2024 Mazda CX-90 | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #417

As someone who’s lived with this shifter for the last 2 months, two things: (1) I got used to it quickly, and (2) its major advantage is that it allows me to make 3-point turns without having to look down to make sure I’m not accidentally shifting into Park.

Mazda has a good reputation, their name has always been associated with fun to drive dynamics and great reliability. I don’t think it will be that difficult for people to buy into it as a premium brand. I would argue that Mazda already has better brand cachet than Infiniti maybe even Acura to some degree. I also think Mazda will be the final blow to Infiniti. On another note can we chill with the nitpicks and get more nuanced feedback about the cars?

The command knob is fantastic. You can do all your commands with muscle memory, never take your eyes off the road and eliminate smudging the touchscreen.

Mazda up to now has been moving upscale since the launch in 2017 of the CX-5, now and still the top selling Mazda. The CX-50 took it incremental more upscale. The CX-30 did the same. Now the CX-90 is moving much more in the upscale direction with a new powertrain that is fully modern (8 speed automatic instead of 6 speed, inline 6 instead of inline 4). I think as long as their reliability holds up they will continue to do well. It is like Subaru was years ago - a small company that appeals to performance drivers for a cheaper price than the European imports. Really appreciate the background on how they test the cars over 8 weeks pending weather and then discuss, and write the 5000 word story. Very interesting!

I bought a 2017 XT5 with the electronic shifter. It took me a day to get used to it. I love it now. I'm buying a CX 90, and the shifter is not an issue.

+1 .. Straight Six inline configurations are hip, the way to go. The inline 3.0 Six turbo from Mercedes (in our '23 E-450 Wagon) has a glorious exhaust sound at the top of the RPM range. .. Way To Go Mazda!

All three of these “experts” are dead wrong about the shifter. Everyone hates push button shifters so much worse. Having to look down to make 3 point turns in a giant vehicle and slam it into park? No. This is the last frontier of manual controls. Next they’ll suggest putting them behind screens to save money, lol. A driver should have and feel control behind a 2 ton object.

I’m enjoying your discussion on how you go through the process, as you words, reports, and reviews can affect the sales of a car or product. I’ve used your reviews to purchase cars and other products over the years, so I truly appreciate the efforts you are putting in here. One question I have for you is how much of our feedback on a platform like this would you say realistically gets addressed by the manufacturer such as to Mazda in this case? And do those same manufacturers then send you acknowledgements that a particular concern or review will be addressed or noted that you can report back to us viewers? Thanks again.

Touch screen =distracted driving.

First, the transmission shifting glitches can/will be cured with future software updates. Secondly, it’s worth pointing out that the CX90 is 100% made in Hofu Japan. None of the other models mentioned here are made in Japan. Lastly, the core attributes of the CX90, (rear wheel biased, AWD, inline six, true plug in model, etc) are not found in the models it competes against.

Love the work you guys do at CR, great podcast on the CX 90. i'll migrating from an X5 to a cx90 as i was so impressed by my test drive

I have owned two Mazdas purchased new: A 1990 626 with manual transmission and my current 2014 Mazda 6 Sport also with a manual transmission. The 2014 now has 109K miles and is capable of returning 35mpg @ 80 mph. I have had absolutely no mechanical issues and do my own routine maintenance. The Skyactive technology is pretty impressive. I am waiting to see what the real world mpg on the Preferred Plus will be in your testing. We do not need the 3rd seat all the time, but could use the extra space with the 3rd seat down. We also have owned 2 Subaru Foresters from new. A 2011 base trim with auto and our current 2016 base with CVT. The Foresters have been reliable, but I am not a fan of the CVT or engine revs trying to maintain highway speeds on moderate hills. I would appreciate a vehicle with a more relaxed feel for long distance, better driving dynamics and above average fuel mileage for the class. If the CX90 delivers on all of this I am seriously interested.

Fit and finish not up to par Keith? I’ve looked them over and sat in a couple, and they are beautiful and seem perfect. I’ve also seen a few videos where they say fit and finish is top notch and probably better than luxury brand Japanese brands.

I'm really looking forward to the cx 70. I feel like there is alot of us that just want a 5 seater with ample room. The cx5 is just kinda dinky

Seriously. Thank you for the information.

I actually like the shifter. I thought it was pretty cool and felt great

Thanks for this!

How wide is the 2nd row bench seat? I have 2 kids that use booster seats and a MIL that need to fit comfortably in the 2nd row. Is Mazda the right choice?

Good thing they put the letters (P, R, N, D) on the shifter so anyone that can read can figure it out easily. If you can't read, then maybe you shouldn't be driving.

My CX-90 PHEV arrives in about 5 weeks, and I can't wait . . .