Mazda finally revealed the 2024 CX-90, and while we got to see it in person, we haven’t driven it yet. Therefore, we still don’t have a lot of details. However, there are a few things to know about this three-row SUV that help set it apart from the outgoing CX-9.
There will be a PHEV + mild hybrid
This is a big one. The 2024 CX-90 is the first North American vehicle to get a plug-in electric hybrid variant. The PHEV will get a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. There will be all-electric range capability, but Mazda hasn’t released what that number will be yet. We hope it will be in the 40-mile range, and since the PHEV version of the MX-30 that we don’t get in the U.S. has up to 53 miles of range, this isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
The other powertrain will be an inline 6-cylinder engine that was developed specifically for the large-platform CX-90. It will deliver 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
The caveat with both the PHEV and inline 6 is that the power ratings are only achieved with using the recommended premium fuel. Expect lower torque and horsepower numbers to be released closer to the launch date, which show what happens if you opt to use regular fuel in your CX-90.
It will have seating for up to 8
The CX-9 was a three-row vehicle, but it only ever had seating for up to seven passengers. The 2024 CX-90 models we saw at the reveal were all configured as six-passenger vehicles with middle-row captain’s chairs and a two-seat third row. However, the press release states there will be seating for up to eight passengers, and we confirmed this with executives on hand at the reveal.
This means there will be a configure option – likely only in the lowest trims – which will provide a three-person third row. This would have to be selected in conjunction with a middle-row bench seat, which we anticipate will be available on most trims.
The 2024 CX-90 gets a new color
Mazda is well known for its distinctive Soul Red paint that we’ve seen on every vehicle from the flashy MX-5 to the classy CX-5. With the CX-90, you’ll see a new red hue: Artisan Red.
Pictures don’t do it justice.
It’s a deep burgundy that looks almost black in the shade then shifts to a sparkling wine color in bright sunlight. I’ll be honest, it’s not as stunning as the Soul Red. It’s more conservative – but so is the 2024 CX-90, so the color on this vehicle makes sense.
The is no word on whether this color will roll out to other vehicles in the Mazda lineup or if it’s a CX-90 exclusive.
Nope, there still isn’t a touch screen
One of the polarizing features on current Mazda vehicles is the dial-controlled infotainment system. While the 2024 CX-90 gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, it still isn’t touch capable. Nope, it gets the same infotainment system we’ve already seen.
Because the vehicles on hand were display only, we couldn’t play around with the system to see if there are any improvements or changes, but we’re guessing there isn’t.
One bit of good news: There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The bottom line
Yeah, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the 2024 CX-90. But the media drive is going to be in March, and we expect the vehicle to go on sale shortly after that. We’ll have more details very soon.
What this brief first-look has done is whet my appetite for more. The interior design is stunning with high-end materials and interesting details. Plus, I like the chunkier exterior styling. With the promise of new technology and more safety, I can’t wait to see what else Mazda has in store for this new SUV.
