Respect to Jay Chen, you can tell the engineers actually care about how the car feels to drive. It’s not just a numbers game but satisfaction from the seat of the pants dynamics.
I've driven about half a dozen modern BMWs with electric power steering, including an M8 Comp. My ma's CX5 turbo (also electric power steering) has much better feel and feedback than any of them. That's when I realized wow Mazda does care.
@@icculus yeah it's why I'll never buy anything past 2010 from them. Unless they decide to have a change of heart now 13 years later lol I've heard GTS or CS steering maps (yeah u flash steering feel now...) fix the last M3 but who knows. A lot of those forums are just pure cope.
@@Josh-cw8byOk so maybe in different words.... Too much nagging and blowing things out of proportion and expectation bar set way higher than it should be for a vehicle priced as this is. Something opposite to Honda vehicles done at this channel. Why?
@@kdomster9141 As professional reviewers they have to be very careful what they say or they lose press vehicles and invites to reviles. Let me red between the lines of the video and give you a summary: The CX-90 is the wrong vehicle for this segment. It is unrefined and never should have been released. Go back and design the real vehicle for this segment.
My wife owns an Inline 6 CX-90 and I think you are dead on in your criticism. That being said, after test driving the competition including the MDX and the Highlander this was what she chose and a lot of it came down to those secondary motions gave her a sense of motion sickness. She realized that the additional isolation and floatiness wasn't for her. I don't know if there's enough of an audience like us to make the vehicle a success, but we are happy it exists and so far after 4 months and 5000 miles we are happy with it. We'll see how it does long run.
Beautiful comment. It really does come down to target demographic and what the customer ranks priority. I personally think every other 3-row on the market is on the floaty side. A sacrificial compromise the CX-90 takes, which is both odd and very unique in the 3-row segment. I love it personally. Cheers!
@@Bigern2998 That's what I am saying tho too everyone else just feels scripted Jack and Mark just feel like two guys discussing a car having fun doing it. Then they hit us with in depth talks with the engineers and its the chefs kiss.
I'm in a CX-90 owner group, and absolutely everyone is in love with it. The ones with the PHEV says they can easily do all their daily commuting in EV mode only, while the ones with the inline 6 like the character of the engine. People seem to have chosen the Mazda for the way it drives and feels, they don't like floaty vehicles but still need the space.
Exactly, I need 6 seater but hate floating cars and light steering. At this size, it should be RWD based and the only option at this price range is CX90.
@@GooseVan Don’t forget about the Explorer! Although the Mazda can be considered a different league in terms of interior design, materials, and quality.
The one thing I hate in car reviews is focusing of what a vehicle is not. To me it's a good thing when a vehicle isn't a Toyota. Toyotas are legendary for reliability but when it comes to driving dynamics they are just plain boring. I have four grown kids so I have either owned or test driven or rented every three row vehicle over the years and I never really liked driving any of them until we went to Mazda. We are on our second CX-9, haven't driven the CX-90 yet but glad to hear Mazda is still committed to building Mazdas. To the reviewers... Be mindful of crawling down the "this vehicle isn't this or that rabbit hole" or you will end up with what Consumer Reports puts out where they focus way too much on the metrics. Every vehicle is a series of compromises and the decisions made by the engineers determine who the final product is aimed at. Some of your comments seem to imply Every 3-row vehicle should be the same boring design. No thanks.
I feel the same! We purchased the PHEV CX90 in May and absolutely love it. The only complaint from my wife is that it is a bit harder to park, but we knew that going in. I am a huge fan of Savagegeese, but many of their criticisms of the CX90 did not ring true to me. I get the whole "3 rows should be boats" opinion, that is what is popular. However, that is not what I want and I feel so lucky this car exists. I come from a BMW lineage and this car suits me quite well. We drive on winding roads a lot where I live, so I suppose geography plays a role in us loving it. I have never once felt a shudder like they described and it is so smooth in EV mode in traffic.
Huge respect for Dave Coleman. Love that guy and all the contributions he’s made to Mazda… not to mention he’s a wealth of knowledge in driving dynamics. What a great video too. Appreciate your persistence in editing this project together despite it getting on your nerves at times.
I can tell you that when I first drove our CX-90 Turbo S, I was not entirely comfortable. The feel vs our previous 2021 CX-9 was completely different. After a recent cross country round trip of 4500 miles, I am very comfortable in it. I have noticed most of the same things that were mentioned in the video and I am hopeful that some firmware updates can correct the issues. on the mileage front, I averaged 29.7 mpg across the trip while driving at 75-80 for the majority of the drive.
Shoutout to Dave Coleman. I grew up reading Sport Compact Car magazine, and loved his technical articles. Even though I am a designer now (styling), SCC gave me a great framework for engineering and vehicle dynamics that has helped in my career in the auto industry. Great video as usual gents...really apppreciate that you include the interviews with the people involved in a new car.
I wondering if he was the same Dave Coleman. His articles were my favorite and the reason SCC was my favorite magazine as a kid. Glad to see he’s still out there making great things
Damn? Sport compact car. You sir are old. So am I 😂. Best mag hands down. Still miss the street challenge. Not even in video in this age has something like that been done(yes but not as fun)
Yep, Dave Coleman is the one who got me into trackday driving with his suspension articles. So glad he found a job at a company that focuses on driving excitement! Technobabble and Dear Dave were my bible as a budding trackday car building enthusiast on a shoe string budget, built an old S13 240sx from his articles before they became popular, (and before drifting became a thing and they were all destroyed!) since they shared so much of their suspension and rear drive with the 300ZX and Skyline at the time.
I've had mine since April. Loaded 6 cylinder. Low speed clutch engagement is jerky and annoying, i-stop is annoying, driver personalization system is super annoying, but the positives more than make up for it. Incredible performance and handling, beautiful inside and out, and shockingly good fuel economy. I'm getting 8.5L/100km in mostly city driving. Better than my 2015 Camry got. What it needs most is software refinement, particularly with low speed clutch engagement.
@@RayBrown-u2n yes I've begun doing that, but here's where it gets super annoying: It will recognize me and put in my settings but then the Android auto will pair with my wife's phone instead of mine. Then you have to go back through several menus to unpair and connect a different device. They could have at least tied the driver personalization system to the driver's device.
Low speed clutch engagement sucks on my Mazda 3 as well. However after that it’s a really nice feeling automatic. Haven’t had the opportunity to drive the cx90 and the 8 speed yet.
Now they need to do the same to Honda so they can get rid of CVT, cheesy designs and finish and touches , average driving dynamics ...but somehow they don't 🤔
@@seafooddiablo5686 Agreed. I was somewhat disappointed to see what Honda has become when we were searching between options. My impressions of their current offerings is less enthusiastic than what savagegeese thinks of them. They used to be a great driver's option for everyday transportation, with good control feel and driveability at a mainstream pricepoint, with reliability to make long term ownership attractive. Modern stuff like the Pilot felt cheap as the first impression. Like the only design goal was "make it cheap."
What drew me to my 2021 CX-9 Grand Touring was the simplicity and simple luxury. I didn't want 200" of LED screens, I wanted a solid audio system (it's meh after years of owning it) with incredible reliability, enough space to move a large box if need be and didn't feel like it was so top heavy i wanted to jump off of a bridge. Mazda has and is the best 'commodity' brand and I'm forever a loyalist after buying one.
We also have a 21 GT and 100% agree. We’ve had the cx5 then a 19 cx9 touring and now the 21 GT. I’ve alway been a honda guy and she liked Nissans and Mazda has definitely impressed us over the last few years. Looking forward to getting the cx90
I have so much respect for Mazda these days. While brands like BMW and Mercedes are being ambitious in all the wrong ways (specifically styling), Mazda just keeps setting the bar for what’s possible at each of its price points.
Hats off to you guys. The fact people had to wait for this video is a GOOD thing. If you were like most other reviewers out there, you'd simply do some shots of the interior, make some comments, sit in the seats, drive it a bit, and then punch out another video. I and I think most of your audience appreciates your perspective and the thought that goes into your content. Again, well done!
Wonder if it’s moreso to KEEP people watching minute-by-minute. By way of comparison, I have half a mind that people immediately clock out out of a certain mainstream videographer’s vids the very instant that the test drive is over and the static Doug Score comes into play.
@@schwenda3727 I really don't think so. As mentioned, they could have released this video much sooner, but didn't. If they were interested in keeping you watch, they probably would have released much sooner.
umm yeah this video is DRASTICALLY different & way more detailed than any other video about this car. everyone else raves about it & makes more or less the same canned remarks about it, but Mark & Jack were much more [appropriately] critical of the car & how certain things about it could translate to the TYPICAL 3-row CUV buyer/leaser. I personally don't think I ever would've looked @ this car any other way other than 100% positive until I watched this video
You guys are truly first class reviewers. The anguish you went through to give a true guide as to what the platform delivers is genuinely appreciated by true car people like myself.
Thanks for actually letting Dave and the other engineers speak, it's so annoying when other channels cut them off right as they start getting to the thinking behind the setups they chose.
man I love when you can tell how much passion goes into the cars. Mazda is the definition of car people building cars for car people. Congrats to everyone on the team!
@@thothkemet-lv8wq According to Mazda engineers, the CX-90 is NOT a luxury vehicle but a sporty 8 seater. I really don't know what eight people would be driving around in a sporty vehicle? Luxury means comfort not a hard stiff ride
@@clarkkent9080as an owner I can tell you it’s not a bad ride. Just a lot “professionals” out here trying to nit pick but I come from sporty vehicles so I expect them to behave certain way and that’s why I like it.
I’m a Beamer to Mazda to Beamer guy that has been waiting for the CX-90 to get back into a Mazda. I test drove both the Turbo and Turbo S. I was very underwhelmed with the Turbo, but the Turbo S hit me in the feels. I’m a car guy and can appreciate a drivers car with personality. Hondas and Toyotas may do everything “right”, but there’s no emotion involved and this is where Mazda nails it. The CX-90 isn’t perfect but it has a special feeling that evokes emotion. The only area that Mazda really failed to hit was the technology. I personally couldn’t care less, but other buyers may notice that the competition offers more in terms of technological amenities. Well done Mazda, you’ve created yet another unique vehicle for Mazda fans that stands out from the crowd.
Yes, you go after your own sense of "utility," and not about the brand! That's really how we're supposed to choose our tools and toys, rather than just mainly the brand or cachet.
@@donrichter3523 We have a 2012 535gt as a family car, and we purchased it as a CPO with 29k miles in 2015. It currently has 75,xxx miles and I can honestly say it’s been a great car. I perform all the maintenance myself along with a few addressing a few mechanical issues that have occurred. It hasn’t been bad however, it would be a different story if we would have to pay for maintenance and fixes.
The reviews are consistent when it comes to the overall feelings and powertrain inconsistencies. I hope Mazda will tweak this and straighten it out. I would also love if they offered the shorter version in the USA. Another great review guys. You’re an asset to the automotive community with this honest content!!
I have the PHEV and the drivetrain has been incredibly smooth. I am not sure if some firmware has been updated, or if it is because I have the PHEV. EV mode in traffic is fantastically easy/smooth. I drive on winding roads a lot and this is the only affordable 3-row option for me.
@@logansteele3236 My parents are in the market for an SUV in this class. I am going to show them the Telluride and Pilot in person. I really want them to check out the mazda but the 60k I6 version is too steep. I think the PHEV may suit them well if it can hold up long term. Thank you for this comment! i've been hearing much good about the PHEV.
Well considered and presented. I'm also a Mazda sympathizer. I appreciate their place and focus in a commodity based environment and why I keep coming back to the brand. However as a loyalist, its difficult to accept the limitations so regularly. If they could just shift 10% of that focus on driving dynamics into real world real driver focus, there simply wouldn't be any competition. I've been hemming and hawing over a new car and Mazda sits at the top from a design and alignment to my personality and focus. however the reality is to follow that is to sacrifice some key day-to-day expectations that are very challenging to justify. For me, its too much focus on steering dynamics at the cost of performance and cost. The NA CX-50 is absolutely gorgeous to look at, but like all Mazda products hard to enjoy it when its moving. They turbo is packaged with the higher trims but really shouldn't even be an option, but the standard. Mazda for so many is about feeling something when you drive, and so much of what I feel now is unsatisfied. Big outside small inside, under powered. I spent time in a rental Rogue and was gloriously happy to have no opinion of it from a driving stand point. It just delivered. Its not attractive or special but for a purpose built segment, its felt spacious, adequately powered, and viable. I want the Mazda. I want to be a Mazda person who has those priorities, but vision vs the reality are hard choices when dollars drive the choice.
This!!!! It makes me sad for the brand. I really hope they change their approach to this specific car cuz I know they have so much more potential if they just shift a tiny bit of there philosophy to the real world
@@AmanRajput01 it's "because." Stop doing the "cuz" thing. You have an intelligent comment above which is ruined by the unwillingness to type a few more characters.
So basically, Mazda needs to follow everyone else and focus on joining the monotony AI-designed CUVs and vehicles. What a sad time. I feel like they could've used a ZF 8-speed and spent the dev money on more suspension tuning.
What I love most about this video is the interviews. I absolutely love when passionate people get to speak to what they're driven towards. Little moments like "I think that's fun though, I'm a rally driver," in the middle of that only emphasize the way these people are driven towards particular goals, and builds confidence in what the final product will look like. This vehicle is not for me at all, and I'm only watching this for entertainment, but hot damn, that's compelling, those interviews.
Props for the production on this. You probably see this enough but you guys go so far to push some of these videos out it is extremely impressive. I don't think I see other reviewers go to the lengths to talk to the people behind the car and what they are thinking when making said car. It is so nice to get an better idea of what they are thinking when the car was in development.
This video is probably the best customer feedback Mazda is going to get. They can probably ignore the rest of us and build a better CX-70 using this review alone.
