Mazda CX-90: Perfect Powerful SUV For Large Families

by Sofia Brontvein

Mazda CX-90: Perfect Powerful SUV For Large Families

16 May 2024

The Mazda family welcomes a dynamic yet spacious crossover, the CX-90, which we have tested for you.

From Cork to Cars

Let's take a moment to reminisce. The history of Mazda began in the 1920s when Jujiro Matsuda, the son of a humble fisherman, along with several investors, bought out the bankrupt construction company Abemaki. The new owners focused on trading corkwood, as this environmentally friendly and renewable material played a significant role in the Hiroshima prefecture. Thus, the company was named Toyo Cork Kogyo. Instead of just selling raw materials, Matsuda proposed manufacturing products and equipment from corkwood, which didn't hinder him from quickly starting to experiment with transportation development.

In the 1920s, Toyo Cork Kogyo attempted motorcycle production. The initial batches didn't gain much popularity, but everything changed when Matsuda devised an extremely convenient tricycle. In 1931, the company released the Mazda-Go model, named in honour of both Jujiro and the Zoroastrian god of light and wisdom, Ahura Mazda. Eventually, the decision was made to rename the entire company to Mazda.

30 years later, the brand introduced its first passenger car, which still attracts many collectors. It was the R360 Coupe, belonging to the Japanese kei car class. The car's design incorporated lightweight alloys, making it dynamic and elegant. Its movement was powered by a four-stroke engine delivering 16 horsepower.

By the end of the 20th century, Mazda created another iconic car — the MX-5 series. It is a perfect reinterpretation of classic British roadsters. Easy to handle, rear-wheel-drive driver-focused car, its main virtue being not power but outstanding manoeuvrability. Thanks to this quality and a very appealing, sporty exterior design, the MX-5 became a global hit and still holds the Guinness World Record as the most popular roadster on the planet.

The Star is Born

Initially, the three-row crossover in the Mazda family appeared in the now-distant 2007 and was called the CX-9. For those years, it was an excellent and modern car, described as concise and aesthetic, yet democratically premium. A superb crossover for a calm and measured drive, where you could embark on long family road trips without feeling cramped.

The CX-9 could hardly be called sporty and dynamic. In 2021, to mark its centenary, Mazda introduced this model in the Century Edition version, which seemed to hint that the company was ready to reconsider its view on family crossovers.

Mazda CX-9 100th Anniversary Edition

The Century Edition cars, only available in the Executive version, received a sportier exterior, primarily distinguished by different exhaust pipes, wheel rims, and radiator grille. They were also equipped with a premium interior featuring Nappa leather seats.

In 2023, Mazda announced that they were discontinuing the CX-9 model to later introduce the CX-90, which seems like a logical development of the special Century Edition version.

Current Agenda

The CX-9 is a beautiful car but slightly outdated. However, the CX-90 is a masculine, dynamic, delicately aggressive, and daring crossover that immediately stands out in urban traffic. The new model is larger and more spacious in all parameters, so you and your big family can feel even more comfortable aboard this Mazda.

Mazda CX-90

The previous version of the crossover was equipped with a functional but modest 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Yes, these parameters are undoubtedly sufficient for calm city driving, but if you sometimes want to feel like the king of the road on the highway, you need a more powerful filling.

The CX-90 is equipped with an entirely different engine. The model is available with a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, which provides entirely different emotions and road experiences. Unlike its predecessor, which had a six-speed automatic transmission, the new crossover features an eight-speed automatic. All CX-90 versions also come with AWD, a golden standard for such a class at Mazda.

Mazda CX-90

At the same time, the CX-90 has inherited the best characteristics from the CX-9 — unmatched manoeuvrability, an extremely responsive braking system, and a smooth ride. Only now, the crossover has become more agile and dynamic, especially when switched to the sport mode. When activated, you distinctly feel the turbocharged inline-six engine under the hood.

Mazda CX-90

In terms of comfort, the CX-90 is at a very high and modern level. Comfortable seats with good support, infinite legroom for all passengers, proper cabin ergonomics, and a high user experience. Mazda doesn't overwhelm the driver with unnecessary buttons and levers; control of all functions is available exactly where you expect it. A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, a 10.3-inch display, and an eight-speaker audio setup. Do you need anything else?

Mazda CX-90

Mazda crossovers have always been very safe. The CX-90 is equipped with adaptive cruise control and high beams, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, and many other features.

Mazda CX-90

The cost of the CX-90, like its younger sibling, the CX-60, starts from 179,000 dirhams. During the car's presentation, Axel Dreyer, CEO of the Automotive Division at Galadari Automobiles, explained that the company made this decision so that big families wanting to combine comfort with luxury could afford a large crossover.

by Sofia Brontvein