2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus

The CX-90 is Mazda's recently introduced flagship midsize 3-row SUV, which replaces the departing CX-9. It's pricier at the high end—by about $12,000—but most trim levels come pretty well equipped. Mazdas have a rep for stylish looks, sporty handling, and upscale interiors, and the CX-90 doesn’t disappoint. It's impressive looking on the outside—like a CX-9 with crisper edges—with near-luxury interior appointments. Power from its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine (340 hp) is ample, though the 8-speed automatic transmission occasionally made some rough shifts. Fuel efficiency (25 mpg in combined driving) is good for a nonhybrid SUV. The CX-90 is also available as a plug-in hybrid (see page 139). Desirable features on our top-trim 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus test vehicle included heated and ventilated front and rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, lots of standard advanced safety features—including front cross-traffic warning and braking—and a hands-free liftgate. It's not the largest SUV in its class, but the CX-90 offers decent room for all first- and second-row passengers. Handling is lithe and agile, although some may find the ride quality a bit firm. The infotainment system has a steep initial learning curve, and the shifter is a bit odd—Park is up and off to the left, while Reverse, Neutral, and Drive are in a vertical line to the right.