2024 Mazda CX-90 review

The Mazda CX-90 is the Japanese carmaker’s biggest, most expensive premium SUV yet. But is the almost $100K price tag justified?

As part of Mazda’s latest Large Architecture family of SUVs, the CX-90 represents the brand’s flagship three-row family car designed for the American market.

Replacing the Mazda CX-9, the CX-90 attempts to step up again and rival luxury brands with an even more upmarket interior, new sporty inline six-cylinder engines, and a price tag touching on $100K drive-away.

I tested the top-spec 2024 CX-90 G50e Azami with the optional SP Package and digital rear-view camera mirror to find out whether it’s worth the price.

NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by Mazda Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation. We have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.

Vehicle tested:

Model	2024 Mazda CX-90
Variant	G50e Azami
Starting price	$94,630 before on-road costs
Exterior colour	Machine Grey Metallic (+$995)
Interior colour	Tan Nappa leather and suede (part of SP Package)
Options	SP Package (+$5000) Digital rear-view mirror (+$2568)
Country made	Japan

Design and quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Azami feels like a luxury car, especially with the eye-catching SP Package. However, it’s too similar to the cheaper CX-60.

The CX-90 offers an understated exterior with a focus on curves rather than sharp edges, puny-shaped headlights, and premium-looking 21-inch machined alloy wheels on the Azami.

The Mazda SUV flagship differentiates itself from the CX-60 by adding more chrome across the side skirts with Mazda lettering and rear bumper on the Azami for a classier look.

Yet, the CX-90 still essentially looks identical to the cheaper CX-60.

It’s an equally upmarket – arguably luxury – interior with soft-touch materials across the centre console knee rests, upper door cards and felt-lined glovebox, in addition to chrome trims, and clicky solid buttons and dials.

The Azami is exclusively offered with either SP or Takumi Packages for $5000 more – which make the cabin look and feel much more luxurious.

The SP Package fitted to our tester is particularly fetching with a tan-coloured Nappa leather theme and suede across the dash and door cards. It also incorporates a dark headliner with dark grey trims and brushed metal-look surfaces.

However, there are still signs of the CX-90’s mainstream car brand roots – with harder plastics lower down, thin and firm cloth interior headliner and pillars, and a flexible plastic speaker grille at the A-pillar. The door thunk doesn’t sound as satisfying and solid, too.

Practicality.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Azami dimensions:

Length x width x height	5120 x 1994 x 1745mm
Wheelbase	3120mm
Ground clearance	203mm
Boot space (all seats up / 3rd row folded / 3rd row and 2nd row folded)	257 / 608 / 2035 litres
Rear seat split fold	50:50 third row / 60:40 second row (or individually with SP or Takumi Package)
Child seat anchors	2x ISOFIX (second row only) and 5x top tethers (or 4x top tethers with SP or Takumi Package)

The CX-90 provides a spacious interior fit for families, but there’s a limited number of ISOFIX points.

With all seats in place, the Mazda large SUV has a respectable 257 litres of boot space, which is enough for the grocery run – although it’s not class-leading for an upper large SUV.

There are bag hooks on each side – albeit placed at the outer edge of the boot – a tiny pocket, and LED lights on the left side and inside of the tailgate, too.

The electric tailgate comes with a convenient hands-free function to open and close the boot by kicking underneath the rear bumper, which actually works dependably.

Folding down the second row yields a massive 608 litres of cargo capacity. 

Unfortunately, despite the circa-$100K price tag, the Mazda CX-90 doesn’t have a remote latch to fold down the third row (unlike the CX-60) and there’s no electrically-adjustable second- and third row seats either.

Getting in the third row can be slightly awkward as passengers need to pull a lever atop and manually push the seats forward (instead pressing a button on other rival SUVs), plus there’s no grab handle and no clip for the seatbelts, so they can get in the way.

The third row is best suited for kids only with tight legroom and decent headroom, plus a high floor being at the rear axle.

However, the third row lacks proper ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, with the only two available at the outer second row seats. Only traditional top-tethers feature at the third row.

As for fitting adults, the seats need to be slid forward slightly in order to not cram passenger’s feet, but there’s still enough legroom for the second row.

The air vents are also awkwardly placed on the side facing passengers knees and the armrests are made up of scratchier, harder plastics.

At least there are four cup holders, two USB-C charging ports, a LED light and, importantly, third row airbag coverage.

Meanwhile, the second row provides plenty of legroom and headroom with access to the third-zone climate controls, two USB-C charge ports, a view of the average-sized panoramic sunroof, and built-in window sunblinds.

The door pockets are also impressively large – fit for three bottles at the second row – with a subtle light illuminating the area at night.

Unfortunately, the rear windows feature weak tinting and the sunblinds still have gaps on the side, allowing the harsh afternoon sun to still glare passengers.

