Mazda CX-90 Review: BMW-Level Luxury at Half the Price?

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The search for a luxury SUV that won't demolish your budget often leads to compromises. But what if you could get 90% of a BMW X7's refinement for nearly half the price? After analyzing this thorough Mazda CX-90 test drive, I'll break down where this three-row SUV excels, where it falls short, and whether it truly delivers that coveted premium experience.

Under the Hood: Performance and Powertrain

The CX-90 Preferred trim features a distinctive 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's unconventional displacement choice immediately stands out—most competitors use 3.0-liter turbo sixes. Outputs are competitive at 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy rated at 23 MPG city/28 MPG highway.

During acceleration, the powertrain exhibits a noticeable quirk: initial throttle response feels jumpy in stop-and-go driving, though it smooths out once moving. The engine delivers strong torque, making highway merging confident. Mazda cites premium sound insulation in higher trims; this base model shows more engine and road noise intrusion than luxury rivals but remains quieter than mainstream competitors.

Design and Practicality: Luxury Touches vs. Compromises

Exterior highlights:

• Sharp LED headlights and minimal unpainted plastic
• 21-inch metallic gray wheels (275/45R21 tires)
• Body-colored mirror caps and door handles
• Controversial tapered rear roofline affecting third-row space

Interior quality surprises:

• Soft-touch materials throughout dashboard and doors
• Genuine-looking wood trim and premium stitching
• Perforated leather seats with power adjustments/lumbar support
• Heated front/rear seats and steering wheel standard

Practical limitations:

• Third-row verdict: Cramped legroom suitable only for children
• Cargo advantage: 14.9 cubic feet behind third row expands significantly when folded
• Tech interface: Responsive dial-controlled infotainment (touchscreen only for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)

Driving Experience: Near-Luxury Refinement

Behind the wheel, the CX-90 delivers impressive composure. The steering offers good weight and feedback, while the suspension absorbs bumps competently. Mazda's chassis tuning provides engaging dynamics uncommon in three-row SUVs—cornering feels flatter and more controlled than most rivals.

The real revelation is the value proposition. At $45,310 (2024 Preferred trim), it undercuts the BMW X7 by over $40,000. While the BMW offers superior sound insulation and a silkier transmission, the performance gap doesn't justify the massive price difference for most buyers. As the video notes: "It doesn't provide that much more value."

Key Considerations Before Buying

1. Transmission behavior: Test drive in stop-and-go traffic to assess if the low-speed jerkiness bothers you
2. Third-row frequency: Only consider if occasional child use is your primary need
3. Noise tolerance: Higher trims add acoustic glass; base models reveal more road noise
4. Tech preferences: The rotary dial interface requires adaptation if you're used to touchscreens
5. Value assessment: Compare against Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, and Volvo XC90 for similar premium aspirations

Professional recommendation: The CX-90 makes the strongest case for shoppers prioritizing driving dynamics and interior quality over badge prestige. It's arguably the sportiest-handling three-row SUV under $50,000.

The Verdict: Disrupting Luxury Expectations

Mazda's CX-90 fundamentally challenges luxury SUV pricing norms. While not perfect—the cramped third row and low-speed transmission behavior are legitimate criticisms—it delivers remarkable interior craftsmanship, engaging driving dynamics, and premium features at mainstream prices.

For buyers cross-shopping luxury brands, this represents a paradigm shift. As the video concludes: "This CX-90 gives you a BMW-like experience at a much lower price point." If ultimate rear-seat comfort isn't your priority, the value equation becomes overwhelmingly persuasive.

"Which luxury feature matters most to you—performance, materials quality, or tech—and does the CX-90 deliver it sufficiently for your needs? Share your deal-breakers below!"