Long post, but I've been looking forward to this review for a while, so I'll nerd dump my thoughts as an actual buyer of a CX-90. I agree with some of the stuff in the video, but will offer a few caveats on some of the points made. TLDR version - CX-90 with 19" wheels drove much better than the Korean twins, and Highlander. Highlander was very disappointing, I cannot believe people are paying a markup on this. New Pilot honestly felt non-descript but fine (we had a 2013 Pilot for 10 years, so it was top of our list). Interior on the CX-90 gets a huge nod, it's slightly behind competitors on gadget features at a given pricepoint. 1. Steering - I do wish it were about 10% faster. I get where they were going with it on linearity, and it really is, but it is a bit cumbersome to put in so much steering input on daily driving. Weird comparison, but I felt it was close to my AP1 S2000 on linearity of always giving more front traction with steering input. So that's actually pretty high praise with a caveat that the feel isn't super engaging, but I feel they could have gotten the job with with something like a 15.5:1 ratio vs. the current 17.x:1 ratio and the car would be better for it. 2. Suspension harshness - I agree it's honestly tuned a tiny bit on the stiff side on initial impact harshness, but again, I see where they were going with a single damper setting. The 21" wheels on both variants tested make the impact harshness MUCH worse than the 19" wheels of the lower trims. We happened to just drive a vehicle with the 19" wheels and it was a revelation on how much better the car felt everywhere. The PHEV in particular is 550 lbs HEAVIER than the I6 version, so that plus 21" wheels really made the impact harshness noticeable. IMO, the 21" wheel size choice was a mistake on the CX-90 after feeling it with a tiny bit more sidewall to make the damper tuning feel so much better from the driver's seat. 3. Drivetrain refinement - I haven't noticed any drivetrain shuddering/rough vibration, but I agree it's not quite as smooth as a BMW B58 (I owned an E70 X5 with an N55 and a couple E36 M3s, so very well versed with the BMW I6). I've heard some people complain of this on the Turbo S, but our regular Turbo with 280 HP is 95% as smooth as a BMW I6 and it happily lugs along at 1200 RPM 90% of the time smoothly. The transmission does give some more distinct gear selection feeling since there is no torque converter to openup, and I've felt the occasional rougher downshift in daily driving when you confuse the transmission programming (light throttle after a decel event, then a sharp lift off, seems to get in "must upshift quick for fuel economy" mode with no load on the drivetrain, so there is a light shock). It's not something I'd call egregious, and I'd call it 10x more refined than the 10 year old Pilot everywhere, not a high bar, but I don't think ours is drastically behind the competition on transmission smoothness beyond a few quirks of the trans. 4. RWD bias - It honestly feels pretty apparent to me, moreso than the E70 X5 I owned. All competitors really feel very FWD biased/front weight biased in everything they do. 5. I6 vs. PHEV - I thought for sure we'd like the PHEV more given the gas savings, but the Mazda PHEV implementation is pretty weak IMO. The main motor is not sufficient to keep it in EV for most your driving (12+ sec 0-60 is what it felt like, very slow). The added 550 lbs really compromises everything the car does for the worse. The coarse I4 has to help out a lot due to the low EV motor power and low range, and it's coarse and cheap feeling. I actually felt the PHEV ICE kicking on during accel was pretty rough in the car I test drove. Definitely head bob of torque not coming in smoothly, and when it happens under only moderate acceleration it made the vehicle feel very labored. Digital I4 soundtrack was gross and only added to the feeling of cheapness (you can hear it in this vid). My current car is a Chevy Volt, and it does the PHEV thing far far better, and I felt like Mazda missed some basics that make a PHEV work well. Conversely, the I6 is buttery smooth most the time, makes great sounds, and overall just feels like a better package. We average 25-26 mpg just driving in mostly city, and it'll do close to 30 mpg on the highway near 80 mph easily. 6. How it drives - Honestly, the 280 HP version on 19" wheels (Preferred Plus trim) felt great with just a bit of prodding, and very comfortable otherwise. A quick drive down a twisty road converted me, and made me want to buy one for myself. The I6 makes great noises, and the car really does feel like it shrinks around you even though it's relatively huge. High compliments to Dave Coleman's team, as he did a superb job given the tools. Conclusion: I'm an engineering nerd, and this is my first Mazda, but test driving the CX-90 really made it click. Even my wife who doesn't really care about good driving cars really like the CX-90 the most. As a nod to the current car market, we got a little bit of cash off on the CX-90 cost, and all competitors were talking various degrees of egregious markups. That helped the decision as well. I honestly don't know why it the CX-90 isn't selling better, other than it doesn't compare well on a gadget spec sheet at a given price point. I do think Mazda should take a step back and examine how THEIR vision can also fit a bit better with how the buying public buys cars. E.g. I think the 21" wheels thing is a marketing manager decision, and not a suspension calibration engineer's decision who is working with a single passive spring damper setup. You can be firm/rigid on one side of the philosophy, then conversely giving a rough ride that interrupts the feeling the driver gets from the road by offering jarring impact harshness because "buyers demand big wheels." It all has to be cohesive. Overall, I love the car, and feel like my next car is definitely going to be from Mazda. The praise for the vehicle above is hard earned as someone who's done the same on his own race cars/street cars.
@@clarkkent9080 Yes, and I don't agree with many of his assessments. As a mechanical engineer, I also find his "technical" reasoning to be generally wrong as well. He's a mechanic, not sure what engineering knowledge that gives him. I also feel most modern cars are going very complex and difficult to service in general. Get an extended warranty if you don't want to roll the dice on longer term repair costs, as they can happen on any vehicle. I do think the Mazda will have better than average reliability based on their track record and drive across the company to engineer the best product they can.
@@DefSR7 An engineer designs a vehicle based on specifications and has absolutely no idea what is involved in accessing a part or how to troubleshoot. And those specifications may be based on a bean counter trying to save 50 cents per vehicle. A mechanic does what an engineer never does, every day and understands what tends to break and how a particular design will affect serviceability. They are two completely different professions. When I research a vehicle, test drive it, and review the construction I have an understanding of what the engineer did because it is there to test. However, only a mechanic can review the construction and tell you how serviceably it is, based on their experience. BTW, the CCN did not disassemble that CX-90 to find out how it was constructed. He just looked at the MAZDA repair database that shows exactly how every part fits together and WHAT has to be removed to access any part. That comes directly from MAZDA !
@@clarkkent9080 As an engineer who has spent many many hours more than I'd care to, doing human kinematic serviceability studies on my designs, I'll say your understanding of what modern design engineering entails is incomplete. My beef with CCN's take is he talks about DESIGN aspects like "why make serviceability hard?" - there's usually a really really good reason why. Modern ICE are complex, and servicing costs are high across the board. Reliability problems are usually insanely expensive. I think the Mazda 3.3 Turbo is actually pretty serviceable (minus rear 2 spark plug access, and 40k mi spark plug interval, that's the biggest issue I see with their servicing requirements). Reliability is a big question mark, but look at any modern, newly designed turbo ICE and it's pretty intimidating as even someone who has done pretty extensive work on vehicles before. I think only time will tell how the overall reliability of the Mazda 3.3 Turbo is, or the CX-90 at large, but I don't think it'll be drastically outside the norms of its competitors. I do plan to get an extended warranty in case I'm wrong, as warranty companies also think it's very reliable compared to European cars, so the cost is surprisingly cheap for coverage as long as I plan to keep the vehicle. I'll pay a couple hundred bucks a year to make it someone else's gamble and spend my wrenching time on my old MR2.
They updated the dampers and recalibrated the electric power-assist steering on the CX-50 for 2024 (See Press Release) after complaints during it's launch. I wonder if we'll see a similar change for the 2025 CX-90... Great in-depth video as always, looking forward to CX-70.
A couple of weeks ago i saw this car at the Mazda dealer and i must say i'm very impressed by its looks and overall quality feel. And Mazdas are very reliable, so...if you can afford it, it's a good buy!
Thanks for the very informative review on the CX-90. I appreciate all the effort you and Jack put into these videos rather than pump out something half-baked just to be one of the first reviews out there. Listening to the Mazda engineers talk about their philosophies on the handling made me think this is the effort they should be putting into the next RX vehicle. I agree that on a 3-row suv this is lost on the majority of customers. I appreciate that Mazda tries to think independently and stick to their guns on what they want to achieve, but in this case it seems they just missed the mark a bit. It looks great inside and out though. I hope they can make some improvements down the road to address the small issues. Keep up the great work boys! Cheers
if you toook the interviews, especially dave's out of context you would think they're talking about a miata or an RX car or even just a 6 but not some excuse for a minivan
How do you do this? Your reviews are so consistently intelligent, so clear of thought and pure in attention, that you really have no peer in this business. Auto Review meets Wharton School of Business? Or Harvard Graduate School? Stunning reporting. And stunning car! You are right, the deep doors and swept appearance really set this vehicle apart. It's hauntingly beautiful, and a worthy flagship for the Mazda brand. Bravo!
Cornering a market starving for quality content is such an underappreciated business move. The passion these two put into their work is just the icing on the cake!
Loved the engineer interviews. Lots of insight into their philosophy with this car and platform. The video transmitted how hard it was for you to make this video and say some of the things that had to be said about the CX-90. Much appreciation for being brave and transparent regarding your experience with this car. Thank you for pushing through and releasing the video. Enjoyed it very much.
I found in Japanese article about CX-60 using rose joints for suspension bushings. It stated that the harshness of the ride mostly comes from those and once they break in, The car actually drives like how Mazda designed. I’m surprised that the engineers didn’t mention it in the interview.
First off. I’m glad you waited. As usual a fantastic outcome. Second. After watching this and experiencing the T24 turbo in the highlander for the last few months and the issues that powertrain has. I really feel I should have bought this. Mazda has always been tuned better and far more rewarding to drive. Third. Chen and Coleman are absolute geniuses. Absolutely stellar work and knowledge from them
@@pushkar2911 the 2.4 turbo was taken from the NX which was tuned for 91 or 93. They basically pet it on the head told it was a good boy and now I can run 87. That is not the case for the most part. In colder weather when the AC is not on or you were driving extremely conservatively, there’s no problem. But if you’re driving like a normal human with the AC on, for example it surges and bucks like crazy under 2300 RPM with moderate load. There is also a significant hesitation on takeoff. Toyota does not acknowledge the problem, putting 91+ in solves every single issue.
@@fortheloveofnoise I only owe 12k on it. Not interested in starting over. Plus, this does tow more and Toyota retains more resale overtime. Don’t get me wrong I love my Mazdas. But right now the highlander makes more sense for me. I’m sure they’ll fix it eventually. For now using 89/91/93 fixes everything anyhow
I bought a 2013 ex37 for my daughter last fall (65k miles for $12k). It is an incredibly solid, reliable and sporty vehicle. Everyone loves the look too. I am actually looking for an older fx for myself now rather than a new vehicle.
I bought a 2017 QX50 with the 3.7 six months ago. Didn't care that it doesn't look modern and doesn't have the latest tech, even if it has 80% of the latest tech. Everything works, screen and navigation boot up instantly, everything has physical buttons, all driving aids can be disabled PERMANENTLY. Engine is fantastic, pulls hard all the way to the 7800rpm redline, power never dips or feels inconsistent like a modern turbocharged engine. Transmission is responsive and adapts to your driving almost instantly, drop it into ''S" for a more aggressive preload. Handling is soft initially so it stays comfortable over rough roads but push the car and the chassis behavior is astonishing. Very predictable and stable, has a RWD biased feel. The power steering is hydraulic, the ratio isn't over-boosted like modern cars, it's heavy and you feel everything. I can tell when the tire sidewalls are starting to flex or when grip is being lost during aggressive cornering. Brakes are also not over-boosted like modern cars, very progressive bite and easy to modulate but powerful. Only negative is the fuel economy but I'll take it for having a proven, reliable and powerful engine. It really is a sleeper, most people mistake it for an old person's car. I drove a bunch of newer cars before buying: Audis, BMW, Lexus and I prefer the Infiniti. Newer cars in general feel sterile and generic, brands that used to have some sort of character have lost it to appeal to the masses. I'd love if Savagegeese would make quick reviews of used cars and if he could review older Infiniti's, in my opinion they were hidden gems.
Mazda is now what BMW used to be. The fun, simple, and attention to driving dynamics. In my household, we have a CX9 GT and a Mazda 6 turbo. I drove the cx90 PHEV. It was a nice vehicle, and it was awesome not to feel the engine while at a stop light, even when the electric range was at 0. I drove it for about 50 miles, and when I returned it, I didn’t even use 1 galón of gas. That being said, it does feel bigger than the cx9. We are going to keep the cx9 until they streamline the options. Adaptive lights are now only in the top trim. I love those in my Mazda 6 and Cx9. We need a GT equivalent package, including the adaptive lights and Apple car play takeover, including the dash. Let’s see how they tempt me in year two or 3 :) Mark and Jack, thanks for the in-depth technical review. I was part of a focus group for the Mazda 6, and I said you were the best reviewer. I’m a Mazda fanboy after drinking the BMW Cool Aid for many years. And by the way, the New Honda Accord has nothing on my 2021 Mazda 6 Carbon :)
Whether or not their products are for you, you really have to appreciate the passion and focus behind Mazda's vehicles. I'd love to see this linear/progressive philosophy put to work with the i6 in a new sports sedan or coupe, but I reckon that's a pipedream lol.
NGL, despite the conclusions about this new CX-90, seeing the engineers speak (semi) candidly like this has me opening my first ever browser tab to their website, as I shop for my next ute. incredibly impressive work team.
As a first time Mazda owner, I definitely felt how much care and work was put in this vehicle and what they were trying to offer to the table, which made me an immediate fan. The CX-90 is a special car, which I can relate to as a person that's one in a million and just leaves a mark. I agree with both pros and cons, have had the i6 turbo premium trim for months with 5k miles in and loved it still despite issues. At the start it was jerky but you can already feel the potential of the power that the vehicle holds. I never set the driver personalization system but it does require time to get to know you and your habits until it achieves their philosophy of driving as one and you'll have the most fun as a daily driver. I also feel that with the care they put into making it gave the car a unique discipline and dynamics that the vehicle also demands a certain discipline from the driver to be able to handle and enjoy it. This car is definitely not the type that you can get into and drive the same way as the others, which will not be appealing to regular/majority of consumers. This car cares to get to know its driver and then will deliver. I still hope that the first gen bugs gets resolved soon, and that's where the focus must be at this time if Mazda wants to keep the CX-90 their flagship vehicle.