The centre floor transmission hump is also noticeably wide and the 150-watt power plug is located at the boot – unlike the CX-60 which places it more sensibly at the second row.

The flagship CX-90 Azami offers the option of SP or Takumi Packages for $5000 extra, which includes individual captains chairs at the second row with three-level heating, ventilation and manual backrest recline.

It also places a centre console with a split armrest and deep cubby, two cup holders, and a storage tray underneath to negate the large floor hump.

It’s arguably worth the extra cost, even though it becomes a six-seater SUV and the ventilation function is noticeably louder than the seats in front.

The front row’s large centre console offers a split armrest with a rather shallow felt-lined storage space underneath, small-ish cup holders, and a narrow Qi wireless charging tray for phones.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of unused blank space for such a wide centre console. An open storage tray underneath would’ve been welcome.

The door pockets are large and can fit two bottles, there is a quirky tiny coin slot next to the driver, the glovebox is well-sized and felt-lined with LED illumination (only when the headlights are on), and a sunglasses holder above.

The CX-90 Azami with SP Packages Nappa leather and suede seats are comfortable and supportive with three-level heating and ventilation, and an electrically-adjustable heated steering wheel – although the latter is more warm than hot.

The flagship Mazda SUV also features a trick driver facial recognition camera which saves the seat and steering wheel position to a driver profile, separate from the standard two-position seat memory.

However, it sometimes fails to recognise the driver’s face – especially when you get in the car and you’re not directly looking in front – and doesn’t set the steering wheel back to its position after moving it for the easy entry function. Therefore, I still needed to save and use one of the two seat memory buttons.

For the high price tag, I would’ve liked to have seen front massaging or at least more than two-way lumbar adjustment, exterior door handle lights at night, and a suede headliner found on some lower-cost rivals.

It’s similarly disappointing that the front sun visors aren’t extendable on the almost $100K Azami, allowing the sun to creep in just like the second row windows.

Technology.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Azami tech features:

12.3-inch touchscreen running Mazda Connect	12.3-inch driver instrument display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	12-speaker Bose audio
Built-in maps	Proximity key with door puddle lights

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 features simple, clear and responsive technology offering with an easy to use controller dial.

The 12.3-inch widescreen on the GT and Azami is bright, high-resolution and clear with a simple, logical user interface from its Mazda Connect software.

It’s a far reach to the display, so the central rotary controller is the primary way of using the infotainment. The physical dial is easy to learn and navigate the built-in software with tactile audio, map and back button shortcuts, alongside a volume and media controls dial.

Touchscreen capability is available on the larger 12.3-inch unit, but only when using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when the vehicle is stopped with the electronic park brake on.

The Japanese carmaker has always insisted this is for safety reasons. It certainly discouraged me to interact with the infotainment while driving, but when I did need to navigate Android Auto, it was tedious to scroll through each touch-based interface element and made me look at the screen longer compared to being able to directly touch the display.

At least the audio, map and back shortcut buttons integrate with both smartphone projection systems for quickly switching between menus.

Wireless Android Auto worked reliably and quickly connected in my testing, although the Qi wireless charging pad lacks fan cooling and my phone often stopped charging to avoid overheating, causing some battery drain.

Meanwhile, the 12.3-inch driver instrument display is equally high resolution with simple analogue and digital dial themes, with the latter enabled when adaptive cruise control is toggled. It’s minimalistic with not much customisation, but the welcome screen and drive mode animations are pretty cool – and match the vehicle colour (bonus points for Mazda).

The driver also benefits from a clear head-up display (HUD) projected onto the windscreen, displaying the speed, set adaptive cruise control, safety assist warnings, and detected speed signs.

The CX-90 as tested doesn’t feature Mazda Connect services and mobile app yet, but expect it to roll out soon.

Additionally, the three-zone climate controls are tactile and laid out in an easy to use piano key-style row with a dedicated LED display.

Despite the ability to control the rear air vents via the front controls, you can’t remotely turn on and off the second row heating and ventilation of the middle row captains chairs.

Safety.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Azami safety features:

Front AEB with vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection	360-degree surround view camera system
Rear AEB	Front and rear parking sensors
Blind-spot assist	Door open warning
Rear cross-traffic assist	Traffic sign detection
Front cross-traffic alert	Driver attention monitoring camera
Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist	Full LED headlights and tail-lights
Lane-keep assist	Adaptive matrix auto high beam headlights

The Mazda CX-90 comes with a suite of subtle and well-calibrated active safety assistance systems – but the right wing mirror is disconcerting to use.

Using camera and radar sensors, the large Japanese SUV’s adaptive cruise control keeps a good distance with the vehicle in front and responds promptly to vehicles cutting in front.

