2023 Mazda CX-90 new car review

The Japanese brand is revolutionising its range in Australia and its latest machine takes the popular maker in a whole new direction.

Mazda has super-sized its flagship SUV.

The new CX-90 was designed for the North American market and is one of the largest SUVs on Australian roads.

It replaces the CX-9 as Mazda’s large, seven-seat SUV offering but the brand says it’s not a like-for-like replacement.

The CX-90 brings top-end luxury to Mazda’s range.

They’re not wrong, as the price has grown substantially.

You’ll need about $80,000 drive-away to get into the cheapest CX-90, roughly the same as the most expensive CX-9.

There are bigger and beefier 3.3-litre six-cylinder in-line turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that use mild hybrid tech to make 254kW/500Nm and 187kW/550Nm respectively. The petrol drinks 8.2L/100km and the diesel just 5.4L/100km. A more sophisticated eight-speed auto is paired with all-wheel drive across the range.

Buyers can choose between two new beefy engines.

Oddly the diesel can only tow 2000kg, while the petrol can haul up to 2500kg.

The price rise is offset by an up-market cabin brimming with standard equipment.

The CX-90 is a handsome, well proportioned SUV with smooth lines, delicate chrome highlights and an elegant silhouette.

It’s available in three model grades: Touring, GT and Azami.

The petrol-powered Touring is priced at $73,800 (before on-road costs). Diesel power costs $2000 more.

The cabin is immaculately finished.

You’ll need about $9000 more for the mid-tier GT variant. The petrol and diesel are similarly priced because the more efficient diesel is slugged with less Luxury Car Tax.

Top-end Azami variants cost about $9000 more for the petrol and $8000 more for the diesel.

Touring models have 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting front and rear and auto folding side mirrors.

Step inside and you are greeted by power adjustable leather seats that are heated in the front.

A 10.25-inch infotainment screen is controlled by a rotary dial and the driver’s instruments are a mix of analog dials and a small digital readout.

Tech includes digital radio, satnav, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All three rows have USB charging ports and aircon vents.

There are seats for seven.

GT models have 21-inch alloy wheels, a fully digital driver’s display and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

Steering wheel adjustment goes from manual to electric, while the steering wheel and second-row window seats are heated.

A huge panoramic sunroof lets the light in and the Touring’s eight-speaker stereo is replaced by a 12-speaker Bose unit.

Azami variants have ambient interior lighting, plush Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

Optional $6500 Takumi or SP packs swap out the middle pew of the Azami for two Captain’s chairs that are heated and ventilated. The SP has tan Nappa leather, a suede dashboard and a two-tone steering wheel while the Takumi has white Nappa leather, decorative cloth on the dash and Maple wood on the centre console and door trim.

The petrol engine is more athletic with punchier performance.

Interior fit and finish is second to none. There are high quality materials, soft touch surfaces and textured inserts all over.

Climate control buttons in the centre dash are easy to reach on the fly.

The middle row can slide forward to liberate more leg room for third row passengers and third-row access is granted with the pull of a lever.

The rear windows have built-in sunshades and the boot opens and closes at the touch of a button.

Even with the third row in use the boot space is substantial.

Safety is comprehensive with all bases covered and a mass of airbags.

Mazda guarantees its vehicles for five years/unlimited km. Five years of servicing will cost you more than $3200.

The diesel motor is smooth and refined.

The CX-90 is as plush on the road as it is inside.

Softish suspension soaks up big bumps but can become unsettled over consistent smaller road imperfections. There is some lean through corners, but this vehicle is built for comfort not corner carving.

Both engines are strong performers.

The petrol has sharper acceleration, but the diesel is silky smooth, efficient and torque-laden, making it the logical pick for towing. It’s puzzling, then, that the petrol has the higher towing capacity.

Mazda’s new eight-speed auto pairs impressively with both, shifting smoothly and confidently.

This is just the start of Mazda’s big premium push. The new platform is shared with the recently launched CX-60 and the CX-80, which is due soon.

Australians will be dining out on Mazda’s super-sized SUVs for some time.

VERDICT 3.5/5

This is Mazda’s most convincing push into the luxury market but it is pricey compared with the model it replaces.

MAZDA CX-90 AZAMI PETROL

PRICE About $101,000 drive-away

ENGINE 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol, 254kW and 500Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $3390 over five years

SAFETY 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, driver attention warning, radar cruise control

THIRST 8.2L/100km

SPARE Temporary

LUGGAGE 608 litres

Originally published as 2023 Mazda CX-90 new car review