Did you drive a trim with 19" wheels? It made more of a difference in ride impact harshness/choppiness than I was expecting. Honestly shockingly amount of difference back to back. It really pushed me to only want a Preferred Plus Turbo. I find if you accept that it's not a torque converter automatic, it all makes sense and doesn't feel rough or untoward 99.9% of the time. But it seems the American buying public is really set on wanting everything to feel at least somewhat like a torque converted automatic if it doesn't have 3 pedals. I can't speak to the drivetrain vibration/shudder people are having, as none of the cars I test drove nor the car we purchased have that.
@@DefSR7We own a V6 CX9 and want to upgrade to the CX-90. I owned a BMW M3 and I always appreciated that vehicles attention to feedback and driver input. One of the main reasons why we bought a V6 CX-9 was the acceleration and nimble handling compared to the competition. However, having all of these traits as well as being really fuel efficient for the segment, it makes the cx90 very attractive.
I appreciate your thoughtful review (and I have been waiting for your review as well) Not the most favorable review… but very honest and fair in my opinion. I agree with your rather constructive criticisms, however, my reasonings for still purchasing my Mazda PHEV are: - Gas mileage - Performance - Handling - Useable 3rd row (not the best, but still useable) - High quality interior - Beautiful exterior - Able to purchase without any mark ups AND I got $1500.00 off) - Gas mileage (did I say that twice😂) Other top contenders were the Acura MDX, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade Appearance and interior with the MDX were great ( with MUCH better interior options). Problems with the Acura were the gas mileage as well as the model with a 360 deg camera was around 6,000.00 more ( not including mark ups.) - Kia/Hyundai twins have superior lane centering/larger interior etc. however their “luxury interiors” look less luxurious when you look a little closer. Also, dealers all have $4,000.00 or higher mark ups. So for me, despite the flaws, the CX90 was still the best vehicle and I have no regrets. I am about to go fill up with gas for the first time in around 10 days (I have a 50 mile commute each day) and my gas usage has been cut in half. In addition, yes, it DOESN’T drive like a normal three row family SUV. However, that is WHY I bought it. I didn’t want cushy or floaty. I also really appreciate the heavier steering especially driving on the highway above 70 mph, I feel more in control. The incredibly light steering on my wife’s 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee infuriates me at highway speeds and I just don’t feel as safe driving it fast.
I was going to ask why not a grand Cherokee L but realized they don’t have 4xe in that model. Also is a more luxury ride vs the sporty ride of the Mazda.
@@sheldonduffy9442 and you get more. Less room yes, but a 5 link rear suspension, a virtual ball joint setup, all aluminum components, and none of the weirdness pointed out here. However, you are dealing with a rattle box 4 cyl in the Jeep. So pros and cons. The ride quality of this Mazda would immediately make me say Jeep!!
These new Mazda vehicles in a few years from now will be fantastic as the inevitable tweaks, changes resolving any reliability problems and refinements start making their way into the vehicles. New engines, transmissions and platforms is an ambitious undertaking for Mazda. I hope they can squeeze the i6 into the new Miata. Kudos to them!
Mazda could not possibly have designed a completely new engine, transmission, hybrid system, and platform in house. Some of it must have been outsourced (to BMW?)
@@michaelkovalsky4907 There was one commenter on a CX-90 video that knew a lot about the CX-90 and he said he worked on the project for 3 years and some components were outsourced. How else could Mazda do all that inhouse? Even Toyota used a BMW in their supra and they have all the resources possible.
@clarkkent9080 right like they didn't develop the 1.8, 2.0, 2.5, and 2.5T skyactive and 2.5 skyactive X engines or their rotary engines or their 5 and 6 speed transmissions. You're correct there's no way they could develop an engine.
Really like Mazda and their products. Beautiful, simple, understated and elegant design inside and out. Practicality is an issue and I wish they'd take a page out of Honda's book for that.
Yeah, unfortunately Mazdas interior packaging has never been the best. We knew it was only going to get worse when switching to a rear-wheel drive platform.
@@keithck3720 part of that is its just a smaller car compared to a civic. small vs large is not really a positive or a negative. some would say a smaller package is more practical for them and where they live
@@mbenton6 I knew what I was getting when I bought it but other compacts, like the Civic and Corolla, have noticeably larger, better packaged and brighter interior spaces. *It's not a complaint. More an observation. The car works perfectly fine for our needs and I'm happy with it but it could be a dealbreaker for some people.*
Amazing review, after I finished watching it I can’t think of anything more than that quote Steve Jobs said many years ago. “You've got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology. You can't start with the technology then try to figure out where to sell it.” - Steve Jobs
Honestly, your old video on the Mazda6 convinced me to buy the 2018 model. It's been the best car our family has ever owned. Yes, it has some quirks and things that are frustrating, (no memory mirrors for a top-of-the-line Signature, the key fob and door buttons... GAHHH!) but the way you presented its positives and drawbacks was actually helpful in my decision-making process. This is something that you have become quite good at, not just regurgitating marketing fluff like most other channels. Keep up the good work, Mark
You all are officiall crowned the best car reviewers ever. This review was very good and the details surpassed what I expected and I thank you guys. Secondly I appreciate Mazda staying true to Mazda and not recreating what everyone else has.
Ordered my CX90 select in may, and Got my order in july. 40970 + tax/ license in california. Sold my 2019 forester sport. Correct. Down with Space efficiency, trunk space, ++blind spots, and does not even have the trip timer. Subie was small on the outside but felt Big on the inside. But way better to drive than the forester. cx90 feels like it drives smaller. Happy with the purchase, this is my second mazda. used to drive the ND mx5. Driving dynamic met my expectations.
That's why the brand will go in the crapper. They waste money and resources into things that go nowhere like rotary before, sky-activ x, and this 3 row suv that completely defeats purpose of people who want a 3 row suv.
@@gilbomanThis. They have no direction and have reinvented the brand many times which tells me they don't even know their true purpose and where they're supposed to fit in.
I love that these videos get down to the nitty gritty details for us car nerds. Its hard to find this sort of information elsewhere, even when asking the manufacturers directly.
It'd be cool if the suspension & tuning philosophy section could get more slides or animation/footage demonstrating what Dave describes. Ik this was a tough vid to produce
I've been waiting for this review from you guys for a long time. I appreciate the in-depth coverage, and it clearly pained you to have as many negative reactions as you did. It sounds like the majority of the issues that popped up can be attributed to this being a first model year on a brand new platform from a company that has never had RWD based architecture on anything but tiny sports cars. If Mazda is listening, which past experiences say they absolutely are (center console changes for the 2017 CX-3 for example), I would be surprised if they didn't make some tweaks to the chassis and software to address the complaints that have been coming in from everywhere. I was considering getting a 2024 Turbo S, but I'm going to wait for the '25 models and see what Mazda is able to fix.
Other than from a practicality standpoint, the new CX-90 absolutely knocks it out of the park. I'm starting to see a few in Northern Virginia and they always get my attention.
@@singular9 Yes, because basic maintenance like oil changes and other fluid swaps are soooo expensive on Mazda products. /s Seriously, stop spamming the comment section.
I have a cx30, and i can relate to Marks' feelings. It's a compromise. There are occasional interior rattles, the throttle response lags here and there. Blindspot system is a joke. But then you chuck it in a corner and you feel it all, the horse and rider shit. You just accept the flaws. It's like a toxic relationship with a really hot gf🤣.
Its why the BMW X3 sells so well. Better put together without the rattles, lag and more roomier interior. Everybody copies it for a reason. Luckily I got a fully loaded one in 2019 out the door for 7K off (47K out the door). Today same car is 65K without discounts. CX 90 is poorly engineered. To replace most components on the motor you have to pull the engine out. The amount of lag on this on the road when passing is borderline dangerous. Not sure why they even used a wimpy hybrid motor which causes that issue. Its screws everything up the way they implemented it. I appreciate Mazda made a inline six but anyone considering should just get the better setup with BMW with their B58 inline six with real ZF 8 speed rear drive transmission. My X3 is very reliable and never had a single issue with it. Made in South Carolina they also are the biggest exporter of cars in the US. I have no shame buying one. But the CX-90 is completely over engineered making serving this thing a nightmare. At current labor rates you don't want to be stuck with this out of warranty.
The 21 inch wheels may be why you feel all the bumps. The height of a tire sidewall is part of the suspension. I did the calculations. There are 2 tire sizes. 19 inch wheels use P265/65 tires, the width of the tire is 10.43307 inches, the height is 6.78149 inches. 21 inch wheels use P275/45 tires, the width of the tire is 10.82677 inches, the height is 4.87204 inches. The higher end vehicles with 21 inch wheels have tires that only have a 4.87 inch side wall. I'd rather have the 19 inch wheels with the higher side wall.
I see this vehicle as all about perspective. Quality driving dynamics make 2/10ths driving (like a chauffeur) far more enjoyable. This inline 6 is proving to be insanely efficient for the power output as well. I would love a base model 6 cylinder. Excited for the CX-70 we should see pretty soon. These things are selling very well btw, surprising even Mazda NA. There are fresh rumors out of Japan that this platform will underpin an executive RWD sedan. Exciting times.
Amazing interviews mark and jack! We took the chance on a cx-90 phev before this video was released, and after driving through the Smokies, Blue Ridge, stop/go mountain traffic, then highway for ~800miles, I feel like their engineering philosophy holds true. Hairpin turns at 10 mph, sweeping turns at 45 mph, etc., are all very pleasing to drive for both the performance oriented driver and the casual driver who couldn’t care less. Linearity and therefore predictability helps drivers of that second kind. To add some perspective to your final thoughts, the cx-90 was the first vehicle released in the past 10 years that 1) fit our family (8 passengers), has the fuel economy and performance, and 2) we were willing to purchase not pre-owned. Appreciate you pointing out the hard truths but truths nonetheless: this car is appealing to a smaller subset of buyers who might not be interested in gimmicks and floaty rides. The cost is on par or less than many other 3 rows we considered, including minivans (yikes).
Boy, am i relieved. When I saw "Mixed Feelings", I wondered what might be wrong with my new CX-90 PHEV. But, I have no issues with the ride or the transmission. We've owned everything from a Sentra, to a GT-R, to a Volvo XC-90 and this Mazda is a fine product. I would drive one before you cross it off your list . . .
Wow, I was not expecting such a high level of sophistication from a car review. So much passion and in-depth evaluation. Much respect and thanks for the job done. I am waiting anxiously for CX70 PHEV. Will it need, though, a couple of years of follow up to reach a point of perfection?
Its a treat when you have the persons that design the car and all that goes into it. It really shows that you both care about what content you put in your video's. I look forward to seeing a new video when it comes out. Thanks for a good channel..
Coming from someone who owns a Mini Cooper a Porsche boxster and a Macan, I can’t stand how the highlander, pilot and all the other cars in this segment drive. I convinced my aunt to get a Cx-90 because to me it drives like a proper car. She agreed and bought one.
Same, I had 335, X5. X6, Cayenne, SLK, Mini cooper, etc. This car is for those used to Germans and want a more reliable car with similar driving dynamics. Love my cx-90 phev.
I purposefully hunted for a CX-90 rental for a 3-day 1200KM round trip where I'd be hauling family, using the extra space and doing a lot of cruising on the highway. Got the 280-hp MHEV in GT trim, using 87 AKI. Can't agree more on the overall sentiment. Over ~40km/h, it was amazing. Handled beautifully on nice driving roads, and highway lane changes. City driving and broken pavement was jerky and sometimes drivetrain almost unpredictable at slow speeds. Felt like it would choke on itself sometimes. What really hit me was when I got back into my 2017 6 with the base 2.5 SkyActiv-G (186 N/A). Oh my god it was so responsive at 1/3-1/2 throttle off the line, the steering was so linear... I rediscovered why I love Mazdas. I had forgotten in the CX-90. A bit disappointed to be honest. I hope the CX-70 irons out most of these issues, as I'm still interested in the straight-6, RWD Mazda prospects.
The trans has some design issues for inline 6 models. Due to lack of torque converter, it uses electric motor to move the car from stand. The motor is not strong enough and the battery is too small, especially in stop and go traffic, when battery is depleted you it gets jerky, there is a motor to charge the battery but it may not charge fast enough, plus turbo lag. I tested both inline 6 and phev, the phev doesn't have this problem, or at least not as bad as turbo so in the end, I picked phev and it's been very good. I experience jerkiness once or twice a month, but I experience same issue in my Cayenne with ZF8. I think they can fix the issue in phev from software but for turbo, it might need hardware fix.
Yes, I think if we do go this route, I will get the PHEV anyway. A lot of our driving is local, grocery-getting type trips... And electricity is very cheap here (relative to other western standards).
1st...because I'm #1 fan. Honestly, whenever people sit inside my 2021 Mazda 6, they always mention how it feels like a luxury car. So for me, Mazda is basically Luxury at this point now with this new Volvo XC-90.....opps I mean Mazda CX-90 =P
Took my 2016 CX-5 to Watkins Glen and it did great, very linear and composed drive, I have a lot of faith in my Mazda. 7 yrs in and running great, only issue is the infotainment is acting up. I will fix it soon. I agree the CX-90 doesn't need to be very sporty, I want bigger, smooth, reliable and comfy.
Just a simple thank you for the integrity you bring to this work. Vehicle reviews are more than entertainment. Cars are the second highest expenditure in most household budgets. Just wanted to share that your work is appreciated, and matters to real people in the real world.
