2025 Mazda CX-90 Consumer Reviews
Pricing
(MUST READ) Great car but bit outdated
To be honest, I believe this mid-size SUV is the most aesthetically pleasing option on the market. I purchased this vehicle on September 30th and have been driving it for about ten days, covering approximately 400 miles. I hope my feedback proves useful for those in search of a mid-size SUV. I've test drove, Pathfinder, Pilot, Telluride, and Palisade before purchasing this car. My budget was $50,000 including tax, and all documentation fees. Before I've bought this car, after I haved tested cars based on my budget. Handling: 5 Stars The handling of this SUV is exceptional, and I consider it the best in its class. I haven't come across any mid-size SUVs with better handling than the CX-90. Acceleration & Driving: 4 Stars At low speeds, this car's mild-hybrid system can sometimes feel a bit unnatural when shifting gears automatically. Given that this is Mazda's first foray into mild hybrid technology, I can understand the initial quirks. I'm confident that they will make improvements in tuning for the 2025 model to rectify this issue. On the flip side, when it comes to accelerating to higher speeds, it excels and stands as the best in its category. Interior: 4 Stars The interior design is absolutely stunning. However, its practicality leaves something to be desired. When using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, placing your smartphone or key fob in the center console can be a bit inconvenient. This also means you can't use the cup holders for your beverages while driving. In comparison, the Kia Telluride offers more convenient solutions for storing your phone and keys. Infotainment: 2 Stars I understand that higher trim levels have a touch screen, but it's exclusively for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system in this Mazda is subpar when compared to Japanese or Korean brands. Technology: 3 Stars Korean brands clearly lead the way when it comes to driving and interior technology, offering features like ventilated seats, heated steering wheels, lane-keeping assist, highway assist, and more. Mazda seems to be somewhat stuck in the past. Having owned a Hyundai Tucson, I can attest that Korean cars are far more comfortable and stress-free for long-distance drives compared to Mazda. Summary: 4 Stars Despite pointing out some drawbacks of the Mazda in comparison to other brands, I want to emphasize that driving this car is a pure pleasure. The handling and acceleration are top-notch, and when you sit in the driver's seat, you feel truly connected to the vehicle. It's hard to describe, but Japanese and Korean cars often feel like they have a small core with a large shell on top, which can feel unnatural when compared to Mazda. I appreciate how confident and stable the Mazda makes me feel while driving. However, there's no denying that Mazda needs to step up its game in terms of convenience options and technology to compete with other Asian brands.
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Not worth the $$$ - DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE!
At 7500 miles I am currently sitting in the dealership waiting on an oil change, and have the following complaints: 2 days ago while driving about 60mph the vehicle began jerking and hesitating and continued to do this from acceleration to faster speeds throughout the day. 2 days prior to that, it was making a loud squealing noise while driving in stop and go traffic for about 3 miles. The brakes are squealing and have been for the last 1,000 miles. There’s the sound of an air leak in the passenger side door that can be heard loudly while driving. The drivers seat is uncomfortable. The car makes a loud beeping noise when backing up which I personally do not like and there’s no way to turn off. I owned a 2021 Ford Explorer prior to purchasing this vehicle and can say this Mazda CX-90 does not even compare considering it’s in the same price range and size as the Explorer. I would highly recommend reconsidering before purchasing this vehicle. I have plans to trade this vehicle very soon to go back to a Ford Explorer. Also, the guy in the service department (Charleston, SC) was very nonchalant regarding my complaints. I will be sure everything is documented before I leave in case the problems escalate further before I’m able to trade it in.
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- 3.3 Turbo Select 4dr SUVMSRP: $27,50047 mi away
- 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $48,25534 mi away
- 3.3 Turbo Preferred 4dr SUVMSRP: $43,67534 mi away
Good car, great deal
We got the PHEV, and I'm happy with the all-electric range. Most days we don't use any gas - only electric. I think that will save us aroun $100/month (less gas cost, more electricity cost). Power with the electric motors is functional, as is the gas mode with electic assist. There is a sport mode that is noticeably more peppy (more aggressive electric power). I feel like the interior is nicer than most Toyota/Hondas we've owned. Handling is surprisingly good for how much the car weighs, and I was pleasantly surprise by the 3rd row space. It's not as much room as a minivan, but more than I expected. I really like the styling of all Mazdas right now. I really like the lane-keep-assist feature. I haven't driven one that I liked until this one. It just feels like I'm being nudged in the right direction to stay off the lines. The Honda one feels like you are being pulled along the contour of the line (and it won't let you pull away from the line, which is disconcerting). A previous Mazda one just rumbles like I'm hitting the shoulder's rumble pattern. The Chrysler minivan was less annoying than the Honda's, but not as consistently functional. This one is more functional than any of thos options, and MUCH less annoying. Sound on the non-Bose speakers was surprisingly good. You could certainly upgrade if you want, but you don't need to unless your pretty picky. The interface between the phone/car is improved over previous Mazdas (which are pretty bad). I usually don't do leases, but with the $7500 off, plus $500 Mazda Loyalty and $1500 off sticker, it ended up being a really good deal. I did a 2 year and a 5 year comparison on costs (2 year leas then purchase after) compared to buying a use Honda Odyssey. We actually come out even in 2 years and ahead (more equity even with an ongoing payment) with the Mazda lease then purchase option. We did a single-pay lease, which gives a lower Money Factor - equivalent to 5% interest. That's better than rates at the credit union right now. (Did you know that the money factor is charged on the entire residual for the duration of the lease?) The Mazda people don't know how to do a single-pay lease though, so we had to wait for 2 hours for them to figure out the process. My only disappointment is the in-town hyrid gas mileage. I haven't done an experiment to see what real numbers we're getting on the around-town gas hybrid, but if it really is 24, that's not great for an in-town hybrid. Comparing to other similarly sied vehicles, it seems like it should be closer to 30-35. I guess we'll see.
Biggest surprise of my car life
I am a car guy. After years of owning most high line brands, this time I decided not to pay the ultra premium price, but to get a near premium product. One of my previous favorite brands was Lexus, which similarly overdelivered vs BMW, Volvo, Jaguar, etc. Other than the CX90, my semi finalist was a three row Lexus TX hybrid (a version of Toyota Grand Highlander). At almost $80K, it had some disappointing aspects, particularly interior quality and handling. Plus ho hum styling. My CX90 aced those details, was better on fit and finish, and cost $25K less! And drives like a German performance SUV. If the CX90 reliability is up to par, this car may be, dollar for dollar, one of the smartest car decisions I’ve ever made.
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Mazda beats expectations
The steering is excellent with minimal fighting needed for highway or curvy road driving. Excellent pick up, handles 6 people with no problems, excellent storage space and a quiet ride. Mazda is 50% owned by Toyota but more performance for less money than the comparable Toyota or Lexus models. Very happy with our choice.
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