There is no doubt that the average size of three rows SUV The segment is among the hotly contested, and the latest to join the bandwagon is the new 2024 Mazda CX-90, which will replace the current Mazda CX-9. The automaker has two competitors in sight, in the form of 2022 Kia Telluridethe Hyundai Palisade 2022 and the Honda Pilot 2023. The new model is built on an all-new platform, and being a three-row SUV means its longer, wider and more masculine proportions than the outgoing CX-9.
The CX-90 will be offered with new electrified powertrains, one of which is a plug-in hybrid and the other is a turbo inline 6. While efficiency is the name of the game, performance hasn’t been ignored either. We explain why we never expected the new one Mazda CX-90 3-row SUV will be so amazing.
How much did the 2024 Mazda CX-90 cost
Mazda recently revealed the price of its CX-90 flagship SUV. The base “Select” model of the 2024 CX-90, which comes with a 3.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, starts at $40,970. The top-of-the-line Turbo S Premium Plus will set you back $61,325, without options. Then comes the “Preferred” model which costs $44,820 and the “Preferred Plus” which is priced at $47,275. These trims come with captain’s chairs for the second row.
The “Premium” model costs $50,275, while the CX-90 “Premium Plus” is priced at $54,325. Features such as a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a power panoramic sunroof are standard. The plug-in hybrid model starts at $48,820 for the “Preferred” model, followed by $54,275 for the “Premium” model and $58,325 for the “Premium Plus” model.
The more powerful, 340-hp Turbo S engine starts at $53,125, while the “Premium” costs $57,825 and the “Premium Plus” will set you back $61,325. All Turbo S trims have better interior upholstery and the best possible towing capacity.
Why the 2024 CX-90 Hybrid is an amazing 3-row family SUV
Many exterior details and features make this an incredible three-row SUV. It starts with the slim badging behind the front wheel arches, which help you know what’s under the hood. While the e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid model displays “PHEV,” the 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine has “Inline 6” on the sides. The other interesting feature in the cabin is the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which isn’t tall, but stretches out nice and wide.
The cabin screams high quality, as can be seen in the maple wood panels and chrome strips on the front doors of the top-end CX-90. Like the CX-50, the CX-90 also features rear doors that open close to 90 degrees, making getting in and out a breeze. The CX-90 is obviously bigger than the model it replaces, and that means more space and a wider center console, which now includes cup holders to the right of the gear lever.
The dashboard has a very detailed fabric that runs the width of the dashboard. There is a prominent seam in the middle of the fabric, which Mazda claims was inspired by hand binding. The fabric pattern looks like a multitude of tiny pixels scattered throughout.
The main problems with the outgoing Mazda CX-9
Now that we’re done with the benefits of the CX-90, let’s look at where Mazda went wrong with the CX-9. Despite being a popular SUV among customers, the CX-9 has not proven to be among the most popular reliable cars. According to carcomplaints.com, the CX-9’s main problem lies with its water pump, which has been reported to be faulty. The cause is said to be collateral damage. The thing is, when the water pump fails, coolant leaks into the engine oil, which can cause engine failure.
Disgruntled owners of the 2010 model claim to have had engines fail past 100,000 miles. The only solution, we believe, is to replace the entire engine. Other common problems include problems with the gearbox, where it would shake and hesitate to shift. This could be due to faulty shift solenoids.
Another failure that was highlighted, happens to be related to the brake power booster unit, which was considered defective. This results in an increase in braking distance, but does not make braking more difficult.
Is the Mazda CX-9 being discontinued?
The CX-9’s Sport trim level will be dropped from the lineup this year, but Mazda’s three-row SUV will be phased out only after 2023, with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 taking its place as new flagship SUV. The CX-9 currently sits above the CX-50 crossover in the US market. The CX-9 can be built in Japan, but is only exported to other foreign countries, so the Mazda CX-8 is sold in the Japanese domestic market.
Source: Mazda, CarComplaints.com