I have a CX-9 (this is our 2nd), an old Mazda 3, and a CX-5. I like the Mazda philosophy and will accept a firmer ride as a tradeoff. Mazda's handling and overall chassis dynamics are so much better to live with when compared to similarly-sized competitors. If the CX-90 approximates what I have in the CX-9 and CX-5, I will be happy.
At 11:00, I think you did a great job of introducing the inline-6 decision, and having the engineers go in-depth. The reasoning behind why Mazda went for the inline 6 is something that I haven't really seen anyone else talk about. In fact there are some reviewers (ahem Gug Gemuro) who completely missed the point, and just wanted to mock the Inline-6 badging. On another note, I still can't believe I've watched this video 3 times...
I have been following your channel for a long time. Kudos for making such a great review ! The great thing about the video was the frustration to try to balance out what Mazda is trying to offer and seeing things from user interface ! The honesty, frustration and balancing was great ! Shout out to Mazda for trying. It will get better from here. Thanks this was the clearest review I have seen about cx90. Got sick seeing the thousands of comparison videos I Keep up the good work guys !!
Flat out fantastic interview and review. I’m an owner of the PHEV model. Personally, I think you’re being overly critical BUT you’re right at the same time about it being a stiffer ride with a slow steering feeling. On longer trips the slower steering is much less fatiguing than nimble (and loose usually) steering. The stiffer ride translates to less back and leg issues on long rides as well. The CX-90 has been so good (and admired) that I can’t wait for them to do a similar design and philosophy with the MX-5 Miata RF. If they do it’ll be my mid life crisis car.
As a Mazda fan and driving enthusiast, I wanted this review to confirm that all the good/expensive things like RWD architecture, inline 6 and double wishbone, made the vehicle exciting and special. When Dave said you can't judge or predict how it will behave just because it has those [better] things, that made me nervous. All car enthusiasts have been told why all those things are better in an engineering way, so the end result should be better for it, but it sounds like at least some of the time you can't even tell. Thanks for going above and beyond getting technical details and interviews. I really hope this can all get updated and the vehicle can be as special as the sheet metal and equipment list suggests it should be. Wish all your hard work and dedication to doing things right wasn't limited by things outside your control but this video is an honest representation of what happened and thank you for admitting to wanting Mazda to succeed for the sake of driving.
@@savagegeeseI was just pointing out the model names CX90 and XC90 being so close that normal people might get confused. I wrote that comment before finishing the video and this video deserved a better comment than the previous one.
I would have bought that instead of the Outback. I came from a Prius, only got rid of it because it's too low to the ground. I miss the size, fuel economy, and general hybrid-ness. Subaru's Auto stop/start is awful (the rest of the car is great, though). The hybrid system was just smooth.
@@CristianHernandez-xh7bz The Toyota Crown and Mazda CX-90 aren’t even close in concept. The Crown is a lifted sedan with a trunk. Its interior isn’t even as large as the Avalon it replaced. The CX-90 is an SUV with a large cargo area in back which will carry more people and more stuff. The Crown is a polarizing style. Personally, I think the Crown is incredibly ugly, but styling is totally up to the buyer. Some people might like it. The Mazda CX-90 is a conservatively styled, sleeker looking vehicle. Frankly to me, the Crown is a big failure. The Avalon was a better big Toyota sedan. The CX-90 looks desirable. JMO. Others may disagree with me.
Most "professional" vehicle reviewers are nothing more than salespeople with a video camera. They have to kiss the rump of the manufacturers so they get invited to the first drives.
Mazda's been doing weird stuff lately and I also worry about them. I actually really like the "linearity" of the pedal inputs on the 3 but a LOT of people hate it. They actually want to drive like shit, so they want to know why the gas and especially brake don't just come on full force the way they do in other cars. So yes, though I appreciate their philosophy, I don't want it to bankrupt the company!
You guys nailed it on the head. My belief is that when a car company launches an entirely new line of vehicles from the ground up, the first couple of years are NEVER the ones you want to buy. I always bought end of generation vehicles and NEVER had any issues. I have a 2022 Mazda CX9 and although it was at the end of its run and the cx90 was coming out, I made the purchase and do not regret it one bit. Outstanding vehicle in every way I wanted and needed. Great review and honest critique.
Wow. Listening to the designers and engineers talk about how they envision and designed this car is really interesting. They have a serious passion and really makes me have a new level of respect for mazda and what they are trying to accomplish
My only gripe with Mazda is their brakes and rotors are pricey but also compared to TOYOTA they are not that large of a company but at the same time I like what they do with their cars.
All brands have this. They just avoid Chrysler ford and gm cars so you don’t see their engineering behind their cars. He chooses what he wants to show and doesn’t want to show.
@@Natethegreat200c ok but when it comes to everyday usage at a general consensus, the Japanese have always done it better compared to American made models.
@@alvinsimba734 in what ways ? Japanese models always give you LESS for the same money. And the structure/ hang panels sound like tin cans.... other than good reviews from paid people , what do they offer? The people who buy Japanese cars are brainwashed by media.
Yes 🙌🏽 🙌🏽🙌🏽 I have been longing for you guys to do a review on this vehicle. You guys are the gurus of car reviewers lol there’s so much thought and effort that goes into your reviews. I appreciate all that you guys do !
This video is FANTASTIC, and hearing the in-depth 'why' behind the design of different features and elements from the Mazda engineers themselves is priceless and exactly what I think many of want to hear more often from automotive OEM's. Thank you!!
a few year ago, I was seeing all kinds of YT videos talking about how amazing the regular 3-Series was. How well it handled, how it had a great interior, how the power delivery from the BMW engine was captivating and it was such a driver's car. Think big car magazine that reports the Trends on motors. Then I went to test drove a $50k 3 Series and was really excited for it. My honest thought was I'm in an underpowered go kart. If you put me into a 3 series from those YT videos blindfolded, and told me I was in a fiat, or geo prizm for that matter - i would have believed you. Maybe this CX-90 is really not as bad as your video suggests? Maybe this is the exact opposite of the 3-Series Fanboys from a few years ago? Prob best to test drive it and find out. These are the same folks that paid $70K for a civic ha ha ha ha. Oh wait, you got a it at MSRP ha ha ha ha ha. It all makes sense now.
I own a 2.5 turbo Mazda 6. My only gripe about it is it's FWD. Now that it had been discontinued in the US market, if they bring the 6 back with this powertrain and RWD then I'm all in. Don't wanna get my hopes high though
I have a 3.3L CX-60 Turbo AWD, everything you guys said about the body and driving is the same as it’s basically a five seater CX-90 Minus electronic glitches. I love I though, grew on me. These aren’t really flaws but that’s the car’s character.
Test drove the CX70 S Premium Plus. Black with Tan interior. I drove in city and on the freeway. For this 72-year-old it was totally a great ride even with the 21" tires. The I-6 has plenty of passing power and the shifting was very smooth yet fast. My first car was a 1960 VW bug. I have owned MG's Fords, Chevys, Toyotas, Jeeps, Mopars, I was a mechanic (we used the term shade tree) today they are known as DYI'ers since I was in the 6th grade. I kept the family cars running for many years while living at home. You could say my identity was in my cars in my younger years. Swapped out a 260 V8 to a 351W in a 1964 Falcon Futura convertible with a 4-speed manual and raced it in the 1/4 drags as a teenager. Bought my 1st new car, 1969 Mach I Mustang and raced it many times. I seen a review on the CX90 but was really more interested in the two row CX70. I was in Sacramento and decided to check out the CX90 and they just received the CX70. I test drove it and I can say Mazda has done well with their car building. They should be proud. Good review by Dave Coleman. After my test drive of the CX70 I can say many of the software issues has been addressed by Mazda. I recommend you check out this car as it does feel like a horse with rider as one.
“DYI”? Do Yourself In? Somehow your new acronym 😊is much funnier and more appropriate than the more (standard) “Do It Yourself”! Thanks for the laugh; I really appreciate your poor grammar and spelling. You’re a TRUE American, damn it! 🎉
As a novice, my take is that their is an element of snobbery here . They won't admit it but everyone essentially is using BMW as a benchmark. This is a luxury vehicle with power. Mazda will take notes and adjust accordingly and fix/ fine tune what has to be done. This word "linear" that was used constantly here was a way of saying predictable. Again, a snobbish attitude. Bravo to Mazda for producing a high end quality product that has alot to offer. Just not for the snobs.
Holy Crap!! that is Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car Magazine! I was listening to him talk about chassis dynamics and was like, man I could listen to him all day. That's because he was my "car professor" while taking Mechanical Engineering classes at Texas Tech. Wish he would have talked about the "Dave Spot" when describing the tires interacting with steering inputs.
WHY IS MAZDA BETTER.... Dave Coleman is the only representative of a car maker I have ever heard of... most other companies have a revolving door. Mazda has true dedicated employees.
Davie Colman was an editor at Sport Compact Car. He is a true car enthusiasts. I was just wondering where he ended up. With him on board at Mazda I would definitely consider a purchase that he had his hands on. Loved his work at the magazine ❤
I think Mazda made a good choice by differentiating. If they built a softer car with quick steering, they would be competing directly with a bunch of very similar cars. They chose to stick to their niche and give a communicative option for the people that appreciate cars like the Miata, S2000, BRZ, etc.
Quick steering sucks really Used to drive a Jeep Cherokee, a simple 1 degree turn the car sways to the other lane, it was the worst steering I ever experienced
My current vehicle is a 2023 Mazda CX-5 Signature and I am a major Mazda fanboy. I took a very short test drive in a lower trim CX-90 while having the CX-5 in for routine maintenance. I was shocked. At how unimpressed I was. Something that turned me off right off the bat was the hesitation when pulling away from a stop. May have been the start-stop. Next time I'll make sure it's not on. The cabin was noticeably louder than my Signature on the highway. Despite the much larger size, the driver position did not feel much roomier. The interior storage is little better than the CX-5. For the center storage, it's actually less. Finally, driving dynamics. The trim I drove can't hold a candle to how my Signature feels. Despite all the work they put into the CX-90, it still feels like the much larger vehicle that it is compared to the CX-5. then there are the trim options. Why only second row bench seating for just the lowest trim? Were I in the market for a CX-90, not having a second row bench option in the higher trim that my wife and I like, is a deal breaker. I also don't understand all the extra complexity with the mild hybrid. Seems like a lot for little gain. I found the drive train in the CX-90 trim I drove (Turbo select) to be rough. It detracts from the smoothness of inline six and is nowhere near as refined as the CX-5 Signature. From my perspective, older is still better. What do my wife and I really want? A slightly larger, interior wise, more practical storage, more fuel efficient CX-5 Signature.
Conversely we sold our 22 CX-5 Turbo for the 24 CX-90 PHEV and I totally disagree with everything you said. The driving position in the CX-90 is infinitely better than in the CX-5. I can actually adjust the steering wheel to where my elbow is actually resting on the center console armrest. The CX-5’s biggest issue was for people of average height that had to sit way too close to the pedals because the steering wheel didn’t telescope enough. Anyone that isn’t very short should ignore this person’s write-up. I owned a CX-5 Turbo for 1.5 years and now the CX-90 PHEV for 1 month. This guy’s short test drive opinion is baffling.
Im glad i canceled my cx90 order and went for a CX9 instead. The CX9 is mature and stable, and drives well for a 3 row SUV, without all these first generation problems.
Almost bought a CX9… wife persuaded me to wait and buy the CX90. I honestly believe I would have been happy with the CX9, but there were no signatures available when I decided to buy. Also, I finally decided to listen to my wife and get what I REALLY wanted.
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7Wf0h1Q8a4/mqdefault.jpg)
Respect to Jay Chen, you can tell the engineers actually care about how the car feels to drive. It’s not just a numbers game but satisfaction from the seat of the pants dynamics.
This talk about transmission was really captivating.
Finally a proper interview on 6at and 8 speed gearbox
I've driven about half a dozen modern BMWs with electric power steering, including an M8 Comp.
My ma's CX5 turbo (also electric power steering) has much better feel and feedback than any of them. That's when I realized wow Mazda does care.
@@papa_pt Modern BMWs are notorious for poor steering, even some performance variants.
@@icculus yeah it's why I'll never buy anything past 2010 from them. Unless they decide to have a change of heart now 13 years later lol
I've heard GTS or CS steering maps (yeah u flash steering feel now...) fix the last M3 but who knows. A lot of those forums are just pure cope.
You guys deserve so much credit for offering in-depth reviews and balancing manufacturer interviews with honest evaluations.
Unfortunately it is not balanced at all .
@@kdomster9141 Can you elaborate?
@@Josh-cw8byOk so maybe in different words.... Too much nagging and blowing things out of proportion and expectation bar set way higher than it should be for a vehicle priced as this is. Something opposite to Honda vehicles done at this channel.
Why?
Whatever dude
@@kdomster9141 As professional reviewers they have to be very careful what they say or they lose press vehicles and invites to reviles.
Let me red between the lines of the video and give you a summary: The CX-90 is the wrong vehicle for this segment. It is unrefined and never should have been released. Go back and design the real vehicle for this segment.
My wife owns an Inline 6 CX-90 and I think you are dead on in your criticism. That being said, after test driving the competition including the MDX and the Highlander this was what she chose and a lot of it came down to those secondary motions gave her a sense of motion sickness. She realized that the additional isolation and floatiness wasn't for her. I don't know if there's enough of an audience like us to make the vehicle a success, but we are happy it exists and so far after 4 months and 5000 miles we are happy with it. We'll see how it does long run.
If you are only the 1% that will like it as mentioned in this video, then you have wasted your money and the resell value will be worthless!
perhaps a Lexus RX would have been better?
@@gosman949actually he's not 1% I just bought one
@@omaralkayal7598lexus is old and stale
Beautiful comment. It really does come down to target demographic and what the customer ranks priority. I personally think every other 3-row on the market is on the floaty side. A sacrificial compromise the CX-90 takes, which is both odd and very unique in the 3-row segment. I love it personally. Cheers!
