Mazda CX

Jul 07, 2023

Mazda is at pains to remind everyone that the CX-90 is not a CX-9 replacement. The carmaker announced recently that the CX-9 would be discontinued by the end of 2023 after seven years on sale in its current generation.

It's been a huge success for Mazda and is, like the CX-90, a large seven-seat SUV. However, the CX-90 is quite a bit larger, is a premium model, and is not in the same price bracket as the CX-9.

While the CX-9 starts from about $48,000 and tops out at just over $75,000, the CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs. Now you start to see the positioning of the new model.

From the Touring up you get 19-inch alloy wheels.

It will be offered in three model grades, kicking off with the Touring, then GT and Azami, offered with a choice of two all-new turbocharged mild-hybrid engines - a petrol and a diesel. The plug-in hybrid available in North America is not being offered here just yet, but Mazda Australia is working on the business case.

Opting for the diesel in the Touring adds $1415 to the price ($75,800), but in the other two grades, the diesel is cheaper than the petrol. It's usually the opposite.

So the GT is $84,800 (diesel) and $86,085 (petrol) and the Azami costs $93,865 (petrol) and $95,185 (diesel).

Nappa leather is available on each grade and all rows offer comfortable seats.

If you compared to SUV rivals of a similar size from mainstream brands, like the Hyundai Palisade (from $65,900) or Nissan Pathfinder (from $71,490), it looks quite pricey. But remember, Mazda is chasing premium models, so the pricing lines up more closely with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (from $82,750), Volkswagen Touareg (from $89,240) and Lexus RX (from $87,500).

While Mazda is yet to announce full specs for the CX-90, what they have announced shows the company is serious about ensuring buyers get value for money.

From the Touring up you get a full leather interior, heated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, advanced keyless entry, a 10.25-inch multimedia setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB), a 360-degree camera display, 7.0-inch multi-information display, eight-speaker audio with DAB+ digital radio, advanced keyless entry, three-zone climate control with separate rear controls, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 19-inch alloy wheels.

On top of that the GT gains adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, premium Bose sound system, a larger 12.3-inch multimedia setup, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, power steering wheel adjustment and bigger 21-inch alloy wheels.

It comes with a 10.25-inch multimedia setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB).

Finally, the Azami adds woven textile fabrics, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a different 21-inch alloy wheel design, black Nappa leather seats, a frameless interior mirror and more.

The Azami is also offered with a choice of two options packs which add $5000 to the price. The Takumi pack includes pure white Nappa leather trim, a cloth dashboard panel with ‘Kakenui' stitching, maple wood console and door trim inserts, and second-row captain's seats with ventilation and dividing console.

The SP package adds tan Nappa leather trim, suede finish dashboard panel, two-tone colour steering wheel, and the captain's chairs with ventilation and console.

Mazda is yet to confirm the servicing schedule, plan and pricing but that will be announced at the launch.

So yes, this is expensive for a Mazda, but the CX-90 is not missing much at all when it comes to luxury touches.