Mazda CX-90 2023 review - prototype drive

Mazda is at pains to remind everyone that the CX-90 is not a CX-9 replacement. The carmaker announced recently that the CX-9 would be discontinued by the end of 2023 after seven years on sale in its current generation.

It's been a huge success for Mazda and is, like the CX-90, a large seven-seat SUV. However, the CX-90 is quite a bit larger, is a premium model, and is not in the same price bracket as the CX-9.

While the CX-9 starts from about $48,000 and tops out at just over $75,000, the CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs. Now you start to see the positioning of the new model.

From the Touring up you get 19-inch alloy wheels.

It will be offered in three model grades, kicking off with the Touring, then GT and Azami, offered with a choice of two all-new turbocharged mild-hybrid engines - a petrol and a diesel. The plug-in hybrid available in North America is not being offered here just yet, but Mazda Australia is working on the business case.

Opting for the diesel in the Touring adds $1415 to the price ($75,800), but in the other two grades, the diesel is cheaper than the petrol. It's usually the opposite.

So the GT is $84,800 (diesel) and $86,085 (petrol) and the Azami costs $93,865 (petrol) and $95,185 (diesel).

Nappa leather is available on each grade and all rows offer comfortable seats.

If you compared to SUV rivals of a similar size from mainstream brands, like the Hyundai Palisade (from $65,900) or Nissan Pathfinder (from $71,490), it looks quite pricey. But remember, Mazda is chasing premium models, so the pricing lines up more closely with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (from $82,750), Volkswagen Touareg (from $89,240) and Lexus RX (from $87,500).

While Mazda is yet to announce full specs for the CX-90, what they have announced shows the company is serious about ensuring buyers get value for money.

From the Touring up you get a full leather interior, heated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, advanced keyless entry, a 10.25-inch multimedia setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB), a 360-degree camera display, 7.0-inch multi-information display, eight-speaker audio with DAB+ digital radio, advanced keyless entry, three-zone climate control with separate rear controls, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 19-inch alloy wheels.

On top of that the GT gains adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, premium Bose sound system, a larger 12.3-inch multimedia setup, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, power steering wheel adjustment and bigger 21-inch alloy wheels.

It comes with a 10.25-inch multimedia setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB).

Finally, the Azami adds woven textile fabrics, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a different 21-inch alloy wheel design, black Nappa leather seats, a frameless interior mirror and more.

The Azami is also offered with a choice of two options packs which add $5000 to the price. The Takumi pack includes pure white Nappa leather trim, a cloth dashboard panel with ‘Kakenui' stitching, maple wood console and door trim inserts, and second-row captain's seats with ventilation and dividing console.

The SP package adds tan Nappa leather trim, suede finish dashboard panel, two-tone colour steering wheel, and the captain's chairs with ventilation and console.

Mazda is yet to confirm the servicing schedule, plan and pricing but that will be announced at the launch.

So yes, this is expensive for a Mazda, but the CX-90 is not missing much at all when it comes to luxury touches.

Our time in the CX-90 was quite brief so any detailed analysis of practicality will have to wait for the launch review.

But what we did experience was mostly positive.

Up front there is plenty of space across, with ample room between the driver and passenger. The front seats in the Azami SP are well bolstered and comfortably padded. The nice two-tone steering wheel looks and feels fancy, and the controls are clear.

Given the example is an Azami SP, it comes with the second-row captain’s chairs, which are super comfortable without being fully plush.

We didn't get time to play with the multimedia setup but the digital instrument display is clear and not too busy.

There's a shallow but wide central storage compartment and the doors have heaps of space for tall bottles and other items.

Given the example is an Azami SP, it comes with the second-row captain's chairs, which are super comfortable without being fully plush. The centre console between the two big chairs houses a larger compartment and cupholders, while occupants have digital climate controls, map pockets and door storage for multiple items including big bottles.

What’s amazing is that even at six foot (183cm), I had enough room in that third row.

Once one of the captain's chairs is folded, it's relatively easy getting into the third row - although the CX-90 sits high off the ground so it's a bit of a step up.

What's amazing is that even at six foot (183cm), I had enough room in that third row. My head was only just touching the roofliner and the legroom was fine with the second-row chair pushed slightly forward. This is a genuine, usable third row. There are even ISOFIX points in the third row!

Second and third rows have USB ports, air vents and other amenities.

Up front there is plenty of space across, with ample room between the driver and passenger.

Open the hands-free power tailgate and you'll find a sizeable boot. There are no levers to lower the third row, but that's easily done with the straps on the rear of the seats.

With all three rows in place, it can swallow 608 litres (including underfloor storage), and that increases to 1163L with the third row stowed and then 2025L with second and third row stowed.

It also comes with a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.

Until the PHEV gets the green light for Australia, the CX-90 is available with a pair of internal combustion 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engines - one petrol and one diesel, and both with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. These are all-new engines and are also offered in the CX-60, albeit in lower states of tune.

Both engines are paired with an in-house eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and feature rear-biased all-wheel drive. Drive modes include Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing. Speaking of, with a tow pack fitted, the CX-90 can haul just over 2.2 tonnes.

The petrol CX-90 offers up 254kW of power and 500Nm of torque, while the diesel produces 187kW and 550Nm.

Until the PHEV gets the green light for Australia, the CX-90 is available with a pair of internal combustion 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engines.

Mazda says the petrol-powered CX-90 consumes 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and emits 189 grams per kilometre of CO2.

Unsurprisingly, the diesel is the more efficient of the two, sipping 5.4L/100km and emitting 143g/km - not bad for a 2.2-tonne SUV.

Given the controlled nature of the drive we did not capture our own fuel economy figure - that will be done once it launches in a few months.

Given it's not on sale yet, the CX-90 is yet to be tested by ANCAP.

Mazda is also yet to confirm the full list of standard safety gear in the CX-90, but it's expected to come with a full suite of driver assist features.

We do know it comes with auto emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency lane keeping, a blind spot monitor with a safe exit assist function and a secondary collision reduction system.

It features eight airbags, including a front centre airbag between the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags that stretch through to the third row.

Given it’s not on sale yet, the CX-90 is yet to be tested by ANCAP.