Mad respect for Mark and Jack. You won’t find another channel that dissects a boring family hauler as if it was Verstappen’s RB19
Actually it ISN’T a boring family hauler… when you step on it it is fun and surprisingly engaging to drive, especially in the twisties.
@@sheldonduffy9442he’s talking in general compared to the channels reviewing $10 million dollar cars only 5 people on earth can afford.
They were boring before I subbed lmao, they've changed me
@@emilionaranjo5894true. Same here
@@L1ttlepsych0 Im the opposite, I was craving the technical stuff, now I'm overwhelmed ha.
I don't understand how this channel isn't at 6 million subscribers, your reviews are in a league of their own!
Not even a close second in my opinion.
@@Bigern2998 That's what I am saying tho too everyone else just feels scripted Jack and Mark just feel like two guys discussing a car having fun doing it. Then they hit us with in depth talks with the engineers and its the chefs kiss.
We just need to start doing 30 second short reviews on tiktok and we'll have 1 billion followers in no time
@@savagegeese it must be hard for you guys to resist that.
Attention spans.
I'm in a CX-90 owner group, and absolutely everyone is in love with it. The ones with the PHEV says they can easily do all their daily commuting in EV mode only, while the ones with the inline 6 like the character of the engine. People seem to have chosen the Mazda for the way it drives and feels, they don't like floaty vehicles but still need the space.
Exactly, I need 6 seater but hate floating cars and light steering. At this size, it should be RWD based and the only option at this price range is CX90.
@@GooseVan Don’t forget about the Explorer! Although the Mazda can be considered a different league in terms of interior design, materials, and quality.
@@GooseVan It's fun how we all still want the Family Truckster now that it's gone heheh
The one thing I hate in car reviews is focusing of what a vehicle is not. To me it's a good thing when a vehicle isn't a Toyota. Toyotas are legendary for reliability but when it comes to driving dynamics they are just plain boring. I have four grown kids so I have either owned or test driven or rented every three row vehicle over the years and I never really liked driving any of them until we went to Mazda. We are on our second CX-9, haven't driven the CX-90 yet but glad to hear Mazda is still committed to building Mazdas. To the reviewers... Be mindful of crawling down the "this vehicle isn't this or that rabbit hole" or you will end up with what Consumer Reports puts out where they focus way too much on the metrics. Every vehicle is a series of compromises and the decisions made by the engineers determine who the final product is aimed at. Some of your comments seem to imply Every 3-row vehicle should be the same boring design. No thanks.
I feel the same! We purchased the PHEV CX90 in May and absolutely love it. The only complaint from my wife is that it is a bit harder to park, but we knew that going in. I am a huge fan of Savagegeese, but many of their criticisms of the CX90 did not ring true to me. I get the whole "3 rows should be boats" opinion, that is what is popular. However, that is not what I want and I feel so lucky this car exists. I come from a BMW lineage and this car suits me quite well. We drive on winding roads a lot where I live, so I suppose geography plays a role in us loving it. I have never once felt a shudder like they described and it is so smooth in EV mode in traffic.
Huge respect for Dave Coleman. Love that guy and all the contributions he’s made to Mazda… not to mention he’s a wealth of knowledge in driving dynamics.
What a great video too. Appreciate your persistence in editing this project together despite it getting on your nerves at times.
I can tell you that when I first drove our CX-90 Turbo S, I was not entirely comfortable. The feel vs our previous 2021 CX-9 was completely different. After a recent cross country round trip of 4500 miles, I am very comfortable in it. I have noticed most of the same things that were mentioned in the video and I am hopeful that some firmware updates can correct the issues. on the mileage front, I averaged 29.7 mpg across the trip while driving at 75-80 for the majority of the drive.
Good to know! We have a ‘21 CX9 Signature and are looking at a 90 Turbo S as a replacement.
Apples to oranges but I drove my 2005 Prius with 250,000 mile across country at 80-85mph and averaged 52.1 mpg
Cost me $90 get from Dallas to NYC.
@@maxboya why did u make this comment its a 3 row suv vs a prius
Your cx9 was way better
@@maxboyaand it's cramped
Shoutout to Dave Coleman. I grew up reading Sport Compact Car magazine, and loved his technical articles. Even though I am a designer now (styling), SCC gave me a great framework for engineering and vehicle dynamics that has helped in my career in the auto industry. Great video as usual gents...really apppreciate that you include the interviews with the people involved in a new car.
I wondering if he was the same Dave Coleman. His articles were my favorite and the reason SCC was my favorite magazine as a kid. Glad to see he’s still out there making great things
Damn? Sport compact car. You sir are old.
So am I 😂. Best mag hands down. Still miss the street challenge. Not even in video in this age has something like that been done(yes but not as fun)
Absolutely, thats why there is so much passion and driver oriented strategy in Mazda products!
Long live Dave Coleman!
@@blue_lancer_es Yeah, for sure am getting old..lol
Yep, Dave Coleman is the one who got me into trackday driving with his suspension articles. So glad he found a job at a company that focuses on driving excitement! Technobabble and Dear Dave were my bible as a budding trackday car building enthusiast on a shoe string budget, built an old S13 240sx from his articles before they became popular, (and before drifting became a thing and they were all destroyed!) since they shared so much of their suspension and rear drive with the 300ZX and Skyline at the time.
I've had mine since April. Loaded 6 cylinder. Low speed clutch engagement is jerky and annoying, i-stop is annoying, driver personalization system is super annoying, but the positives more than make up for it. Incredible performance and handling, beautiful inside and out, and shockingly good fuel economy. I'm getting 8.5L/100km in mostly city driving. Better than my 2015 Camry got.
What it needs most is software refinement, particularly with low speed clutch engagement.
Try letting the car recognize you before hitting the start button. Once the screen says welcome hit the start while the car is finishing set up.
@@RayBrown-u2n 😂
@@RayBrown-u2n yes I've begun doing that, but here's where it gets super annoying: It will recognize me and put in my settings but then the Android auto will pair with my wife's phone instead of mine. Then you have to go back through several menus to unpair and connect a different device. They could have at least tied the driver personalization system to the driver's device.
Low speed clutch engagement sucks on my Mazda 3 as well. However after that it’s a really nice feeling automatic. Haven’t had the opportunity to drive the cx90 and the 8 speed yet.
oh god the low speed clutch engagement sucks in stop and go traffic is so annoying but once moving the overall experience is so good
As a Mazda fanboy, thank you. This is the video the CX90 actually needed.
Now they need to do the same to Honda so they can get rid of CVT, cheesy designs and finish and touches , average driving dynamics ...but somehow they don't 🤔
@kdomster9141 because honda became the boring commodity brand. Like BMW they are not what they used to be.
@@seafooddiablo5686 Agreed. I was somewhat disappointed to see what Honda has become when we were searching between options. My impressions of their current offerings is less enthusiastic than what savagegeese thinks of them. They used to be a great driver's option for everyday transportation, with good control feel and driveability at a mainstream pricepoint, with reliability to make long term ownership attractive. Modern stuff like the Pilot felt cheap as the first impression. Like the only design goal was "make it cheap."
@@kdomster9141my question is like they can’t make a hybrid with the 10’speed or with electric motor to do the shifting etc
@@MrMlbfan6 They did use electric assist motor to start and help fuel economy while gas engine uses 8 speed not some cheesy easy CVT or eCVT
What drew me to my 2021 CX-9 Grand Touring was the simplicity and simple luxury. I didn't want 200" of LED screens, I wanted a solid audio system (it's meh after years of owning it) with incredible reliability, enough space to move a large box if need be and didn't feel like it was so top heavy i wanted to jump off of a bridge.
Mazda has and is the best 'commodity' brand and I'm forever a loyalist after buying one.
We also have a 21 GT and 100% agree. We’ve had the cx5 then a 19 cx9 touring and now the 21 GT. I’ve alway been a honda guy and she liked Nissans and Mazda has definitely impressed us over the last few years. Looking forward to getting the cx90
We had a CX9 i loved that vehicle. And we test drove a CX90, i personally prefer the ride quality of the cx9 over the cx90
My dad has a CX5 and he hates the outdated infotainment, so hes buying a Tesla soon
What is with people using the word "commodity" on this channel. Mark started saying it a bunch and now people are saying it in the comments.
@@666cemetaryslut In the olden days, they called it a "buzz" word or term. Reinvention of the wheel.
I have so much respect for Mazda these days. While brands like BMW and Mercedes are being ambitious in all the wrong ways (specifically styling), Mazda just keeps setting the bar for what’s possible at each of its price points.
Boring snoozefest vehicles
Great design horrible reliability and cost of ownership AND depreciation on par with germans.
@@povertyspec9651agreed, disappointing drivetrain&chassis
@@singular9horrible relia ilty for which car brand?
@@povertyspec9651mazdas are not boring cars. You must have not driven in one. This is not a toyota
Hats off to you guys. The fact people had to wait for this video is a GOOD thing. If you were like most other reviewers out there, you'd simply do some shots of the interior, make some comments, sit in the seats, drive it a bit, and then punch out another video. I and I think most of your audience appreciates your perspective and the thought that goes into your content. Again, well done!
Wonder if it’s moreso to KEEP people watching minute-by-minute.
By way of comparison, I have half a mind that people immediately clock out out of a certain mainstream videographer’s vids the very instant that the test drive is over and the static Doug Score comes into play.
@@schwenda3727 I really don't think so. As mentioned, they could have released this video much sooner, but didn't. If they were interested in keeping you watch, they probably would have released much sooner.
Wish they would treat more cars like this, not just Mazdas and fancy sports cars...
umm yeah this video is DRASTICALLY different & way more detailed than any other video about this car. everyone else raves about it & makes more or less the same canned remarks about it, but Mark & Jack were much more [appropriately] critical of the car & how certain things about it could translate to the TYPICAL 3-row CUV buyer/leaser. I personally don't think I ever would've looked @ this car any other way other than 100% positive until I watched this video
y'know... they rly only put out THIS level of detail & passion for videos involving Mazdas & other luxury sports cars, don't they? 👁️👄👁️
You guys are truly first class reviewers. The anguish you went through to give a true guide as to what the platform delivers is genuinely appreciated by true car people like myself.
Thanks for actually letting Dave and the other engineers speak, it's so annoying when other channels cut them off right as they start getting to the thinking behind the setups they chose.
man I love when you can tell how much passion goes into the cars. Mazda is the definition of car people building cars for car people. Congrats to everyone on the team!
Passion doesn't matter when you design a vehicle like this for a soccer mom who could care less about linear driving dynamitic.
@@clarkkent9080 Right on, Is it supposed to be comfortable dependable transportation or a race car?
Soccer mom wouldnt be driving a luxury vehicle، but a van haha
@@thothkemet-lv8wq According to Mazda engineers, the CX-90 is NOT a luxury vehicle but a sporty 8 seater. I really don't know what eight people would be driving around in a sporty vehicle? Luxury means comfort not a hard stiff ride
@@clarkkent9080as an owner I can tell you it’s not a bad ride. Just a lot “professionals” out here trying to nit pick but I come from sporty vehicles so I expect them to behave certain way and that’s why I like it.
I’m a Beamer to Mazda to Beamer guy that has been waiting for the CX-90 to get back into a Mazda. I test drove both the Turbo and Turbo S. I was very underwhelmed with the Turbo, but the Turbo S hit me in the feels. I’m a car guy and can appreciate a drivers car with personality. Hondas and Toyotas may do everything “right”, but there’s no emotion involved and this is where Mazda nails it. The CX-90 isn’t perfect but it has a special feeling that evokes emotion.
The only area that Mazda really failed to hit was the technology. I personally couldn’t care less, but other buyers may notice that the competition offers more in terms of technological amenities.
Well done Mazda, you’ve created yet another unique vehicle for Mazda fans that stands out from the crowd.
Yes, you go after your own sense of "utility," and not about the brand! That's really how we're supposed to choose our tools and toys, rather than just mainly the brand or cachet.
"Beamer" = BMW motorcycle. "Bimmer" = BMW automobile/SUV.
Exactly!!
@aamirqz, more like BMW=Busted My Wallet…🙄
@@donrichter3523 We have a 2012 535gt as a family car, and we purchased it as a CPO with 29k miles in 2015. It currently has 75,xxx miles and I can honestly say it’s been a great car. I perform all the maintenance myself along with a few addressing a few mechanical issues that have occurred. It hasn’t been bad however, it would be a different story if we would have to pay for maintenance and fixes.
The reviews are consistent when it comes to the overall feelings and powertrain inconsistencies. I hope Mazda will tweak this and straighten it out. I would also love if they offered the shorter version in the USA. Another great review guys. You’re an asset to the automotive community with this honest content!!
They will. The North American version of the SWB car, the CX-70, will arrive early next year.
I have the PHEV and the drivetrain has been incredibly smooth. I am not sure if some firmware has been updated, or if it is because I have the PHEV. EV mode in traffic is fantastically easy/smooth. I drive on winding roads a lot and this is the only affordable 3-row option for me.
@@logansteele3236 My parents are in the market for an SUV in this class. I am going to show them the Telluride and Pilot in person. I really want them to check out the mazda but the 60k I6 version is too steep. I think the PHEV may suit them well if it can hold up long term. Thank you for this comment! i've been hearing much good about the PHEV.
Telluride lol
@@John-kx3ngRando two word reply lol
Well considered and presented. I'm also a Mazda sympathizer. I appreciate their place and focus in a commodity based environment and why I keep coming back to the brand. However as a loyalist, its difficult to accept the limitations so regularly. If they could just shift 10% of that focus on driving dynamics into real world real driver focus, there simply wouldn't be any competition. I've been hemming and hawing over a new car and Mazda sits at the top from a design and alignment to my personality and focus. however the reality is to follow that is to sacrifice some key day-to-day expectations that are very challenging to justify. For me, its too much focus on steering dynamics at the cost of performance and cost. The NA CX-50 is absolutely gorgeous to look at, but like all Mazda products hard to enjoy it when its moving. They turbo is packaged with the higher trims but really shouldn't even be an option, but the standard. Mazda for so many is about feeling something when you drive, and so much of what I feel now is unsatisfied. Big outside small inside, under powered. I spent time in a rental Rogue and was gloriously happy to have no opinion of it from a driving stand point. It just delivered. Its not attractive or special but for a purpose built segment, its felt spacious, adequately powered, and viable. I want the Mazda. I want to be a Mazda person who has those priorities, but vision vs the reality are hard choices when dollars drive the choice.
