Yeah but the Kia/Hyundai products drive like boats, it's a trade off between sheer size and a somewhat engaging drive.

 

Fantastic effort by Mazda. Saw few reviews and the interior looks fantastic. This gives a more budget X5/7 feel than a Highlander / Telluride competitor

 

To me this is about enthusiast vs not. I would trade the tighter interior vs a Telluride or Palisade for the inline 6 and RWD if it were my daily car, but since its a family car the space will win out.

 

not sure if posted but this is the 2.5L 4 PHEV version POV drive video...

 

I personally would only be interested in this car with the inline 6...if I'm going to a 4 there are better options.

 

Top-spec CX-90 pitted against a base BMW X5 40i and a base Mercedes GLE 450. No spoilers necessary, it goes how you would expect from a stop.


I know stuff like this doesn't really matter much to most buyers of this class, but it does show that Mazda is definitely punching up. Price delta in the US is about $11k, while in Canada its a crazy $25k difference.

Apparently the base 3.3 Turbo (280hp, 332tq) is the same engine as the high output version, the only major difference is that the boost is higher by about 5 psi on the high output model. So if that's true, an aftermarket tune could possibly get you high output numbers on a $40k base model.

 

Seems like they haven't been able to sort out the reported wonkiness of the new transmission. Nevermind the German duo, there's no reason a turbo 6-cylinder shouldn't be able to jump ahead of a much less torquey naturally aspirated V6 off the line.

 

Wow. That's quite a good showing against the Germans, issue is if you bring a stage one tune in the Mazda will quickly lose it's relative position. The base engine will end up being the same as the HO version once both are stage one so I am curious what the aftermarket will come up with since JDM guys love throwing insane boost though anything they can lol!

That was strange to see the palisade stay as close as it did.....might be a lot more room for improvement on the TCU tuning on the CX90

 

I love how Mazda finished off the door trim with coverings over the painted door frames. Very nicely done. My 04 4Runner does that but my new 4R doesn’t. Something I wish Toyota would do. Land Cruiser does it. And the new Corolla GR does it. But well done to Mazda here. Nicely finished

 

I agree with that. It's such a small and overlooked detail, but I absolutely hate when the metal window frame is visible on the interior of the car. Oddly enough, I tend to notice that almost immediately. Gives off strong unfinished/cost cutting vibes. Nice that Mazda is paying attention to small stuff like that. Hopefully they are consistent across the board as most manufacturers are not.

 

I also notice that and appreciate it.

 

so the one in the drag race was the HO version or not? i figured by 'top spec' it was.

anyway, predictable result, and i think both the bmw and mercedes are way better looking. but you have to pay 5 figures more for the privilege.

 

The one in the race was the high output version, yeah. I agree that the BMW has a better exterior look by far, not to mention a much more powerful engine and launch control. You'd also be paying a bit more for fuel with the BMW and Merc, since the CX-90 gets 25mpg combined while the others get 21 and 22.

I'm sure Mazda has plenty more tweaking to do, that should become apparent in future MYs. For now, it's not a bad start IMO.

 

Saw this in person today. Its gorgeous...I absolutely love it inside and out. Its a little small inside for us, don't know that it would work but it is far and away the best looking vehicle, luxury or mainstream in its class. It feels easily $20k more expensive than it is.

 

I'm planning to look at it soon. I have drove by one in front of the dealer and it looks nice. Not crazy about the captains with center console on the second row but the rest is really nice.