When "entry-level" cars come standard with what were once luxury car features such as climate control air conditioning, good stereos and power everything (just about), they are no longer "entry-level" cars.
They just don't cost as much as luxury-badged cars.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 isn't entry-level, but it comes standard with something that's getting hard to find in luxury-badged vehicles, especially those that cost less than $50,000 to start.
That thing being a standard six-cylinder engine.
And for just under $40,000 to start.
What It Is
The CX-90 is a full-size/three-row crossover that seats six to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. It is Mazda's newest, largest model and its first-ever model to be powered by an all-new 3.3-liter in-line six-cylinder engine.
It's available in either of two mild-hybrid configurations that cycle the six off whenever possible, to increase fuel economy as much as possible.
There's also a plug-in hybrid variant that splits the difference between the power of a six and the economy of a four.
Prices start at $39,595 for the 3.3 Turbo Select trim, which comes standard with a 280-horsepower version of the 3.3-liter in-line six, a mild-hybrid drivetrain, an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
If you want a stronger (340-horsepower) version of the six, it's standard in the $51,750 Turbo S, which also has the mild-hybrid setup.
If you'd like a more economical CX-90 with the power of the six, it's standard in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, which stickers for $47,445 to start. This one touts 323 horsepower, but it can also go about 26 miles without burning any gas at all. And you can still go close to 500 miles before you need to stop ... for gas.
What's New For 2024
The CX-90 is an all-new model that takes the place of the outgoing CX-9.
What's Good
The four is optional.
The six is in-line.
A Miata for the driver who needs to be able to transport six to eight passengers.
What's Not So Good
Mazda recommends premium fuel for the plug-in-hybrid CX-90, negating some of the gas money savings of the plug-in hybrid setup.
Plug-in hybrid's tow rating is just 3,500 pounds (versus up to 5,000 pounds for CX-90s with the six).
AWD is standard.
Under The Hood
The CX-90's standard 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine is almost a revolutionary act.
A counterrevolutionary act.
The trend has been going in the opposite direction for at least the past five years; as mentioned up above, it is now common for $50,000 cars to come standard with 2.0-liter fours. It used to be that when you paid that much money for a vehicle, you got at least a six.
This one makes 280 horsepower in the standard configuration and it does not require premium fuel to make its touted power or deliver its advertised 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.
Next up is a more potent version of the six, also paired with a mild-hybrid drivetrain. This combo offers 340 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque. It offers more power without less mileage. The only downside here is that to get the additional power and the same mileage, you'll need to feed this one premium gas.
But you'll also be able to pull a 5,000-pound trailer.
The standard CX-90 with the 280-horsepower version of this six is only rated to pull a maximum of 3,500 pounds. However, you can upgrade that to 5,000 pounds by choosing the Preferred Plus package.
Finally, there's the option of going with a four rather than the standard six.
This is the plug-in hybrid version of the CX-90. A 2.5-liter four is paired with a more present hybrid system that has the power to propel the vehicle all by itself (without the engine) for up to about 26 miles.
On the downside, the plug-in hybrid also wants premium fuel to deliver on its power and mileage claims — and the max tow rating reverts to 3,500 pounds.
On The Road
An in-line six is a long engine relative to a V6. That's why you generally do not find in-line sixes in non-luxury-badged vehicles, which are usually front-wheel-drive-based to reduce manufacturing costs by packaging the engine and transaxle together into a more compact and sideways-mounted assembly that's easier and faster to install as the vehicle rolls down the assembly line.
The in-line six is more suited to the front-to-back (rear-drive-based) layout — i.e., the more expensive layout. But the cost is worth it, in terms of a more balanced and better handling (and feeling) vehicle. The weight of the drivetrain — the engine, transmission and drive axle — is spread out more evenly over the length of the vehicle rather than crammed together up front, and the power is distributed more evenly.
Especially if you don't have to pay luxury-badge money for it.
That's perhaps the most astounding thing about this Mazda before you even drive it. And when you do, you wonder why others are paying more for less.
At The Curb
The CX-90 isn't that much bigger than the CX-9 it replaces. The latter was 199.4 inches long; the former is 200.8 inches long — a difference of about an inch-and-a-half in overall length.
But it's noticeably roomier — and more versatile.
This new Mazda isn't just practical. It is luxurious.
Even the base trim comes standard with three-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, simulated leather seat covers, an eight-speaker stereo and a 10.25-inch LCD touch screen. Plus, the standard six.
Just like the luxury-badged (and priced) stuff — but without the price.
The Rest
One thing you can't get together in the CX-90 is the high-powered version of the six- and eight-passenger capacity. Turbo S models all come standard (only) with the two-person third-row seats. You can, however, get ventilated second-row seats, and quilted leather upholstery for all the seats.
The Bottom Line
Maybe next year Mazda will offer a V8.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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