2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e 7-Seat Review

The Mazda CX-90 is the second vehicle tasked with propelling the Japanese brand into the premium territory with a starting price of $74,400 before on-road costs.

Not only does it compete with the likes of the Audi Q7 and Lexus RX, it also plays in the same field as the Volkswagen Touareg and high-spec variants of the Hyundai Palisade.

It essentially is a replacement for the popular but now discontinued Mazda CX-9 although costing significantly more due to its premium positioning, bigger but more efficient engine, and more luxurious interior.

It shares the same platform and newly-developed six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology as the smaller CX-60.

Mazda has supplied us with the top-of-the-range 2024 Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami which carries a price tag of $93,515 before on road costs. Our test car also comes equipped with the Takumi Pack which adds another $6,500 to the list price, bring the total to $100,015.

So, is the Mazda CX-90 price tag justifiable? Let’s find out.

How much is the Mazda CX-90?

There are three variants and two engine options on offer. Unlike the CX-60, there is no plug-in hybrid option on the CX-90.

2024 Mazda CX-90 pricing (excluding on-road costs)

• CX-90 G50e Touring: $74,550
• CX-90 D50e Touring: $76,550
• CX-90 G50e GT: $85,530
• CX-90 D50e GT: $85,550
• CX-90 D50e Azami: $93,515
• CX-90 G50e Azami: $94,630

The Azami can also be optioned with the following each costing $6,500:

SP Package:

• Tan nappa leather seats
• Suede finish dashboard panel
• Two-tone colour steering wheel
• 2^nd row captain’s seats with ventilation
• 2^nd row centre console with storage

Takumi Package:

• Pure White nappa leather seats
• Bright decoration panel
• Cloth dashboard panel with Kakenui stitching
• White Maple wood console and door trim inserts
• 2^nd row captain’s seats with ventilation
• 2^nd row centre console with storage

There are eight colours to choose from with Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic and Platinum Quartz Metallic as standard, and Machine Grey Metallic, Artisan Red Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Rhodium White Metallic costing a very reasonable $995.

What do you get?

Standard equipment highlights include:

• 19-inch silver metallic alloy wheel
• LED headlights with High Beam Control
• 25-inch Mazda Connect display
• Built-in satellite navigation
• 8-speaker audio with DAB+
• 7-inch TFT multi-information meter display
• Three-zone climate control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB)
• Wireless phone charger
• Hands-free remote operated power tailgate
• Electric front seats with driver’s memory
• 150W AC outlet
• 360-degree view monitor

GT adds:

• 3-inch Mazda Connect display
• 3-inch multi-information meter display
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Electric steering wheel adjustment
• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof
• Personalise system
• 12-speakers Premium Bose sound system

Azami adds:

• 21-inch black metallic and machined alloy wheels
• 360-degree view monitor with see through view
• Ambient interior lighting
• Black nappa leather seats
• Body-colour wheel arches and lower cladding
• Cruise & Traffic Support
• Personlise system with Easy Entry and Driving position guide
• Ventilated front seats

What is it like on the inside?

Don’t be surprised if like us, you struggle to differentiate the interior between the CX-90 and CX-60, as the dashboard and front door cards are common between the two models.

That’s a good thing because it’s a well laid out and classy cabin with buttons for the climate control and a central dial to control the infotainment screen.

Our top-of-the-line Azami really steps it up with desirable features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated rear outboard seats, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a sizeable panoramic sunroof. However, if you have a family with young children, optioning the Takumi Pack isn’t a great idea with its white nappa leather which is a dirt magnet.

The infotainment screen is also touch sensitive although it’s a bit of a stretch as it’s placed too far away. The graphics are modern and response time is relatively quick. Wireless Apple CarPlay works flawlessly although the lack of connected services at this price point is a bit of a mystery.

Storage upfront consists of a deep, double-lidded central bin, a pair of cup holders and a shelf/wireless charging pad for your phone and door bottle holders.

There’s generous amount of space in the second row with passengers getting their own climate control and heated outboard seats. You can also slide and recline the second-row seats to liberate more room for the third row.

With the CX-90’s longer wheelbase, the third row is actually quite usable even for adults, albeit on short trips. They too, get their own air vents, cup holders as well as the all-important USB-C outlets for their electronic devices.

Boot space is rated at 257L with all three rows in use and increases to 608L when the third row is dropped. Folding the second row increases this further to 2,025L.

What’s under the CX-90’s bonnet?

The D50e comes with Mazda’s new 3.3-litre inline six turbo-diesel engine with mild-hybrid. It produces 187kW at 3,750 and 550Nm from 1,500 to 2,400rpm sent to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system via Mazda’s own eight-speed automatic transmission.

The in-house eight-speed uses a multi-plate clutch and integrated electric motor-generator instead of a hydraulic converter as an input clutch. Mazda says this helps improve fuel efficiently and throttle response compared to a conventional torque converter auto.

Fuel economy is rated at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle, while our tested average was a very reasonable 6.7L/100km.

How does the Mazda CX-90 drive?

First-up, we feel the diesel engine is a much more responsive engine compared to the inline six petrol we drove in the CX-60. It’s more muscular and with less lag comparatively.

The full whack of torque is available from a low 1,500rpm and it feels effortless with strong acceleration whether you are driving alone or with a full clan in tow.

It also sounds quite refined with a similar engine note to other luxury diesel SUVs from Germany even though it’s augmented by the speakers, but which car doesn’t these days.

Like the eight-speed auto in the G40e, the unit in the D50e can be a little jerky at low speeds but sorts itself out once up to speed. It shifts quite quickly, too.

We also prefer the handling in the CX-90 compared to the CX-60. First, it doesn’t ride as firmly as its smaller sibling due to its added weight. This means a calmer demeaner.

Around town, it’s certainly more supple though that’s not to say it’s wallowy. It’s still on the sportier side of things and handles accurately when pushed. Despite its size, the CX-90 feels quite athletic around corners, with responsive steering and good brake pedal feel.

The onboard driver assist technologies also work well without being overly intrusive like some others. It’s worth noting though you don’t get the full suite of features on the entry- and mid-level cars which is disappointing.

How safe is the Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 has yet to undergo crash testing and so does not carry an ANCAP rating.

Standard safety features include:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with
  • pedestrian and cycle detection
  • turn-across traffic
• Front cross traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• High Beam Control
• Lane-keep Assist System
• Rear cross traffic alert
• 360-degree reverse camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring

GT adds:

• Adaptive LED headlights

Azami adds:

• 360-degree camera with see-through view
• Cruising and traffic support
• Lane centring assist

Ownership

Like Mazda’s wider range, the CX-90 is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Servicing interval for D50e diesel models is 12 months, or a slightly shorter 10,000 compared to the G50e’s 15,000km.

The first five services will set its owner back $3,217 over five years.

Verdict