2024 MAZDA CX-90 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS | BETTER THAN A TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER?

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo Premium Plus is reviewed as Mazda's largest and most powerful platform to date, marking a significant step into the premium segment. The reviewer highlights the new 3.3L inline-6 mild-hybrid engine, noting its 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which requires regular fuel. While praised for its upscale interior, premium materials, and refined design, the exterior styling, particularly the side profile and rear quarter angle, is criticized for being somewhat under-styled or "hunchback-ish." The interior offers a spacious and comfortable experience, especially for second-row passengers, and the third row is deemed usable for adults, though tight for three across. The reviewer appreciates the fully digital gauge cluster and the responsive infotainment system, even with the rotary knob control. Driving dynamics are a strong point, with the CX-90 maintaining Mazda's signature "zoom zoom" character, offering good acceleration, sharp handling, and communicative steering, especially in Sport mode. However, the mild-hybrid system's "i-stop" function is found to be overly aggressive in stop-and-go traffic, sometimes leading to a slight hesitation when accelerating and prompting the reviewer to consider disabling it. The reviewer concludes that while it's a good, calm, comfortable, and composed SUV, it's not the most engaging in its class, but it successfully delivers a premium experience for those prioritizing a three-row SUV with a sporty driving feel.