s no EV-only travelling as with a Toyota or Hyundai hybrid. This little electric boost supports the engine when idling or in low-speed ranges. Economy gains are skinny, the maker claiming 5.4 litres to 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.
SAFETY
Safety on the CX-90 and CX-60 has been upgraded and now includes Front Cross Traffic Brake and Cruising Traffic Support with Driver Emergency Assist as standard. The pair joins the CX-70 and CX-80 in hooking into Mazda Connected Services, which integrates with the MyMazda app offering features such as vehicle status and health, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, remote lock, flashing lights, vehicle location and emergency SOS.
DRIVING
It’s a big vehicle in all aspects, which has mixed blessings. Getting in and out can be a stretch but once seated all occupants have a good view all round, especially the driver.
The drive power is presented in a smooth unfussed minor with engine noise intrusion kept to a minimum. The same cannot be said for the tyres, especially on motorway concrete.
Steering has the bulk under strict control on the bitumen but parking can be stressful in the smaller shopping centres.
Rear-leaning i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard across the range, helping the
suspension to come up with an engaging drive. A slim turning circle of 11.8m was a parking bonus. However, wonky reversing camera image and inaccurate dynamic guidelines fell short.
New to Mazda is Unresponsive Driver Support as part of Cruising and Traffic Support. If the system detects shut eyes or lengthy distraction it will alert the drive in stages. If no action is taken, the vehicle is able to slow and come to stop to avoid an accident.
SUMMARY
The MY26 Mazda CX-90 is ideal for buyers seeking a luxury, sporty three-row SUV at a lower price than premium Euro brands. It’s a joy to drive and interior quality cannot be faulted, but is compromised on third-row space and cargo capacity.
RATINGS
Looks – 7
Performance – 6
Safety – 7
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
CX-90 Touring AWD: $66,100
CX-90 GT AWD: $75,100
CX-90 Azami AWD: $82,100
CX-90 SP AWD: $87,100
CX-90 Azami Takumi: AWD: $87,100
Note; These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami SP 3.3-litre 6-cyl turbodiesel, 48V mild
hybrid, 8sp auto, AWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 3283cc
Configuration: six cylinders inline
Maximum power 187kW @ 3750rpm
Maximum torque: 550Nm @ 1500rpm
Fuel type: Diesel
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 8.1L/100km
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
DRIVELINE: eight-speed automatic, AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 5120mm
Width: 1994mm
Height: 1745m
Wheelbase: 3120mm:
Turning circle: 11.8m
Kerb weight: 2198kg
Fuel tank: 74L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Roadside assist up to five years