Mazda’s lane-centring assist system is likewise very smooth and allows the driver to take over, with a single button press on the steering wheel easily disabling the steering assistance. Lane-keeping is also refined and non-intrusive.

It also offers visualisations of what the vehicle sees in the form of white blocks on the driver display, alongside a sonar icon when a vehicle is in the blind-spot on the instruments and head-up display – which are all confidence-inspiring.

Critically, the blind-spot monitoring system is essential since Mazda strangely chooses to have a flat right wing mirror, instead of a conventional convex unit.

Everything appears magnified and zoomed-in on the right mirror, creating a big blind-spot. It’s slightly better on the CX-90 since you can see the end of the body due to its longer length versus the CX-60, but it’s still difficult to drive with. There aren’t blind-spot view cameras either.

The left mirror is convex and has no such issue.

Additionally, the Mazda SUV uniquely includes front cross-traffic alert, in addition to the standard rear-looking one. It works well, but I often found myself seeing the cars coming from the front before it warned me about them.

The reach of the front sonar can be limiting as it sometimes can’t detect vehicles coming from the opposite lane – which is important if you’re approaching a T-junction at a tight residential street.

I also noticed some false-positives from time to time, such as activating the front cross-traffic warning when the car it has detected is actually parked or triggering the blind-spot alert when the vehicle isn’t in the adjacent lane.

Furthermore, the 360-degree camera system is clear, easy to switch views via the infotainment dial, and can be activated at any speed with a press of a button on the centre console – although it automatically cuts out when driving faster.

Mazda offers a so-called ‘see-through view’ which only stitches the front and side cameras together, instead of showing a transparent camera view of the underbody.

Speed sign detection is also mostly dependable, conveniently projecting the speed limit on the instrument cluster and HUD.

Thankfully, it does not default to sound warning chimes every time you start the vehicle in Australia; it only subtly flashes the sign on both displays when going over the speed limit. In adaptive cruise, a press of a button on the wheel quickly sets the speed to the detected limit.

The driver monitoring camera isn’t overly sensitive and intrusive either.

Despite the puny-sized headlights on the CX-90, the full LED units still provide good visibility at night. GT and Azami grades boast smarter adaptive LED headlights, which automatically disables individual blocks to avoid dazzling other road users at night while the high beams are on.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 hasn’t been tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) as at the time of publication.

Range and fuel consumption.

2024 Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami fuel and efficiency specs:

Claimed driving range (combined cycle)	902km
Claimed fuel efficiency (combined cycle)	8.2L/100km
Fuel tank size	74 litres
Minimum fuel quality requirement	95 RON premium unleaded petrol
Claimed CO2 exhaust emissions (combined)	189g/km
European emissions compliance	Euro 5

The petrol-powered Mazda CX-90 G50e averaged 12.9L/100km fuel consumption, with a week of mixed driving urban and some highway conditions.

This results in about 574km of real-world driving range from its 74-litre fuel tank. The mild-hybrid petrol SUV requires at least pricier 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

However, the air-con was on cold blast and there was some time spent idling to survive in the Queensland summer – likely contributing to a higher indicated fuel economy on test.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) system is self-contained, with the engine and braking helping regenerate the tiny lithium-ion battery.

Electrification helps assist the engine with accelerating and deactivating the engine when coasting, slowing down and while stopped to minimise fuel and exhaust emissions.

However, I found that it doesn’t tend to turn off the engine in the hot weather during most of my testing week, unlike traditional hybrids which aren’t as temperature sensitive. When it does, it usually doesn’t last for a minute and quickly reignites the engine.

The Mazda CX-90s fuel flap is accessible at the rear left-quarter side of the vehicle with an easy to twist spring-loaded cap.

Driving.

2024 Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami powertrain specs:

Engine and electric motor	3.3-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor
Battery size and type	48-volt lithium-ion battery
Power	254kW @5000-6000rpm
Torque	500Nm @2000-4500rpm
Transmission	Eight-speed single clutch auto
Drive Type	AWD
Kerb weight	2220kg
Payload	580kg (excl. max 150kg towball download weight)
Towing (unbraked / braked)	750 / 2500kg

The CX-90 G50e is a real driver’s car, albeit in the form of a practical large family SUV.

Defying trends of downsizing engines, Mazda’s new 3.3-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine produces up to 254kW of power and 500Nm of torque. An eight-speed single wet clutch automatic transmission drives all four wheels but with a rear-wheel-drive bias.

It’s combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and small electric motor to give a slight boost for accelerating and allow the engine to shut off at times.

The Mazda CX-90 SUV provides plenty of punch with a satisfying six-cylinder engine note and turbo whines when revved up, while the transmission is responsive.

But, shifts are more noticeable with the unique single wet clutch setup, and there are rare times at low speeds where it feels a bit hesitant, and gets caught out and jolts the interior more than ideal.

