Mazda potentially outpaced Toyota, which has not yet revealed a Highlander Prime, on Monday by introducing the 2024 Mazda CX-90 lineup, consisting of a plug-in hybrid, a mild hybrid, and three-row seating with three different seat configurations.
Mazda stated that all variants of the 2024 CX-90 will arrive at dealerships this spring, but there are not many details available at the moment.
PHEV or MHEV is the question
Buyers stepping into a Mazda showroom will be able to choose between two engines under the CX-90’s hood. Both will be electrified, and all models are hybrids.
Plug-in hybrid models combine a 2.5-liter inline-4 with an electric motor interposed in the 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor, powered by a 17.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack, replaces the torque converter of the transmission. The total system output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Mild hybrid models combine a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-6 engine with a less powerful electric motor, powered by a much smaller battery pack. The motor is interposed in the 8-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
EPA ratings are not yet available, and Mazda declined to comment on electric-only range. The automaker told Green Car Reports that at low speeds, the mild hybrid powertrain is capable of operating solely on electric power, while the plug-in hybrid will have enough electric-only range for daily driving. Mazda noted that the gasoline engine comes into play for longer trips or when maximum acceleration is needed, such as merging onto a highway. We interpret this to mean that even in electric-only mode, flooring the accelerator will activate the gasoline engine, as it does in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the recently introduced MX-30 R-EV.
Nice proportions with seating for eight
The CX-90 doesn’t mess around when it comes to design, with a longer and wider stance than the CX-9 it will quickly replace. The front features a short overhang leading to a long hood, a long dash-to-axle ratio, a long wheelbase, and a short rear.
Inside, the CX-90 sits in luxury bubble territory on high-spec exclusive trims. White Nappa leather, linen-like fabric, and open-pore curly maple wood give the interior a warm, lounge-like ambiance. A darker interior color scheme and a mesh-like pattern plastic trim will be available on lower trims.
The CX-90 can be configured as a six, seven, or eight-seater, with the availability of a bench-style second row or captain’s chairs along with a third row of two or three seats. Mazda has not detailed which seat configurations can be had with which powertrains and trims. The lithium-ion battery pack is located beneath the second and third rows, creating stadium-style seating. At 5 feet 10 inches, I was able to sit in all three rows behind myself, but the third row had tight foot space, a low seat with knees up, and about an inch of additional headroom. Those measuring 6 feet tall will likely touch the headliner and feel cramped.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is complemented by a 12.3-inch infotainment system. The latter is controlled by a rotary dial and some hard buttons, but the screen is touch-only when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda said it will detail active safety technology at a later date, but we spotted what appeared to be a rearview camera system inside the rearview mirror.