This!!!! It makes me sad for the brand. I really hope they change their approach to this specific car cuz I know they have so much more potential if they just shift a tiny bit of there philosophy to the real world
@@AmanRajput01 it's "because." Stop doing the "cuz" thing. You have an intelligent comment above which is ruined by the unwillingness to type a few more characters.
@@misternordberg3675 k I get it what you meant by that lol. I’ll put in the effort next time
So basically, Mazda needs to follow everyone else and focus on joining the monotony AI-designed CUVs and vehicles. What a sad time.
I feel like they could've used a ZF 8-speed and spent the dev money on more suspension tuning.
@@SDBDUB personally the main issue with the vehicle is the suspension and transmission tuning after watching many reviews
What I love most about this video is the interviews. I absolutely love when passionate people get to speak to what they're driven towards. Little moments like "I think that's fun though, I'm a rally driver," in the middle of that only emphasize the way these people are driven towards particular goals, and builds confidence in what the final product will look like. This vehicle is not for me at all, and I'm only watching this for entertainment, but hot damn, that's compelling, those interviews.
I could listen to Dave Coleman talk about vehicle engineering all day long!
Me too, that guy is a genius.
Props for the production on this. You probably see this enough but you guys go so far to push some of these videos out it is extremely impressive. I don't think I see other reviewers go to the lengths to talk to the people behind the car and what they are thinking when making said car. It is so nice to get an better idea of what they are thinking when the car was in development.
This video is probably the best customer feedback Mazda is going to get. They can probably ignore the rest of us and build a better CX-70 using this review alone.
Long post, but I've been looking forward to this review for a while, so I'll nerd dump my thoughts as an actual buyer of a CX-90. I agree with some of the stuff in the video, but will offer a few caveats on some of the points made. TLDR version - CX-90 with 19" wheels drove much better than the Korean twins, and Highlander. Highlander was very disappointing, I cannot believe people are paying a markup on this. New Pilot honestly felt non-descript but fine (we had a 2013 Pilot for 10 years, so it was top of our list). Interior on the CX-90 gets a huge nod, it's slightly behind competitors on gadget features at a given pricepoint.
1. Steering - I do wish it were about 10% faster. I get where they were going with it on linearity, and it really is, but it is a bit cumbersome to put in so much steering input on daily driving. Weird comparison, but I felt it was close to my AP1 S2000 on linearity of always giving more front traction with steering input. So that's actually pretty high praise with a caveat that the feel isn't super engaging, but I feel they could have gotten the job with with something like a 15.5:1 ratio vs. the current 17.x:1 ratio and the car would be better for it.
2. Suspension harshness - I agree it's honestly tuned a tiny bit on the stiff side on initial impact harshness, but again, I see where they were going with a single damper setting. The 21" wheels on both variants tested make the impact harshness MUCH worse than the 19" wheels of the lower trims. We happened to just drive a vehicle with the 19" wheels and it was a revelation on how much better the car felt everywhere. The PHEV in particular is 550 lbs HEAVIER than the I6 version, so that plus 21" wheels really made the impact harshness noticeable. IMO, the 21" wheel size choice was a mistake on the CX-90 after feeling it with a tiny bit more sidewall to make the damper tuning feel so much better from the driver's seat.
3. Drivetrain refinement - I haven't noticed any drivetrain shuddering/rough vibration, but I agree it's not quite as smooth as a BMW B58 (I owned an E70 X5 with an N55 and a couple E36 M3s, so very well versed with the BMW I6). I've heard some people complain of this on the Turbo S, but our regular Turbo with 280 HP is 95% as smooth as a BMW I6 and it happily lugs along at 1200 RPM 90% of the time smoothly. The transmission does give some more distinct gear selection feeling since there is no torque converter to openup, and I've felt the occasional rougher downshift in daily driving when you confuse the transmission programming (light throttle after a decel event, then a sharp lift off, seems to get in "must upshift quick for fuel economy" mode with no load on the drivetrain, so there is a light shock). It's not something I'd call egregious, and I'd call it 10x more refined than the 10 year old Pilot everywhere, not a high bar, but I don't think ours is drastically behind the competition on transmission smoothness beyond a few quirks of the trans.
4. RWD bias - It honestly feels pretty apparent to me, moreso than the E70 X5 I owned. All competitors really feel very FWD biased/front weight biased in everything they do.
5. I6 vs. PHEV - I thought for sure we'd like the PHEV more given the gas savings, but the Mazda PHEV implementation is pretty weak IMO. The main motor is not sufficient to keep it in EV for most your driving (12+ sec 0-60 is what it felt like, very slow). The added 550 lbs really compromises everything the car does for the worse. The coarse I4 has to help out a lot due to the low EV motor power and low range, and it's coarse and cheap feeling. I actually felt the PHEV ICE kicking on during accel was pretty rough in the car I test drove. Definitely head bob of torque not coming in smoothly, and when it happens under only moderate acceleration it made the vehicle feel very labored. Digital I4 soundtrack was gross and only added to the feeling of cheapness (you can hear it in this vid).
My current car is a Chevy Volt, and it does the PHEV thing far far better, and I felt like Mazda missed some basics that make a PHEV work well. Conversely, the I6 is buttery smooth most the time, makes great sounds, and overall just feels like a better package. We average 25-26 mpg just driving in mostly city, and it'll do close to 30 mpg on the highway near 80 mph easily.
6. How it drives - Honestly, the 280 HP version on 19" wheels (Preferred Plus trim) felt great with just a bit of prodding, and very comfortable otherwise. A quick drive down a twisty road converted me, and made me want to buy one for myself. The I6 makes great noises, and the car really does feel like it shrinks around you even though it's relatively huge. High compliments to Dave Coleman's team, as he did a superb job given the tools.
Conclusion:
I'm an engineering nerd, and this is my first Mazda, but test driving the CX-90 really made it click. Even my wife who doesn't really care about good driving cars really like the CX-90 the most. As a nod to the current car market, we got a little bit of cash off on the CX-90 cost, and all competitors were talking various degrees of egregious markups. That helped the decision as well. I honestly don't know why it the CX-90 isn't selling better, other than it doesn't compare well on a gadget spec sheet at a given price point.
I do think Mazda should take a step back and examine how THEIR vision can also fit a bit better with how the buying public buys cars. E.g. I think the 21" wheels thing is a marketing manager decision, and not a suspension calibration engineer's decision who is working with a single passive spring damper setup. You can be firm/rigid on one side of the philosophy, then conversely giving a rough ride that interrupts the feeling the driver gets from the road by offering jarring impact harshness because "buyers demand big wheels." It all has to be cohesive.
Overall, I love the car, and feel like my next car is definitely going to be from Mazda. The praise for the vehicle above is hard earned as someone who's done the same on his own race cars/street cars.
Have you watched the Car Care Nut on the vehicle's lack of serviceability?
@@clarkkent9080 Yes, and I don't agree with many of his assessments. As a mechanical engineer, I also find his "technical" reasoning to be generally wrong as well. He's a mechanic, not sure what engineering knowledge that gives him. I also feel most modern cars are going very complex and difficult to service in general. Get an extended warranty if you don't want to roll the dice on longer term repair costs, as they can happen on any vehicle. I do think the Mazda will have better than average reliability based on their track record and drive across the company to engineer the best product they can.
@@DefSR7 An engineer designs a vehicle based on specifications and has absolutely no idea what is involved in accessing a part or how to troubleshoot. And those specifications may be based on a bean counter trying to save 50 cents per vehicle.
A mechanic does what an engineer never does, every day and understands what tends to break and how a particular design will affect serviceability.
They are two completely different professions.
When I research a vehicle, test drive it, and review the construction I have an understanding of what the engineer did because it is there to test.
However, only a mechanic can review the construction and tell you how serviceably it is, based on their experience.
BTW, the CCN did not disassemble that CX-90 to find out how it was constructed. He just looked at the MAZDA repair database that shows exactly how every part fits together and WHAT has to be removed to access any part. That comes directly from MAZDA !
@@clarkkent9080 As an engineer who has spent many many hours more than I'd care to, doing human kinematic serviceability studies on my designs, I'll say your understanding of what modern design engineering entails is incomplete.
My beef with CCN's take is he talks about DESIGN aspects like "why make serviceability hard?" - there's usually a really really good reason why.
Modern ICE are complex, and servicing costs are high across the board. Reliability problems are usually insanely expensive. I think the Mazda 3.3 Turbo is actually pretty serviceable (minus rear 2 spark plug access, and 40k mi spark plug interval, that's the biggest issue I see with their servicing requirements). Reliability is a big question mark, but look at any modern, newly designed turbo ICE and it's pretty intimidating as even someone who has done pretty extensive work on vehicles before.
I think only time will tell how the overall reliability of the Mazda 3.3 Turbo is, or the CX-90 at large, but I don't think it'll be drastically outside the norms of its competitors. I do plan to get an extended warranty in case I'm wrong, as warranty companies also think it's very reliable compared to European cars, so the cost is surprisingly cheap for coverage as long as I plan to keep the vehicle. I'll pay a couple hundred bucks a year to make it someone else's gamble and spend my wrenching time on my old MR2.
Wow. Thanks for sharing. This is a serious contribution.
They updated the dampers and recalibrated the electric power-assist steering on the CX-50 for 2024 (See Press Release) after complaints during it's launch. I wonder if we'll see a similar change for the 2025 CX-90... Great in-depth video as always, looking forward to CX-70.
i fear that car is not gonna deliver
A couple of weeks ago i saw this car at the Mazda dealer and i must say i'm very impressed by its looks and overall quality feel. And Mazdas are very reliable, so...if you can afford it, it's a good buy!
Thanks for the very informative review on the CX-90. I appreciate all the effort you and Jack put into these videos rather than pump out something half-baked just to be one of the first reviews out there.
Listening to the Mazda engineers talk about their philosophies on the handling made me think this is the effort they should be putting into the next RX vehicle. I agree that on a 3-row suv this is lost on the majority of customers. I appreciate that Mazda tries to think independently and stick to their guns on what they want to achieve, but in this case it seems they just missed the mark a bit. It looks great inside and out though. I hope they can make some improvements down the road to address the small issues.
Keep up the great work boys! Cheers
if you toook the interviews, especially dave's out of context you would think they're talking about a miata or an RX car or even just a 6 but not some excuse for a minivan
@@ShaiyanHossain It's really a station wagon, and that's what I consider my CX-9 as.
It's not a van, it's a luxury vehicle competing with RDX and RX
It's just styled to look less of an SUV, like a big car
Jay Chen seems like one of the coolest reps i've seen. Very down to earth. No BS.
How do you do this? Your reviews are so consistently intelligent, so clear of thought and pure in attention, that you really have no peer in this business. Auto Review meets Wharton School of Business? Or Harvard Graduate School? Stunning reporting. And stunning car! You are right, the deep doors and swept appearance really set this vehicle apart. It's hauntingly beautiful, and a worthy flagship for the Mazda brand. Bravo!
Cornering a market starving for quality content is such an underappreciated business move. The passion these two put into their work is just the icing on the cake!
They watched the rest of automotive youtube obsess over buying exotics and realzied this was actually the way. Brilliant stuff indeed.
Loved the engineer interviews. Lots of insight into their philosophy with this car and platform.
The video transmitted how hard it was for you to make this video and say some of the things that had to be said about the CX-90. Much appreciation for being brave and transparent regarding your experience with this car.
Thank you for pushing through and releasing the video. Enjoyed it very much.
Your commitment to excellence is on show with this video. You're didn't put this out until you covered ALL the bases. Thank you
I found in Japanese article about CX-60 using rose joints for suspension bushings. It stated that the harshness of the ride mostly comes from those and once they break in, The car actually drives like how Mazda designed. I’m surprised that the engineers didn’t mention it in the interview.
That is good to know… CX90 ride is great… till you get on bumpy roads.
First off. I’m glad you waited. As usual a fantastic outcome.
Second. After watching this and experiencing the T24 turbo in the highlander for the last few months and the issues that powertrain has. I really feel I should have bought this. Mazda has always been tuned better and far more rewarding to drive.
Third. Chen and Coleman are absolute geniuses. Absolutely stellar work and knowledge from them
What are the issues with Highlander drivetrain?
@@pushkar2911 the 2.4 turbo was taken from the NX which was tuned for 91 or 93. They basically pet it on the head told it was a good boy and now I can run 87. That is not the case for the most part. In colder weather when the AC is not on or you were driving extremely conservatively, there’s no problem. But if you’re driving like a normal human with the AC on, for example it surges and bucks like crazy under 2300 RPM with moderate load. There is also a significant hesitation on takeoff. Toyota does not acknowledge the problem, putting 91+ in solves every single issue.
Thanks a lot@@Suction_
@@Suction_Sell it and switch.
@@fortheloveofnoise I only owe 12k on it. Not interested in starting over. Plus, this does tow more and Toyota retains more resale overtime. Don’t get me wrong I love my Mazdas. But right now the highlander makes more sense for me. I’m sure they’ll fix it eventually. For now using 89/91/93 fixes everything anyhow
Driving a bunch of this modern stuff I've come to realize how truly underrated the old Inifiti Fx/Ex were especially the later 3.7/5.0 variations.
I bought a 2013 ex37 for my daughter last fall (65k miles for $12k). It is an incredibly solid, reliable and sporty vehicle. Everyone loves the look too. I am actually looking for an older fx for myself now rather than a new vehicle.