The MHEV system works almost imperceptibly with a smooth transition between the petrol and electric motors. However, it takes an awkward split second pause to restart the engine and accelerate off.

While the firmer steering tune provides good engagement, it can be more tedious to manoeuvre the large SUV while parking with a longer steering ratio that requires drivers to turn the wheel a bit more.

The CX-90 has good noise insulation and a generally comfortable ride, befitting a luxury SUV.

However, despite updates in 2024, the ride is still slightly harsh when going over more severe bumps and potholes. It isn’t uncomfortable, but given the high price, it could benefit from adaptive dampers.

The CX-90’s driving position is high with a commanding feeling of the road.

The MHEV system doesn’t provide much regenerative braking when lifting off the accelerator. It just relies on the blended brake pedal, which takes some adjusting to as it has a slightly numb feeling without much travel.

The CX-90 provides good all-round visibility, although the optional digital rear-view mirror camera is worth the extra $2568 as using the third row will completely block the rear window with the tall headrests.

Notably, on our tester, it seems the dealer accessory wasn’t fitted properly as it intermittently couldn’t display the camera feed at times – requiring a restart of the vehicle to fix it.

Warranty and servicing.

2024 Mazda CX-90 capped-price servicing costs:

1 year/15,000km	2 years/30,000km	3 years/45,000km	4 years/60,000km	5 years/75,000km
$453	$665	$578	$1304	$469

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km (whichever occurs first) with prices fixed up to the first seven visits.

Servicing after five years/75,000km costs $3469 in total or $694 on average per visit – which is on the pricier side.

Roadside assistance is included for the first five years.

The CX-90 includes a temporary space-saver spare tyre, which is located underneath the boot floor.

Price and rivals.

2024 Mazda CX-90 model range pricing (accurate as at the time of publication):

Touring	GT	Azami
From $74,550 before on-road costs	From $85,530 before on-road costs	From $93,515 before on-road costs

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is priced from $74,550 before on-road costs in Australia with three variants and two engine options.

All models have the choice of either G50e petrol mild-hybrid and D50e diesel mild-hybrid engines.

The Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies to all CX-90 models as at the 2024-25 financial-year threshold.

Most exterior colours are free, but the signature ones – including Machine Grey Metallic as tested – demand a $995 extra cost.

The top-spec Azami exclusively has the option of either the SP Package or Azami Package for $5000 more. The SP introduces a tan-coloured suede and Nappa leather interior with a dark headliner and trims, while the Takumi adds a white Nappa leather interior with a bright headliner and trims.

Both replace the standard three-seat middle bench with two individual captains chairs that feature ventilation, in addition to heating, and adds a second-row centre console.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 directly rivals the following large SUVs:

• Mazda CX-80
• Volkswagen Toureag
• Hyundai Palisade (full review)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• Audi Q7
• Volvo XC90

Other alternatives to the CX-90 include:

• Genesis GV80
• BMW X7
• Mercedes-Benz GLE
• Kia EV9 (full review)
• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (full review)
• Kia Sorento (full review)
• Kia Carnival (full review)
• Nissan Pathfinder

Would I pick the 2024 Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami?

The Mazda CX-90 is a premium and spacious driver’s three-row SUV. As long as you’re willing to pay extra and aren’t a badge snob…

For those wanting the feel of a large luxury SUV without the showy luxury badge, the CX-90 represents a good value choice against its high-end European rivals.

However, there are still some interior fit and finish signs that it’s still just a plusher mainstream SUV. The CX-90 is more like a three-row Volkswagen Toureag rival than an Audi Q7 competitor.

A traditional hybrid powertrain would help it be more fuel efficient, too, in a time where cost-of-living pressures continue to bite. The plug-in hybrid CX-90 is expected to land later this year, but not everyone has the facilities to charge at home.

I’d consider the entry-level CX-90 Touring which provides better value on paper with a more competitive price in line with the Hyundai Palisade, while the mid-spec GT is also a good sweet spot. The D50e diesel also appears to be the better fuel-efficient powertrain on paper, as long as you regularly drive it on the highway for the particulate filter to regenerate.

Overall, the Mazda CX-90 is a good attempt at a large luxury SUV. If you’re willing to look beyond the badge and pay a bit more, it’s worth a look.

Photographs by Henry Man

READ MORE: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid review

READ MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 review: Made for Australia?

READ MORE: 2025 Kia Carnival review: Better than a SUV?

Pros:

• Large premium interior
• Eye-catching SP Package
• A driver’s family SUV
• Almost imperceptible MHEV system
• Easy to use tech

Cons:

• High price tag, especially the top-spec
• Some non-luxury car elements
• Manually-adjustable rear seats, weak window tinting
• Thirsty on fuel
• Flat right mirror creates a blind spot