After many years on the market, Mazda is discontinuing the popular CX-9, and something even more impressive is replacing it: the CX-90, Mazda’s new flagship SUV, and the focus of today’s article. From design improvements to increased performance capabilities and even more safety features, let’s take a look at some of the most notable additions and changes that are coming with the 2024 CX-90.
Exterior Design: The CX-9 vs. the CX-90
While the Mazda CX-90 shares certain similarities with the CX-9, it comes with some distinct improvements. The CX-9 had a bold and aggressive front grille and more of a traditional SUV look; it had a boxy silhouette, but Mazda had recently updated its design with a redesigned front grille with chrome accents, new light-emitting diode headlights, and pronounced wheel arches. Its side profile was especially highlighted by the sloping roofline, curved body lines, and 18-inch wheels.
In contrast, the new CX-90 has a sleeker design and a more aerodynamic and streamlined look. Characterized by a minimalist and luxurious style, the front grille extends under the headlights and boasts a sharp-looking bumper. In this model, we can see Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy on full display, with an emphasis on movement and fluidity. Overall, the CX-90 is a modern, athletic, and sophisticated SUV.
Power and Performance
While the CX-9 was reasonably powerful, the CX-90 is even more so and offers a greater range of options. The CX-9 featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which had standard all-wheel drive.
The new CX-90 now gives you three engine options to choose from, depending on the level of performance you’re looking for. The first trim level has a more powerful and technologically advanced engine than the CX-9 — a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces up to 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it slightly more powerful than the standard CX-9 engine. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The second engine option for the CX-90 comes with an upgrade that delivers up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Mazda CX-90 will offer an available plug-in hybrid powertrain option featuring a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a 68 kW electric motor, which combined are capable of producing up to 323 horsepower. It’s clear overall that the CX-90 offers significantly more power and capability than the former CX-9.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Convenience
In terms of interior design, the CX-9 was known for offering high-quality materials, a spacious interior, and a range of features. The CX-90 offers the same quality and improves upon it by creating a calming interior with soothing lighting. Mazda has taken luxury to new levels with the CX-90. In the cabin, you’ll find premium materials, plush upholstery, and a refined interior design to add an extra touch of elegance to your driving experience.
Additionally, the CX-90 offers a more generous seating capacity and cargo space compared to the CX-9. The CX-90, with its three rows of seating, has space for eight passengers. Thus, the CX-90 can comfortably accommodate more passengers than the CX-9, making it an excellent choice if you have a large family or frequently travel with a group.
The CX-90 interior also features a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats as standard, and higher trim levels add features such as ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The floating center console and the available three-panel sunroof help to create an airy and spacious feel. All models also feature a tri-zone automatic climate control system to make sure all your passengers are comfortable regardless of the weather outside.
Technological Features
With the CX-9, Mazda had already implemented its comprehensive Mazda Connect infotainment system. For the CX-90, you can count on an upgraded infotainment system, complete with a larger touch-screen display (with the option for a 10.3-inch or larger 12.3-inch display) and improved connectivity options, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Mazda’s onboard navigation system, and a 360-degree camera view.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
As always, Mazda is known for its high safety ratings. The previous CX-9 and the CX-90 have both earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The CX-9 already offered advanced safety features, including traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The CX-90 offers these and more, including:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Front side-impact and side-impact airbags with rollover protection.
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags.
- Dynamic stability control with a traction control system and trailer stability assist.
- Rear view monitor with static guidelines.
The CX-90 also prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience. Some upgrades from the CX-9 include advanced climate control systems, heated and ventilated seats, and enhanced sound insulation, delivering a quieter and more pleasant ride for you and your occupants. Higher trim levels of the CX-90 also include features such as an engine-immobilizer anti-theft system.
Pricing
Even with a much more powerful engine and many more additional features and capabilities than its predecessor, the CX-90 has a starting MSRP of just $39,595, following up the CX-9’s starting MSRP of $38,750. We can see that there’s an almost negligible difference in price between the two, especially taking into account all the new features offered, making the CX-90 practically a steal.
Shop Your Dream SUV at Bountiful Mazda
Whether you find yourself eyeing the new CX-90 or any of Mazda’s other incredible SUVs and sedans, we’d love to invite you to take one for a test drive here at our dealership in Bountiful, Utah. With a comprehensive brand-new inventory and an expansive pre-owned inventory, we have all the options you could ever need to find your dream vehicle. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website, and one of our friendly team members will answer your questions. We look forward to serving you.
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