Mazda CX-90 Test Drive: Pros and Cons of the Seven-Seater Crossover. Discover what makes this SUV stand out and where it may fall short.

The new generation of large crossovers from Mazda is represented in our market by the models CX-60 and CX-90. Today, we are testing the larger of the two vehicles. Despite its substantial dimensions, the car does not appear bulky visually. Additionally, it boasts quite impressive dynamic characteristics. How does the vehicle perform on the highway, and is it difficult to handle in the city? We answer these and other questions in our article.

Large and Agile

The Mazda CX-90 is the second model in the brand's new premium family called the Large Product Group, built on a classic layout platform. Previously, the company introduced the base crossover Mazda CX-60 for the markets of Japan, Europe, and Australia, and the next family member is a full-size three-row crossover, which takes on the flagship role.

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From the front to the central pillars, the Mazda CX-90 closely resembles the CX-60: the bumpers differ, and the flagship features more spacious fenders and expanded chrome detailing. The rear of the body is entirely original: the wheelbase has been extended, the rear overhang increased, and the side glazing area enlarged. Wheels with a diameter of up to 21 inches are offered – the largest size is fitted on the test vehicle.

And since this is a flagship, the Mazda CX-90 initially impresses with its size – after all, the first impression of any car starts with its appearance. Approaching the crossover, you realize how large it is. The model's length reaches 5.12 m, which is slightly more than the Mazda CX-9 and significantly larger than the Mazda CX-5 (4.57 m). The CX-90 is also taller and wider than the "nine." One cannot help but notice the interesting proportions of the vehicle.

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The design aesthetics are built around the "cab back" concept, where the cabin appears slightly shifted back, and the hood is somewhat longer. The effect is enhanced by the sculptural body panels, creating a play of light and shadow, along with a heavily rounded rear section. This effect is further emphasized by the enormous grille, which has almost completely pushed the headlights onto the fenders. All this creates a fundamental image, while the interesting curves of the panels lend elegance to the appearance.

And let's agree, the new "Mazda" dark crimson color Artisan Red, developed specifically for this model, suits the crossover very well. As the company's designers say, it is the ideological successor to their famous Soul Red Crystal color. It should be noted that this new shade is offered without any additional charges, as is often the case. The interest in the vehicle is also evidenced by the fact that the owner of a similar CX-90 in gray stopped alongside at a traffic light, admiring the test car in its "red" hue. She was probably wondering if she had made the right choice.

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Japanese Minimalism

The Mazda CX-90 is a crossover with a full seven-seat interior, but not in all configurations. In the Ukrainian market, the vehicle is available in two trims: Premium-Line and Premium-Sport. The difference between them is minimal and lies in the interior finishing and configuration. The Premium-Sport offers a six-seat interior with two "captain's" chairs in the second row.

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However, we tested the Premium-Line version. The model features black interior accents, specifically exclusive Nappa leather. Interestingly, part of the front panel is also adorned with leather, designed in a restrained and minimalist style characteristic of the Japanese brand. In front of the driver are a row of climate control buttons, a pair of vents, and a panoramic color display. Nothing superfluous.

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The 12.3-inch screen, as is traditional for the latest "Mazda" multimedia systems, ceases to be touch-sensitive while in motion, with all controls allocated to several buttons and a multifunction joystick. In fact, one quickly gets used to this, eliminating the need to reach for the wide screen. It is also worth mentioning the surround view system, which memorizes images and allows the driver to see the surface beneath the vehicle.

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The dashboard transitions into a wide and massive central tunnel, which, on one hand, showcases how spacious the crossover is, while on the other, it takes up some space from the driver and front passenger. Overall, the driving position is comfortable, with ample room and adjustments even for tall drivers.

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The instrument panel in the vehicle is fully digital, as is currently fashionable. However, the Japanese automaker does not offer dozens of bright design options, focusing instead on minimalism and displaying only essential information. Its appearance and color scheme are influenced only by the selected driving modes and whether the cruise control is activated or deactivated.

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The second-row seating is very spacious, featuring its own heating and climate control with adjustable airflow intensity and distribution. Additionally, there are window shades and a large panoramic roof with a sunroof. The two halves of the second row can also be adjusted longitudinally, primarily to provide a bit more space for third-row passengers. To access the third row, you must slide the second-row seats, which is partially assisted by electric drives.

Of course, one should not expect a large trunk from a three-row vehicle – the driver has access to 257 liters of free space. However, folding down a couple of rear seats results in a solid 608 liters. Moreover, a spare tire is located under the false floor.

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The Most Powerful

Not everyone around realizes that the star of our test is the most powerful model in the lineup of the Japanese automaker. Under the long hood lies a turbocharged inline "six" with a displacement of 3.3 liters, producing 345 hp. The torque of 500 Nm is available from just 2,000 RPM. Moreover, this is the most powerful engine ever used in Mazda road cars.

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The transmission is an eight-speed "automatic," which replaces the torque converter with a wet clutch and a modest electric motor. The time from 0 to 100 km/h is marked at a rather ambitious 6.9 seconds. It features i-Activ all-wheel drive with a front axle engagement clutch.

For better handling, the front of the vehicle is equipped with a double-wishbone suspension, while the rear has a multi-link setup. However, there are no adaptive dampers or air springs in the arsenal, just a passive spring suspension. The electronic KPC (Kinematic Posture Control) system helps reduce body roll in corners by braking the inner rear wheel. So how does this well-equipped crossover drive?

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Overall, the vehicle does not give the impression of a large and heavy crossover. At times, it feels as if you are driving a maximum C-class crossover. This is partly due to the rather "tight" and road-oriented suspension, as well as the "sharp" steering wheel.

Although the CX-90's suspension handles small bumps well and copes with most potholes, the ride cannot be described as overly soft, partly due to the 21-inch wheels, but the handling attempts to mitigate most of the road surface deficiencies.

As for fuel consumption, one should not expect miracles from the 3.3-liter engine – in the city, the vehicle easily demonstrates a consumption of 10-12 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style aggressiveness, while on the highway, it ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 l/100 km. The chosen driving speed has a direct impact on these figures.

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Price Tag

The new Mazda CX-90 in Ukraine starts at 2,727,400 UAH for the well-equipped Premium-Line version and 2,789,800 UAH for the six-seat Premium-Sport variant. This is certainly not a small amount, but comparable models from premium brands are significantly more expensive.

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Pros and Cons of the Mazda CX-90

Among the advantages of the full-size crossover:

• Seven-seat interior
• Excellent dynamics
• Striking appearance
• Spacious trunk
• Physical spare tire

Disadvantages of the Japanese crossover:

• Lack of engine options
• Relatively high fuel consumption in the city
• Limited options for the instrument panel graphics
• No air suspension available in the options list
• Limited selection of configurations.