Mazda CX-90 review: big SUV misses the mark

This top-selling car maker has made a departure from its usual formula. It’s a bold gamble at a time when the rest of the industry is headed in the opposite direction.

At a time when the world is embracing low-emission vehicles, Mazda has taken a leap of faith by introducing a big seven-seater with powerful six-cylinder turbo engines.

VALUE

The CX-90 range starts at roughly $80,000 drive-away and climbs all the way to about $102,000 for the Azami turbo petrol variant we tested. That puts the big Mazda squarely in luxury car territory, lining up against the likes of Lexus’s RX350 and Genesis’s GV80. The Mazda’s cabin isn’t out of place in this company. The quality of materials used and the attention to detail in the design is impressive. There’s rich Nappa leather lining the seats and the cabin finishes are all top notch, although the digital centre screen and driver display lack some of the theatre you’d expect at this price. The front seats are heated and ventilated, there’s an expansive sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate and ambient lighting to add a touch of class at night. Two $5000 packs lift the tone even further with two individual, “business class” seats for rear passengers. Entertainment consists of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plenty of USB ports and a 12-speaker Bose stereo. Capped price servicing is available, but the first five yearly visits cost a steep $3360.

The CX-90’s cabin is well presented, with quality materials used throughout. Picture: Supplied.

COMFORT

The driver’s seat of the CX-90 can be programmed for different drivers, which means if you find a comfortable seating position you can store it and select it every time you drive. There’s decent legroom and headroom in the second row, while the third-row can handle kids and smaller teens in relative comfort. If you pay the extra for the individual second-row seats – turning the car into a six-seater – the passengers will feel like they’re in a private jet. The layout isn’t as practical as the standard car, though, as the chairs don’t fold flat if you want to carry cargo. There are individual airconditioning vents for the second and third rows, as well as window shades in the second row. The cabin is quiet and feels plush on the highway, but the big 21-inch rims occasionally jar over bumps and road joins.

The big tyres can thud over road joins and potholes. Picture: Supplied.

SAFETY

The CX-90 has an extensive arsenal of active safety technology including lane-keep and blind-spot assist, radar cruise control, front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, driver fatigue monitoring and auto high-beam. The Mazda will also slam on the brakes if you try to turn into oncoming traffic and tells you when it’s safe to open the doors. The CX-90 hasn’t been independently crash tested in Australia but it shares a platform with the CX-60, which scored five stars.

The big SUV has all the latest safety technology. Picture: Supplied.

ON THE ROAD

While the rest of the automotive world is either downsizing, developing hybrids or switching to EVs, Mazda has swum against the tide with all-new in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel and petrol engines. No doubt with the American market in mind, the CX-90s petrol six has bucketloads of power and torque (254kW and 500Nm), while returning a claimed 8.2L/100km. While that’s impressive on paper, the engine is a disappointment. There’s no doubting the grunt available, but the lack of refinement is disappointing. Under hard acceleration, there is noitceable vibration and an occasional shudder. We queried it with Mazda, who investigated and said their technician didn’t find any noticeable defect or vibration in the engine. The Mazda’s eight-speed transmission isn’t the best we’ve sampled either, hesitating and jerking at times. The rest of the driving experience is pretty good for a big, bulky seven-seater. The CX-90 sits flat through corners, the steering feels sharp and well weighted and there’s decent grip available when the road gets twisty.

The Mazda’s six-cylinder petrol turbo has loads of grunt but disappointing refinement. Picture: Supplied.

ALTERNATIVES

Lexus RX 350h AWD F Sport, from about $101,000. Only five seats and well down on power, but immaculately presented cabin and frugal hybrid power.

Genesis GV80, from about $120,000. Significantly more expensive but slightly more power, a fully loaded cabin and attractive ownership program.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink, from about $84,000 drive-away. Much cheaper but down on power and thirsty. Hi-tech, spacious cabin has all the goodies.

Mazda CX-90 Azami

PRICE About $102,000 drive-away

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

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $3360 for five years

SAFETY Ten airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise, junction assist, traffic sign recognition

THIRST 8.2L/100km

SPARE Temporary

LUGGAGE 608 litres

VERDICT

Three stars

Does most things well but it’s expensive and not as refined as you’d expect at this price.