Those FXs were really good looking for an early 2000s SUV. And VQs made em sound lit asf too.
I bought a 2017 QX50 with the 3.7 six months ago. Didn't care that it doesn't look modern and doesn't have the latest tech, even if it has 80% of the latest tech. Everything works, screen and navigation boot up instantly, everything has physical buttons, all driving aids can be disabled PERMANENTLY. Engine is fantastic, pulls hard all the way to the 7800rpm redline, power never dips or feels inconsistent like a modern turbocharged engine. Transmission is responsive and adapts to your driving almost instantly, drop it into ''S" for a more aggressive preload. Handling is soft initially so it stays comfortable over rough roads but push the car and the chassis behavior is astonishing. Very predictable and stable, has a RWD biased feel. The power steering is hydraulic, the ratio isn't over-boosted like modern cars, it's heavy and you feel everything. I can tell when the tire sidewalls are starting to flex or when grip is being lost during aggressive cornering. Brakes are also not over-boosted like modern cars, very progressive bite and easy to modulate but powerful. Only negative is the fuel economy but I'll take it for having a proven, reliable and powerful engine. It really is a sleeper, most people mistake it for an old person's car.
I drove a bunch of newer cars before buying: Audis, BMW, Lexus and I prefer the Infiniti. Newer cars in general feel sterile and generic, brands that used to have some sort of character have lost it to appeal to the masses.
I'd love if Savagegeese would make quick reviews of used cars and if he could review older Infiniti's, in my opinion they were hidden gems.
Also the M45/M56. My folks had an M35 years ago and I was impressed by that platform and interior
Nissan VKs are underrated
Your team continues to make the best deep-dive car content on the planet. Thank you for your great work.
Mazda is now what BMW used to be. The fun, simple, and attention to driving dynamics.
In my household, we have a CX9 GT and a Mazda 6 turbo. I drove the cx90 PHEV. It was a nice vehicle, and it was awesome not to feel the engine while at a stop light, even when the electric range was at 0. I drove it for about 50 miles, and when I returned it, I didn’t even use 1 galón of gas. That being said, it does feel bigger than the cx9. We are going to keep the cx9 until they streamline the options. Adaptive lights are now only in the top trim. I love those in my Mazda 6 and Cx9. We need a GT equivalent package, including the adaptive lights and Apple car play takeover, including the dash. Let’s see how they tempt me in year two or 3 :) Mark and Jack, thanks for the in-depth technical review. I was part of a focus group for the Mazda 6, and I said you were the best reviewer. I’m a Mazda fanboy after drinking the BMW Cool Aid for many years. And by the way, the New Honda Accord has nothing on my 2021 Mazda 6 Carbon :)
😂
Whether or not their products are for you, you really have to appreciate the passion and focus behind Mazda's vehicles. I'd love to see this linear/progressive philosophy put to work with the i6 in a new sports sedan or coupe, but I reckon that's a pipedream lol.
NGL, despite the conclusions about this new CX-90, seeing the engineers speak (semi) candidly like this has me opening my first ever browser tab to their website, as I shop for my next ute. incredibly impressive work team.
As a first time Mazda owner, I definitely felt how much care and work was put in this vehicle and what they were trying to offer to the table, which made me an immediate fan. The CX-90 is a special car, which I can relate to as a person that's one in a million and just leaves a mark. I agree with both pros and cons, have had the i6 turbo premium trim for months with 5k miles in and loved it still despite issues. At the start it was jerky but you can already feel the potential of the power that the vehicle holds. I never set the driver personalization system but it does require time to get to know you and your habits until it achieves their philosophy of driving as one and you'll have the most fun as a daily driver. I also feel that with the care they put into making it gave the car a unique discipline and dynamics that the vehicle also demands a certain discipline from the driver to be able to handle and enjoy it. This car is definitely not the type that you can get into and drive the same way as the others, which will not be appealing to regular/majority of consumers. This car cares to get to know its driver and then will deliver. I still hope that the first gen bugs gets resolved soon, and that's where the focus must be at this time if Mazda wants to keep the CX-90 their flagship vehicle.
not appealing to regular/majority of consumers, is NOT what Mazda was hoping for with the CX-90.
Did you drive a trim with 19" wheels? It made more of a difference in ride impact harshness/choppiness than I was expecting. Honestly shockingly amount of difference back to back. It really pushed me to only want a Preferred Plus Turbo.
I find if you accept that it's not a torque converter automatic, it all makes sense and doesn't feel rough or untoward 99.9% of the time. But it seems the American buying public is really set on wanting everything to feel at least somewhat like a torque converted automatic if it doesn't have 3 pedals.
I can't speak to the drivetrain vibration/shudder people are having, as none of the cars I test drove nor the car we purchased have that.
@@DefSR7We own a V6 CX9 and want to upgrade to the CX-90. I owned a BMW M3 and I always appreciated that vehicles attention to feedback and driver input. One of the main reasons why we bought a V6 CX-9 was the acceleration and nimble handling compared to the competition. However, having all of these traits as well as being really fuel efficient for the segment, it makes the cx90 very attractive.
I appreciate your thoughtful review (and I have been waiting for your review as well) Not the most favorable review… but very honest and fair in my opinion.
I agree with your rather constructive criticisms, however, my reasonings for still purchasing my Mazda PHEV are:
- Gas mileage
- Performance
- Handling
- Useable 3rd row (not the best, but still useable)
- High quality interior
- Beautiful exterior
- Able to purchase without any mark ups AND I got $1500.00 off)
- Gas mileage (did I say that twice😂)
Other top contenders were the Acura MDX, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade
Appearance and interior with the MDX were great ( with MUCH better interior options). Problems with the Acura were the gas mileage as well as the model with a 360 deg camera was around 6,000.00 more ( not including mark ups.)
- Kia/Hyundai twins have superior lane centering/larger interior etc. however their “luxury interiors” look less luxurious when you look a little closer.
Also, dealers all have $4,000.00 or higher mark ups.
So for me, despite the flaws, the CX90 was still the best vehicle and I have no regrets. I am about to go fill up with gas for the first time in around 10 days (I have a 50 mile commute each day) and my gas usage has been cut in half.
In addition, yes, it DOESN’T drive like a normal three row family SUV. However, that is WHY I bought it. I didn’t want cushy or floaty.
I also really appreciate the heavier steering especially driving on the highway above 70 mph, I feel more in control. The incredibly light steering on my wife’s 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee infuriates me at highway speeds and I just don’t feel as safe driving it fast.
I was going to ask why not a grand Cherokee L but realized they don’t have 4xe in that model. Also is a more luxury ride vs the sporty ride of the Mazda.
@@Natethegreat200calso… the COST of an equivalent 4xE is MUCH HIGHER than a CX90 PHEV.
@@sheldonduffy9442 and you get more. Less room yes, but a 5 link rear suspension, a virtual ball joint setup, all aluminum components, and none of the weirdness pointed out here. However, you are dealing with a rattle box 4 cyl in the Jeep. So pros and cons. The ride quality of this Mazda would immediately make me say Jeep!!
These new Mazda vehicles in a few years from now will be fantastic as the inevitable tweaks, changes resolving any reliability problems and refinements start making their way into the vehicles. New engines, transmissions and platforms is an ambitious undertaking for Mazda. I hope they can squeeze the i6 into the new Miata. Kudos to them!
Mazda could not possibly have designed a completely new engine, transmission, hybrid system, and platform in house. Some of it must have been outsourced (to BMW?)
Go watch car care nut bd see the nightmare to work on this after guaranteed lol
@@clarkkent9080 Pretty sure if they did do that then we would know it by now, those things are not easy to hide.
@@michaelkovalsky4907 There was one commenter on a CX-90 video that knew a lot about the CX-90 and he said he worked on the project for 3 years and some components were outsourced. How else could Mazda do all that inhouse? Even Toyota used a BMW in their supra and they have all the resources possible.
@clarkkent9080 right like they didn't develop the 1.8, 2.0, 2.5, and 2.5T skyactive and 2.5 skyactive X engines or their rotary engines or their 5 and 6 speed transmissions. You're correct there's no way they could develop an engine.
Mazda is mazda. I have no doubt they will fix the small issues. Cx90 is gorgeous though, and 30mpg is just insane.
Mazda = BMW Wannabe
Really like Mazda and their products. Beautiful, simple, understated and elegant design inside and out. Practicality is an issue and I wish they'd take a page out of Honda's book for that.
Yeah, unfortunately Mazdas interior packaging has never been the best. We knew it was only going to get worse when switching to a rear-wheel drive platform.
@@sleeksilver Tell me about it. I have a Mazda 3. More fun to drive than it has any right to be but it's pretty tight inside and not enough storage.
@@keithck3720it's called a compact car for a reason
@@keithck3720 part of that is its just a smaller car compared to a civic. small vs large is not really a positive or a negative. some would say a smaller package is more practical for them and where they live
@@mbenton6 I knew what I was getting when I bought it but other compacts, like the Civic and Corolla, have noticeably larger, better packaged and brighter interior spaces.
*It's not a complaint. More an observation. The car works perfectly fine for our needs and I'm happy with it but it could be a dealbreaker for some people.*
Dave Coleman discussed suspension needs, wants and operation better than any person I’ve seen interviewed with you guys.
Amazing review, after I finished watching it I can’t think of anything more than that quote Steve Jobs said many years ago.
“You've got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology. You can't start with the technology then try to figure out where to sell it.”
- Steve Jobs
That's exactly what Mazda did.
Honestly, your old video on the Mazda6 convinced me to buy the 2018 model. It's been the best car our family has ever owned. Yes, it has some quirks and things that are frustrating, (no memory mirrors for a top-of-the-line Signature, the key fob and door buttons... GAHHH!) but the way you presented its positives and drawbacks was actually helpful in my decision-making process. This is something that you have become quite good at, not just regurgitating marketing fluff like most other channels. Keep up the good work, Mark
You all are officiall crowned the best car reviewers ever. This review was very good and the details surpassed what I expected and I thank you guys. Secondly I appreciate Mazda staying true to Mazda and not recreating what everyone else has.
Ordered my CX90 select in may, and Got my order in july.
40970 + tax/ license in california.
Sold my 2019 forester sport.
Correct. Down with Space efficiency, trunk space, ++blind spots, and does not even have the trip timer. Subie was small on the outside but felt Big on the inside.
But way better to drive than the forester. cx90 feels like it drives smaller.
Happy with the purchase, this is my second mazda. used to drive the ND mx5.
Driving dynamic met my expectations.
These Mazda guys are passionate. Makes me rethink the brand. I would consider buying one in the future.
That's why the brand will go in the crapper. They waste money and resources into things that go nowhere like rotary before, sky-activ x, and this 3 row suv that completely defeats purpose of people who want a 3 row suv.
@@gilbomanThis. They have no direction and have reinvented the brand many times which tells me they don't even know their true purpose and where they're supposed to fit in.
@@gilbomanthey want to be a poor mans bmw, It’s not ment for normies
I love that these videos get down to the nitty gritty details for us car nerds. Its hard to find this sort of information elsewhere, even when asking the manufacturers directly.
It'd be cool if the suspension & tuning philosophy section could get more slides or animation/footage demonstrating what Dave describes. Ik this was a tough vid to produce
I've been waiting for this review from you guys for a long time. I appreciate the in-depth coverage, and it clearly pained you to have as many negative reactions as you did. It sounds like the majority of the issues that popped up can be attributed to this being a first model year on a brand new platform from a company that has never had RWD based architecture on anything but tiny sports cars. If Mazda is listening, which past experiences say they absolutely are (center console changes for the 2017 CX-3 for example), I would be surprised if they didn't make some tweaks to the chassis and software to address the complaints that have been coming in from everywhere. I was considering getting a 2024 Turbo S, but I'm going to wait for the '25 models and see what Mazda is able to fix.
Other than from a practicality standpoint, the new CX-90 absolutely knocks it out of the park. I'm starting to see a few in Northern Virginia and they always get my attention.
If it isn't practical, why buy one? Family haulers don't pick up chicks, LOL.
@@povertyspec9651 material quality, driving dynamics, styling, personal preference, the list goes on.
@@povertyspec9651Depends on your demo. Roll up to target in one of those and watch the single moms swoon 😎
Your wallet will hate you when you need basic maintenance or repair.
@@singular9 Yes, because basic maintenance like oil changes and other fluid swaps are soooo expensive on Mazda products. /s
Seriously, stop spamming the comment section.
I have a cx30, and i can relate to Marks' feelings. It's a compromise. There are occasional interior rattles, the throttle response lags here and there. Blindspot system is a joke. But then you chuck it in a corner and you feel it all, the horse and rider shit. You just accept the flaws. It's like a toxic relationship with a really hot gf🤣.
😂😂😂
Its why the BMW X3 sells so well. Better put together without the rattles, lag and more roomier interior. Everybody copies it for a reason. Luckily I got a fully loaded one in 2019 out the door for 7K off (47K out the door). Today same car is 65K without discounts. CX 90 is poorly engineered. To replace most components on the motor you have to pull the engine out. The amount of lag on this on the road when passing is borderline dangerous. Not sure why they even used a wimpy hybrid motor which causes that issue. Its screws everything up the way they implemented it. I appreciate Mazda made a inline six but anyone considering should just get the better setup with BMW with their B58 inline six with real ZF 8 speed rear drive transmission. My X3 is very reliable and never had a single issue with it. Made in South Carolina they also are the biggest exporter of cars in the US. I have no shame buying one. But the CX-90 is completely over engineered making serving this thing a nightmare. At current labor rates you don't want to be stuck with this out of warranty.
The 21 inch wheels may be why you feel all the bumps. The height of a tire sidewall is part of the suspension. I did the calculations. There are 2 tire sizes.
19 inch wheels use P265/65 tires, the width of the tire is 10.43307 inches, the height is 6.78149 inches.
21 inch wheels use P275/45 tires, the width of the tire is 10.82677 inches, the height is 4.87204 inches.
