The Mazda CX-90: Is This America’s New Three-Row SUV Darling?
For years, the three-row SUV segment has been dominated by the usual suspects: the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Reliable, practical, and undeniably popular, these vehicles have become synonymous with suburban family life. But a new challenger has entered the arena, and it’s not just playing the same game. The Mazda CX-90 is injecting a dose of premium design, engaging driving dynamics, and a sophisticated interior into a segment often characterized by practicality over passion. Is this the recipe for success? Is the CX-90 poised to dethrone the established giants and become America’s new favorite three-row SUV? Let’s dive deep and explore what makes this Mazda a serious contender.
A Departure from the Ordinary: Mazda’s Design Philosophy
Let’s be honest, three-row SUVs aren’t typically known for their head-turning good looks. They prioritize interior space and functionality, often resulting in boxy and uninspired designs. This is where the CX-90 immediately sets itself apart. Mazda’s “Kodo” design language, honed over years and beautifully executed in models like the Mazda3 and CX-5, finds its most mature and arguably most compelling expression in the CX-90.
The CX-90 boasts a long hood, a sweeping roofline, and a wide stance, giving it a sense of presence and athleticism rarely seen in this segment. The sculpted body panels catch the light beautifully, creating a dynamic and visually appealing aesthetic. Even the smallest details, like the intricately designed headlights and the elegant chrome accents, contribute to the overall impression of a vehicle that’s been carefully considered and thoughtfully executed.
Consider, for example, the available Artisan Red Premium paint. This isn’t just another red; it’s a deep, rich hue that shifts and changes depending on the light, adding a layer of sophistication that’s more akin to a luxury brand than a mainstream SUV. This attention to detail, this commitment to creating a visually stunning vehicle, is a key factor in the CX-90’s growing popularity. It appeals to buyers who are tired of the blandness of the competition and are looking for a three-row SUV that they can genuinely be proud to own.
Beyond the Looks: A Premium Interior Experience
The CX-90’s exterior design is just the opening act. Stepping inside reveals an interior that rivals many luxury SUVs in terms of materials, design, and overall ambiance. Mazda has clearly prioritized creating a comfortable and refined space for both the driver and passengers.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on horizontal lines that emphasize the vehicle’s width. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, including soft-touch plastics, genuine leather, and real wood trim (depending on the trim level). The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys, and the available Nappa leather upholstery adds an extra touch of luxury.
But the CX-90’s interior isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about functionality. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a large central display and a rotary controller that allows for precise navigation. The available head-up display provides important information without distracting the driver, and the numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin ensure that everyone has a place to stow their belongings.
For example, the CX-90 offers a unique "captain’s chair" configuration in the second row, providing passengers with individual seats and a more spacious and comfortable experience. This is a feature that’s often found in more expensive SUVs, and its inclusion in the CX-90 is a testament to Mazda’s commitment to providing a premium experience at a more accessible price point.
Under the Hood: Performance That Inspires Confidence
The CX-90 isn’t just a pretty face; it also boasts a capable and engaging powertrain. The standard engine is a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more power, a higher-output version of the same engine is available, delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The inline-six engine is a welcome departure from the V6 engines that are commonly found in this segment. It’s smoother, more refined, and delivers a more satisfying driving experience. The turbocharger provides ample low-end torque, making the CX-90 feel responsive and powerful, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
Furthermore, the CX-90’s all-wheel-drive system is designed to provide confident handling in all weather conditions. It can automatically adjust the amount of torque sent to each wheel, maximizing traction and stability. This is particularly important for families who live in areas with snow or rain, as it provides an extra layer of safety and security.
Real-world testing has shown that the CX-90’s performance is more than just numbers on a page. Car and Driver, for example, praised the CX-90’s "smooth and powerful acceleration" and "responsive handling." They also noted that the CX-90 felt more engaging and fun to drive than many of its competitors.
Practicality and Space: Meeting the Needs of Modern Families
While the CX-90 excels in design, interior quality, and performance, it also delivers on the practical needs of modern families. It offers three rows of seating, providing ample space for up to eight passengers (depending on the configuration). The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, even for adults.
Cargo space is also generous, with 15.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 40.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 75.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. This is comparable to many of its competitors and more than enough space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.
The CX-90 also offers a range of convenient features that make life easier for families. These include power-folding third-row seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and numerous USB ports and charging outlets throughout the cabin.
CX-90 vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To truly understand the CX-90’s appeal, it’s important to compare it to its main competitors: the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.
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Design: The CX-90 wins hands down in terms of design. Its sleek and sophisticated exterior and premium interior are a clear step above the more utilitarian designs of the Pilot, Highlander, and Explorer.
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Interior Quality: Again, the CX-90 shines. The materials and craftsmanship are noticeably better than those found in the Pilot and Highlander, and on par with, if not exceeding, some trims of the Explorer.
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Performance: The CX-90’s turbocharged inline-six engine provides a more engaging and refined driving experience than the V6 engines found in the Pilot and Highlander. The Explorer offers a more powerful engine option in its ST trim, but it comes at a higher price point.
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Practicality: All four SUVs offer comparable levels of practicality in terms of passenger and cargo space. However, the CX-90’s available captain’s chairs and power-folding third-row seats give it a slight edge.
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Price: The CX-90’s pricing is competitive with the Pilot, Highlander, and Explorer, especially when considering the level of features and refinement it offers.
The Verdict: A Compelling Choice for Discerning Buyers
The Mazda CX-90 is more than just another three-row SUV; it’s a statement. It’s a statement that you don’t have to sacrifice style and driving enjoyment for practicality. It’s a statement that you can have a premium experience without paying a premium price.
While the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander will undoubtedly continue to be popular choices for their reliability and reputation, the CX-90 offers something different: a blend of style, performance, and luxury that’s rarely seen in this segment.
The CX-90 isn’t perfect. Some may find its infotainment system slightly less intuitive than those of its competitors, and its fuel economy is comparable but not class-leading. However, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its strengths.
Ultimately, the Mazda CX-90 is a compelling choice for discerning buyers who are looking for a three-row SUV that stands out from the crowd. It’s a vehicle that you can be proud to own, and one that will make every journey, whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or a cross-country road trip, a more enjoyable experience. Whether it is America’s new favorite is still to be determined by sales figures and long-term reliability, but it’s certainly in the running and giving the established players a serious run for their money. The CX-90 has successfully redefined the expectations for the three-row SUV segment, proving that practicality and passion can indeed coexist.