Mazda CX-90 (2024) Review

Nobody else in this class attempted what Mazda attempted here. The CX-90 is longitudinal and rear drive biased, powered by a 3.3 litre turbo inline six with a mild hybrid system and an eight speed automatic that uses a clutch instead of a torque converter. On an open road the payoff is obvious. It is genuinely quick, the six sounds expensive, the steering is accurate and the car handles like something much smaller. The interior is the best in the segment at the price, with nappa leather, real wood and maple accents on the top trim that shame the German competition.

The problems live at low speed. That clutch pack makes the car shunt and hesitate pulling out of junctions, early cars needed software updates for exactly this, and first year owners reported more electronic gremlins than Mazda is used to. The third row is tight for adults and the touchscreen still refuses direct input while moving. Running costs sit above the class norm because a six cylinder needs more oil and better tyres. Ambitious, beautiful and worth buying once the software is up to date.