As of 2024, Mazda will sunset its flagship crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-9 and replace it with the upcoming Mazda CX-90. The CX9, which has been Mazda’s flagship crossover for sixteen years, is a 6/7-passenger all-wheel-drive mid-size SUV. With all the latest technology in a practical package, it is suitable for those interested in a family car as well as those who appreciate the crossover distinction.
Now, to the untrained eye, Mazda’s switch from the CX9 to CX-90 may appear as innocuous as the addition of an “ought” to the end of the model number. But make no mistake; Mazda has taken an aggressive redesign approach with the CX-90 that reflects the Japanese automaker's commitment to take its flagship crossover upmarket. One feature is a longitudinal engine layout that completely reconfigures the engine to a posture widely adopted by performance vehicles, but the most defining feature that will push the CX-90 to the head of the pack is its increased cabin space and passenger capacity.
Taking The Mazda Brand Upmarket
Between 2000 and 2018, crossover sales grew from just four percent, of the market to 40 percent, a ten-fold gain in just 18 years. As we proceed into 2023, the growth seems to only continue. But with almost every auto manufacturer releasing a new model, it can be difficult to stand out.
The Mazda CX9 has suffered from lagging behind the competition. While being a standout for some of its great features, it has not gained the popularity of its competitors. It appears that Mazda aims to change that by giving consumers what they want: more space in a performance-oriented SUV, now built on Mazda's new large vehicle platform.
Transverse To Longitudinal, How Will It Affect The CX-90?
Most modern vehicles use a transverse engine configuration, as opposed to a longitudinal one, which means that the engine is configured with the cylinders perpendicular to the wheels. Visually, this means that the cylinders are configured left-to-right in a transverse engine configuration.
The soon-to-be-replaced Mazda CX9 is no exception. A transverse engine configuration is functional because it is a very space-efficient design that allows for more cabin room. However, the transverse engine has drawbacks. This is what Mazda ultimately changed moving from the CX9 to the CX-90. The CX-90’s configuration will be longitudinal. Mazda claims that its longitudinal engine design will improve the vehicle’s handling, but it defines a new approach for the CX line to compete with performance competitors, particularly those from Europe.
Bringing to bear a longitudinal engine configuration with a rear-biased all-wheel drive powertrain and an in-line six-cylinder 3.3-liter turbo engine that is the most powerful that Mazda has ever produced, the CX-90 has a strong performance arsenal to make it competitive with luxury crossovers like the BMW X5. Turbo trims offer 280 horsepower while Tubro S trims offer up to 340 horsepower, both set up with mild-hybrid tech paired with Mazda's eight-speed transmission.
Normally this configuration shift would come at the cost of cabin space, but not so with the CX-90. Mazda has managed to switch to a performance-oriented engine configuration while actually increasing the cabin room of the vehicle. Mazda has increased the overall passenger volume in the CX-90 vs. the CX9 with an overall length of 200.8 inches and a longer 122.8-inch wheelbase, which is seven more inches than the CX-9. This will be the defining feature of the CX-90.
Defining The Mazda CX-90: More Space
If you're the kind who considers buying a crossover SUV, passenger and cargo space are often the most crucial factors that influence that purchase decision. Essential to competition in an aggressive marketplace is a brand’s ability to deliver a crossover SUV with the highest capacity possible.
However, the new Mazda CX-90 takes it up a notch over the CX-9 with the ability to seat 6-8 passengers. The Mazda CX-90 will offer eight trim options, of which three trim packages offer a spacious eight-passenger capacity. The PHEV electric version will only be available in 7/8 passenger configurations, with premium materials and features like A/C vents and USB ports making it to that third-row bench that offers up to 30 inches of legroom, a marked improvement over the CX-9.
This reflects a taller and wider cabin designed to seat the additional passengers comfortably. This will take Mazda into another category of crossovers: one that offers maximum passenger space without sacrificing comfort or performance. The Mazda CX-90 will measure up to the widely popular Toyota Highlander, which is an important step for Mazda to compete in the crossover market.
To summarize, very few crossover vehicles include a longitudinal engine design, but the performance specialists at Audi/BMW use it in their crossovers. Now Mazda is joining their ranks and, priced around $60,000 for the top-spec model it undercuts the German competition by a long shot.
Its longitudinal engine layout reflects a ground-up redesign and an obvious attempt to go upmarket and compete with more performance/luxury brands. This alone is an attribute you don't see in the mainstream segment. Mazda’s updates reflect a redefined approach to its flagship crossover that will help it compete with the wide range of popular brands on the market.