There’s a new SUV coming to Mazda, one that comes to redefine many things about the brand, including its focus now on a premium market. The Mazda CX-90 it becomes the flagship of the house, and it does so through the front door: with ironwork worthy of a model with a premium seal, high-level interiors, and Mazda’s most powerful engine to date.
on video
The CX-90 is a three-row SUV of seats that sooner or later will replace the CX-9. It is enough to look at its specifications to understand that Mazda does not want to put it at the level of a Toyota, a Volkswagen or a KIA; The Mazda CX-90 is born with what is necessary to take care of Acura, Lexus, Infiniti… and even some luxury German.
A lot of that starts from your platform. The CX-90 was developed under a new architecture, called LARGE. Is about a rear wheel drive platform —although always under an all-wheel drive application— and longitudinal engine. In the case of the CX-90, it is a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine, with mild-hybrid technology, capable of generating 340 hp and 369 lb-ft. If you’re familiar with BMW setups, you’re sure to find similarities to what’s new from Mazda; the architecture of the CX-90 is very similar to that of an X3 or an X5.
It premieres an eight-speed automatic “without torque converter”, developed specifically for this platform.
The Mazda CX-90 will also be available on plug-in hybrid version. Under this configuration, it loses the 3.3-liter turbo engine, in favor of Mazda’s well-known 2.5-liter block, which, supported by an electric motor, is capable of generating a total of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The brand has not mentioned its electric autonomy, but it does specify a 17.8 kWh battery.
A highly refined and equipped cabin
The inside it also makes clear the premium approach that Mazda is now aiming for, at least with its higher-end models. The CX-90 receives an exquisite mix of tones and textures throughout the cabin. There are surfaces decorated with wood, others upholstered in leather, a few more with an aluminum-type finish and fabrics with a great touch.
We had the opportunity to see it first hand during its presentation in California and the finishes are really convincing. The quality feel is above anything found in the Highlander, Sorento, Pilot, or Teramont, and much more akin to an Infiniti QX60 or Acura MDX.
It has Kinematic Posture Control, a system that mitigates the movement of the body in curves so that passengers always travel in a natural posture.
There will be different options of upholstery colors to choose from and a good supply of equipment. Throughout the range we will see 12.3″ screens for both the infotainment system and the digital instrument panel. Added head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a parking assistance camera called See Through View, panoramic roof, among others.
Now, in terms of appearance, the Mazda CX-90 It will be able to carry up to 21″ aluminum wheels and a new color, called ARTISIAN RED. This painting looks vibrant when it’s hit by direct light, but dark when it’s not; It marks the shadows very well and exalts the surfaces of the truck.
On sale in Mexico in June
The Mazda CX-90 is part of the three launches of the brand scheduled for this year in Mexico. Its arrival – if all goes as planned – is scheduled for June, initially with the 3.3-liter turbo engine. Next year the plug-in hybrid version will also be available in our country.
