2024 Mazda CX-90 debut - Both the 3.3-litre and 2.5-litre engines have 500Nm of torque, AWD is standard

The much-awaited premier of the 2024 CX-90 has taken its course as Mazda has unveiled the company's new mid-size crossover SUV.

Following the CX-60 released last year, the CX-90 is the second model in Mazda's Large Product Group and offers a significant evolution in safety performance and greater joy of driving. 

According to Mazda, the CX-90 is a crossover SUV newly developed in light of features that customers in the important North American market demand. This wide-body three-row SUV offers greater comfort, functionality, and safety performance, making driving more enjoyable when travelling, especially when you can bring several friends and family with you, thanks to its third row of seats.

Main headline - Debut of Mazda's new electrified 3.3-litre inline-six engine

Mazda will offer a new range of electrified turbocharged engines for the powertrain, including a 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system called e-SKYACTIV PHEV, comprising of a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine.

The larger engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system, produces 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, while the 2.5 PHEV engine, which comes with a 17.8-kWh battery pack, pushes out a similar 323 horsepower and 500Nm of torque. Mazda has not released any specific details yet, but the PHEV should be able to drive in pure electric mode anywhere from 30 - 50 kilometres.

There's also a new automatic eight-speed transmission which both engines will be mated to. The new tranny is quite interesting as it does not have a torque converter, but instead, it has a multi-plate wet-clutch setup, which according to Car and Driver, is a similar arrangement in AMGs. 

Combined with the new rear-biased AWD architecture, the CX-90 offers what Mazda calls "superior environmental performance while honouring the driver's intentions".

Design - Premium is the name of the game

The CX-90's long hood suggests something a lot more than your regular Mazda SUVs, as it gives off elegant and upscale vibes. The CX-90's grille detailing also suggests this is an upscale Mazda SUV, and the chrome trim on the lower body further accentuates this. 

A few new colours will be offered apparently, with a unique new tone called Artisan Red leading the way. For those of you who love Mazda's current Soul Red, that too will be made available.

According to Mazda, the interior is an expression of Japanese aesthetics, incorporating the dynamism of light and natural materials in an orderly, elegant space.

They focused meticulous attention on creating a comfortable environment for all on board, where the space in the interior has been enlarged around the seats. Speaking of seats, there are many of them in the SUV, where the third row is designed to seat three but will probably be highly comfortable for two. The third-row passengers will also have access to their own air-conditioning vents.

Furthermore, the cabin also sees the inclusion of Mazda's See-Through View, which allows you to see everything around your car without the car's body obscuring your view. There will also be a sizeable active driving display (meter cluster) that'll support safe vehicle operation and enhance the driver's peace of mind.

More information will be available soon according to Mazda, but many are already speculating that the SUV in the states at least will be priced between $40,000 - $60,000 (RM170k - RM254k). The CX-90 will go on sale in the US around April 2023.