The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Is The New Range-Topping SUV: Hybrid And Plug-In Hybrid Only

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 isn't just a decidedly upmarket three-row crossover for the top of the Mazda Canada range. The CX-90 also brings a new level of efficiency and power to the premium crossover market. 

CX-90 shoppers will be choosing between either a hybrid powerplant or plug-in hybrid powertrain. We're breaking down all the specs below, along with a full photo gallery showcasing Mazda's new Artisan Red paint colour. But first, a few details on the CX-90's luxury flair.

Mazda's premium atmosphere is created by at least three factors: comfort, technology, and materials. First off, the CX-90 is a remarkably spacious Mazda with seating for up to 8. Plus, dimensions that are greater than the CX-9 in every direction. The CX-90 will be configured in either a 2/3/3 or 2/2/3 (with second-row centre console) seating arrangement.

Second, there's a new 12.3-inch centre screen, digital instrument clusters, and a spectacular digital rearview mirror. Finally, material quality and textures are the elements that truly set the CX-90 apart as so much more than an everyday family crossover. There's curly maple wood with open-pore swirling, white leather contrasted with chrome accents, and on the CX-90 Signature, Japanese kumihimo stitched fabric on the door panels. 

Yet with the 2024 Mazda CX-90, much will be made of the bits and pieces you can't touch and see. It starts out with a new platform that's rear-wheel-drive-based, like the MX-5 Miata. Of course, the CX-90 – every CX-90 – will utilize Mazda's predictive all-wheel drive. But the chassis is rear-focused, which lends well to more prominent performance feel. 

HYBRID POWER

Mazda next incorporated a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is designed specifically for engines that run north-south in the engine bay.

The headline makers, however, are the two powerplants. To begin, there's an all-new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine linked to M-Hybrid Boost, essentially an electric motor between the engine and transmission that creates unparalleled smoothness when accelerating and decelerating. Engines with cylinders arranged inline are, by definition, inherently smooth to begin with. This powerplant, called e-Skyactiv Turbo, produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the CX-90 GS, CX-90 GS-L, CX-90 GS-L Captain's Chairs, CX-90 GS-L Enhanced Package, and CX-90 GT. In the CX-90 GT-P and CX-90 Signature, there's a high-output version of the 3.3 turbo producing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

It's Mazda's most powerful production engine ever. 

PLUG-IN POWER

Mazda's other powertrain option for the 2024 CX-90 pairs an adapted version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8 kWh battery. This is a PHEV, usually referred to as a plug-in hybrid. (You can learn more about PHEVs and PHEV government incentives here.)

Mazda's PHEV powerplant for the CX-9 cranks out 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and, for many urban and suburban residents, will run almost exclusively on electricity alone. 

As we learn more about the CX-90's trim levels, which seating configurations go with which models, and which engines can be linked with which trim levels, we'll provide rapid updates.