2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2024 CX-90

Mazda's CX-9 crossover SUV has been a popular choice for many car buyers and was Mazda's largest passenger vehicle. Mazda has announced a replacement for the CX-9, and this will be the highly anticipated CX-90 which will launch in Spring 2023 as their new 2024 model.

In this article, we'll compare the Mazda CX-9 vs. CX-90 so that you can choose a car that is the right fit.

2023 Mazda CX-9 Overview

The reason why the all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-9 is such a hit with drivers is that it is a family car that doesn't feel like a family car.

This is thanks to their new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaced the previous engine, which gives it improved acceleration and performance. With a 0 to 60 time in just 7.1 seconds, this small SUV does the job even at the 2.5 L base model.

Along with impressive features such as a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and a 20/26 miles per gallon rating, this model also has some seriously impressive safety features. These safety features include dual front side-mounted airbags, 4-wheel ABS, engine immobilizer, pre and post-collision safety system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and an accident avoidance system.

The CX-9 design boasts between 6 and 7 seats so that all passengers are comfortable. This SUV also features front and rear center consoles and plenty of in-house entertainment features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10.3" infotainment screen.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Overview

The new CX-90 is Mazda's hybrid upgrade to the CX-9, but what does that mean? What's new in the CX-90?

While the CX-9 held the title of Mazda's largest passenger vehicle, the new CX-90 snatches that title away. The CX-90 also introduces Mazda's first turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that is supported by a plug-in 48-volt hybrid system with an impressive 340 horsepower on the baseline models.

This new engine boasts acceleration speeds of between 6.0–6.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Along with the turbocharged engine, the CX-90 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The hybrid plug-in option comes with a 17.8-kWh battery pack and is prepped for 26 miles of electric driving per charge. To improve the experience, two charging options are offered: a 120-volt and 240-volt outlet option.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 features eight Japanese stitched seats designed for durability, longevity, and comfort. A panoramic moonroof also adds to the luxury feel of this SUV.

CX-9 Exterior vs. CX-90 Exterior

What really sets the CX-9 and the CX-90 apart is the exterior of the car, specifically its size and shape.

The CX-9 is known for its sharp, crisp edges on the exterior of the body, while the CX-90 has ditched the edginess and gone for smoother, softer lines. These softer lines help to emphasize the additional length of the vehicle and create an elevated look.

The CX-90 front hood is elongated, making its 200.8-inch total length longer than the CX-9's 199.4 inches.

CX-9 Interior vs. CX-90 Interior

In both models, Mazda aimed to provide a luxurious vehicle at a more affordable price, but the CX-90 is an example of Mazda's high-end aspirations.

While the CX-9 is considered a family car because of its size, it is still designed as a compact SUV and is less spacious than its full-size counterparts. The new CX-90 combats this by increasing passenger space from seven to eight, which results in a larger, more spacious interior.

Gone are the climate-control toggles of the CX-9. The CX-90 now uses dials that are more user-friendly.

Performance Comparison

For the performance comparison, we will take a look at the baseline model of the CX-9 and CX-90.

The CX-90 beats the CX-9 when it comes to performance thanks to its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine. While the CX-9 has one power train, the CX-90 can come equipped with up to two power trains that provide 340 horsepower, while the CX-9 has 250 horsepower.

The CX-90's engine is Mazda's strongest engine, so it makes sense, when comparing the two, that the CX-90 takes the lead when it comes to performance.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Fuel efficiency is a major selling point in a car, and both Mazda models are rated quite highly.

Currently, there is still not enough information or testing to give an entirely accurate review of the CX-90's fuel efficiency, but current data shows that you can expect around 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This excludes the plug-in hybrid option.

The CX-9 all-wheel drive has a fuel efficiency of around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mph on the highway. Based on current findings, the CX-90 is more fuel efficient.

Differences In Technology Features

Both the CX-90 and CX-9 come with impressive technology designed to improve the driving experience and comfort of the driver.

The CX-9 comes with the MyMazda App and Mazda Connected Services, as well as a remote engine start. The CX-90 comes with a Driver Personalization System that personally adjusts the driving setting of the driver.

There is a difference between the infotainment displays, the CX-9's display is 10.3 inches, and the CX-90's is 12.3 inches.

Safety Feature Differences

Both models make use of Mazda's standard i-ACTIVSENSE® technologies, but the new CX-90 has four new safety features that have been added.

These features are:

Secondary Collision Reduction System
Emergency Lane Keeping
Rear seat alert
Front and rear parking sensors

Cost and Value Comparison

With all the new safety features and a larger engine, it is no surprise that the CX-90 is more expensive than the CX-9. The baseline model of the CX-90 and CX-9 both start from $40,000, and the top-of-line model costs around $49,000 for the CX-9 and $61,000 for the CX-90.

So, does the higher price tag of the CX-90 mean more value for money, or are you better off sticking with the CX-9?

When you compare the added passenger space, the new turbocharged engine with an eco-friendly hybrid plug-in, and improved safety features, the CX-90 is certainly worth its value and will make a great family car.