Mazda CX-90

The UAE-spec High Plus variant of the Mazda CX-90 comes finished in dual-tone black and tan leather upholstery, which exudes the quality and luxury of the top order. With soft touch panels over the dashboard and door panels, it is one luxurious cabin that feels built to last.

We would have loved to see a more modern-looking layout for the instrument console, which continues to come with old-school analogue gauges in the 12.3-inch TFT screen that look dated in today’s day and age. The central layer of the dashboard of the Mazda CX-90 has a wide 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system recessed in its upper part, while the lower centre console here has split housings for the slim AC vents and panel for the tri-zone automatic climate control.

The three-row cabin of the Mazda CX-90 is armed with features like Nappa leather seats, powered front seats, ventilation for front and second-row seats, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, second-row window curtains, 12-speaker BOSE sound system and rear AC vents for second and third-row seats. While the space in front and second-row seats feel ample, the third-row seats feel like a compromise. 

The new Mazda CX-90 might have received numerous minute changes on the outside, but the overall silhouette is more or less the same as that of its predecessor, the Mazda CX-9. This long three-row crossover has smooth contours for the bonnet, door panels, fenders, and boot, which make it one of the most aerodynamic SUVs in its price range. 

The front profile of the Mazda CX-90 has a new almost-vertical grille with more angular edges while having hexagonal mesh inserts and chrome accents on the sides and bottom. The side chrome accents now extend towards the inner edges of the headlamp housings, which are smaller in size while housing LED projectors. More chrome is visible on the lower edge of the front bumper.

The side profile of the Mazda CX-90 looks very similar to the previously available CX-9, with it having 21-inch machined alloy wheels as part of the standard equipment. Mazda has thrown in more chrome for the fender element, upper part of the window frame, and lower door garnish, with the CX-90 also having silver roof rails. The rear profile of the Mazda CX-90 has sleek combination tail lamps with LED inserts, which grow larger towards the outer edges.  

Equipped with an all-wheel drive system and a suspension combination of double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear, the Mazda CX-90 comes with a Mi-Drive driving mode package, which includes Normal, Sport and Off-Road. There are multiple modes in the Off-Road setting, which gives the CX-90 additional prowess to drive over gravel, snow, mud and unpaved roads. 

For the UAE car market, the Mazda CX-90 is available with a single powertrain option under its hood – a 3.3-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine. This turbo-petrol engine is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission and churns out a maximum power output of 345 PS and a maximum torque output of 500 Nm. 

The comprehensive safety package of the Mazda CX-90, which is available as standard in the SUV, comprises seven airbags, ABS with EBD, adaptive headlamps with high beam control, distance recognition system, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, congestion constant cruise support, lane keep assist, smart brake support, lane departure warning and advanced smart city brake support. 

While the Mazda CX-90 has come in as a replacement model for the CX-9, it is not much of a drastic move, as the CX-90 has only received minor updates. While they are not as comprehensive as they should have been, the Mazda CX-90 still ranks as one of the finest Japanese luxury SUVs.