The higher end vehicles with 21 inch wheels have tires that only have a 4.87 inch side wall. I'd rather have the 19 inch wheels with the higher side wall.
I see this vehicle as all about perspective. Quality driving dynamics make 2/10ths driving (like a chauffeur) far more enjoyable. This inline 6 is proving to be insanely efficient for the power output as well. I would love a base model 6 cylinder. Excited for the CX-70 we should see pretty soon. These things are selling very well btw, surprising even Mazda NA. There are fresh rumors out of Japan that this platform will underpin an executive RWD sedan. Exciting times.
Arguably one of your most anticipated videos, the moment of truth~
Minutes 30-32 were crazy….dragging the brakes for better anti-squat geometry for better grip….so cool!! great video!!
Amazing interviews mark and jack! We took the chance on a cx-90 phev before this video was released, and after driving through the Smokies, Blue Ridge, stop/go mountain traffic, then highway for ~800miles, I feel like their engineering philosophy holds true. Hairpin turns at 10 mph, sweeping turns at 45 mph, etc., are all very pleasing to drive for both the performance oriented driver and the casual driver who couldn’t care less. Linearity and therefore predictability helps drivers of that second kind. To add some perspective to your final thoughts, the cx-90 was the first vehicle released in the past 10 years that 1) fit our family (8 passengers), has the fuel economy and performance, and 2) we were willing to purchase not pre-owned. Appreciate you pointing out the hard truths but truths nonetheless: this car is appealing to a smaller subset of buyers who might not be interested in gimmicks and floaty rides. The cost is on par or less than many other 3 rows we considered, including minivans (yikes).
Boy, am i relieved. When I saw "Mixed Feelings", I wondered what might be wrong with my new CX-90 PHEV.
But, I have no issues with the ride or the transmission. We've owned everything from a Sentra, to a GT-R, to a Volvo XC-90 and this Mazda is a fine product. I would drive one before you cross it off your list . . .
Wow, I was not expecting such a high level of sophistication from a car review. So much passion and in-depth evaluation. Much respect and thanks for the job done. I am waiting anxiously for CX70 PHEV. Will it need, though, a couple of years of follow up to reach a point of perfection?
Its a treat when you have the persons that design the car and all that goes into it. It really shows that you both care about what content you put in your video's. I look forward to seeing a new video when it comes out. Thanks for a good channel..
Coming from someone who owns a Mini Cooper a Porsche boxster and a Macan, I can’t stand how the highlander, pilot and all the other cars in this segment drive. I convinced my aunt to get a Cx-90 because to me it drives like a proper car. She agreed and bought one.
Same, I had 335, X5. X6, Cayenne, SLK, Mini cooper, etc. This car is for those used to Germans and want a more reliable car with similar driving dynamics. Love my cx-90 phev.
I purposefully hunted for a CX-90 rental for a 3-day 1200KM round trip where I'd be hauling family, using the extra space and doing a lot of cruising on the highway. Got the 280-hp MHEV in GT trim, using 87 AKI.
Can't agree more on the overall sentiment. Over ~40km/h, it was amazing. Handled beautifully on nice driving roads, and highway lane changes. City driving and broken pavement was jerky and sometimes drivetrain almost unpredictable at slow speeds. Felt like it would choke on itself sometimes.
What really hit me was when I got back into my 2017 6 with the base 2.5 SkyActiv-G (186 N/A). Oh my god it was so responsive at 1/3-1/2 throttle off the line, the steering was so linear... I rediscovered why I love Mazdas. I had forgotten in the CX-90.
A bit disappointed to be honest. I hope the CX-70 irons out most of these issues, as I'm still interested in the straight-6, RWD Mazda prospects.
The trans has some design issues for inline 6 models. Due to lack of torque converter, it uses electric motor to move the car from stand. The motor is not strong enough and the battery is too small, especially in stop and go traffic, when battery is depleted you it gets jerky, there is a motor to charge the battery but it may not charge fast enough, plus turbo lag. I tested both inline 6 and phev, the phev doesn't have this problem, or at least not as bad as turbo so in the end, I picked phev and it's been very good. I experience jerkiness once or twice a month, but I experience same issue in my Cayenne with ZF8. I think they can fix the issue in phev from software but for turbo, it might need hardware fix.
Yes, I think if we do go this route, I will get the PHEV anyway. A lot of our driving is local, grocery-getting type trips... And electricity is very cheap here (relative to other western standards).
1st...because I'm #1 fan. Honestly, whenever people sit inside my 2021 Mazda 6, they always mention how it feels like a luxury car. So for me, Mazda is basically Luxury at this point now with this new Volvo XC-90.....opps I mean Mazda CX-90 =P
Everyone says the same about my 2021 cx5. How clean and uncluttered it feels.
This will cost luxury money to maintain.
@@singular9 you're trolling/spamming the comments at this point.
I would happily pay for in-depth videos like this. Great review. Keep up the good work. ❤
Took my 2016 CX-5 to Watkins Glen and it did great, very linear and composed drive, I have a lot of faith in my Mazda. 7 yrs in and running great, only issue is the infotainment is acting up. I will fix it soon. I agree the CX-90 doesn't need to be very sporty, I want bigger, smooth, reliable and comfy.
Ja ja ja
Just a simple thank you for the integrity you bring to this work. Vehicle reviews are more than entertainment. Cars are the second highest expenditure in most household budgets. Just wanted to share that your work is appreciated, and matters to real people in the real world.
I have a CX-9 (this is our 2nd), an old Mazda 3, and a CX-5. I like the Mazda philosophy and will accept a firmer ride as a tradeoff. Mazda's handling and overall chassis dynamics are so much better to live with when compared to similarly-sized competitors. If the CX-90 approximates what I have in the CX-9 and CX-5, I will be happy.
To me CX 9 front seats are horribly uncomfortable, I am not sure what philosophy was behind it
At 11:00, I think you did a great job of introducing the inline-6 decision, and having the engineers go in-depth. The reasoning behind why Mazda went for the inline 6 is something that I haven't really seen anyone else talk about. In fact there are some reviewers (ahem Gug Gemuro) who completely missed the point, and just wanted to mock the Inline-6 badging.
On another note, I still can't believe I've watched this video 3 times...
I have been following your channel for a long time. Kudos for making such a great review ! The great thing about the video was the frustration to try to balance out what Mazda is trying to offer and seeing things from user interface ! The honesty, frustration and balancing was great ! Shout out to Mazda for trying. It will get better from here. Thanks this was the clearest review I have seen about cx90. Got sick seeing the thousands of comparison videos I Keep up the good work guys !!
Flat out fantastic interview and review. I’m an owner of the PHEV model. Personally, I think you’re being overly critical BUT you’re right at the same time about it being a stiffer ride with a slow steering feeling. On longer trips the slower steering is much less fatiguing than nimble (and loose usually) steering. The stiffer ride translates to less back and leg issues on long rides as well.
The CX-90 has been so good (and admired) that I can’t wait for them to do a similar design and philosophy with the MX-5 Miata RF. If they do it’ll be my mid life crisis car.
Very high quality content. Thank you!
As a Mazda fan and driving enthusiast, I wanted this review to confirm that all the good/expensive things like RWD architecture, inline 6 and double wishbone, made the vehicle exciting and special. When Dave said you can't judge or predict how it will behave just because it has those [better] things, that made me nervous. All car enthusiasts have been told why all those things are better in an engineering way, so the end result should be better for it, but it sounds like at least some of the time you can't even tell.
Thanks for going above and beyond getting technical details and interviews. I really hope this can all get updated and the vehicle can be as special as the sheet metal and equipment list suggests it should be. Wish all your hard work and dedication to doing things right wasn't limited by things outside your control but this video is an honest representation of what happened and thank you for admitting to wanting Mazda to succeed for the sake of driving.
You mean the EX90?
@@savagegeeseI was just pointing out the model names CX90 and XC90 being so close that normal people might get confused. I wrote that comment before finishing the video and this video deserved a better comment than the previous one.
We need a prius trim with 8 inch ground clearance
How does this differ from the Crown? Hatch instead of trunk?
@@CristianHernandez-xh7bzya
I would have bought that instead of the Outback. I came from a Prius, only got rid of it because it's too low to the ground. I miss the size, fuel economy, and general hybrid-ness. Subaru's Auto stop/start is awful (the rest of the car is great, though). The hybrid system was just smooth.
I want a GR Prius so bad
@@CristianHernandez-xh7bz The Toyota Crown and Mazda CX-90 aren’t even close in concept. The Crown is a lifted sedan with a trunk. Its interior isn’t even as large as the Avalon it replaced. The CX-90 is an SUV with a large cargo area in back which will carry more people and more stuff.
The Crown is a polarizing style. Personally, I think the Crown is incredibly ugly, but styling is totally up to the buyer. Some people might like it. The Mazda CX-90 is a conservatively styled, sleeker looking vehicle.
Frankly to me, the Crown is a big failure. The Avalon was a better big Toyota sedan. The CX-90 looks desirable.
JMO. Others may disagree with me.
What I like about this channel is you review the cars. Period. A lot of other ‘car review’ RUclips channels feel like advertisements for the car.
Most "professional" vehicle reviewers are nothing more than salespeople with a video camera. They have to kiss the rump of the manufacturers so they get invited to the first drives.
Mazda's been doing weird stuff lately and I also worry about them. I actually really like the "linearity" of the pedal inputs on the 3 but a LOT of people hate it. They actually want to drive like shit, so they want to know why the gas and especially brake don't just come on full force the way they do in other cars. So yes, though I appreciate their philosophy, I don't want it to bankrupt the company!
Um the company is doing better than ever. Mazdas used to be RATCHET 10 years ago and now they are quality cars.
face it we dont deserve mazda
@@jeffhobbs1729 Agreed. Mazda is crap.
You guys nailed it on the head. My belief is that when a car company launches an entirely new line of vehicles from the ground up, the first couple of years are NEVER the ones you want to buy. I always bought end of generation vehicles and NEVER had any issues. I have a 2022 Mazda CX9 and although it was at the end of its run and the cx90 was coming out, I made the purchase and do not regret it one bit. Outstanding vehicle in every way I wanted and needed. Great review and honest critique.
Wow. Listening to the designers and engineers talk about how they envision and designed this car is really interesting. They have a serious passion and really makes me have a new level of respect for mazda and what they are trying to accomplish
My only gripe with Mazda is their brakes and rotors are pricey but also compared to TOYOTA they are not that large of a company but at the same time I like what they do with their cars.
All brands have this. They just avoid Chrysler ford and gm cars so you don’t see their engineering behind their cars. He chooses what he wants to show and doesn’t want to show.
@@Natethegreat200c ok but when it comes to everyday usage at a general consensus, the Japanese have always done it better compared to American made models.
@@alvinsimba734 in what ways ? Japanese models always give you LESS for the same money. And the structure/ hang panels sound like tin cans.... other than good reviews from paid people , what do they offer? The people who buy Japanese cars are brainwashed by media.
Yes 🙌🏽 🙌🏽🙌🏽 I have been longing for you guys to do a review on this vehicle. You guys are the gurus of car reviewers lol there’s so much thought and effort that goes into your reviews. I appreciate all that you guys do !
I have been waiting for you guys take on the CX-90 👏👏
Edit: my morning toilet time just extended from an average 12mins to 48 😂
Eat more bran and fiber, StereoDude, that’ll make the 48 minutes more, um, productive! 🤣
(Well played, man. Well played indeed! 👍)
This video is FANTASTIC, and hearing the in-depth 'why' behind the design of different features and elements from the Mazda engineers themselves is priceless and exactly what I think many of want to hear more often from automotive OEM's.
Thank you!!
a few year ago, I was seeing all kinds of YT videos talking about how amazing the regular 3-Series was. How well it handled, how it had a great interior, how the power delivery from the BMW engine was captivating and it was such a driver's car. Think big car magazine that reports the Trends on motors. Then I went to test drove a $50k 3 Series and was really excited for it. My honest thought was I'm in an underpowered go kart. If you put me into a 3 series from those YT videos blindfolded, and told me I was in a fiat, or geo prizm for that matter - i would have believed you. Maybe this CX-90 is really not as bad as your video suggests? Maybe this is the exact opposite of the 3-Series Fanboys from a few years ago? Prob best to test drive it and find out. These are the same folks that paid $70K for a civic ha ha ha ha. Oh wait, you got a it at MSRP ha ha ha ha ha. It all makes sense now.
I saw the CX-90 in person and was impressed by it's design.
🤭 😅
I own a 2.5 turbo Mazda 6. My only gripe about it is it's FWD. Now that it had been discontinued in the US market, if they bring the 6 back with this powertrain and RWD then I'm all in. Don't wanna get my hopes high though
I have a 3.3L CX-60 Turbo AWD, everything you guys said about the body and driving is the same as it’s basically a five seater CX-90 Minus electronic glitches. I love I though, grew on me. These aren’t really flaws but that’s the car’s character.
Your Mazda reviews are the best. Very in depth and technical. Cheers.
the engineers interviews are the best part of the videos that you can hardly get anywhere else
Test drove the CX70 S Premium Plus. Black with Tan interior. I drove in city and on the freeway. For this 72-year-old it was totally a great ride even with the 21" tires. The I-6 has plenty of passing power and the shifting was very smooth yet fast. My first car was a 1960 VW bug. I have owned MG's Fords, Chevys, Toyotas, Jeeps, Mopars, I was a mechanic (we used the term shade tree) today they are known as DYI'ers since I was in the 6th grade. I kept the family cars running for many years while living at home. You could say my identity was in my cars in my younger years. Swapped out a 260 V8 to a 351W in a 1964 Falcon Futura convertible with a 4-speed manual and raced it in the 1/4 drags as a teenager. Bought my 1st new car, 1969 Mach I Mustang and raced it many times. I seen a review on the CX90 but was really more interested in the two row CX70. I was in Sacramento and decided to check out the CX90 and they just received the CX70. I test drove it and I can say Mazda has done well with their car building. They should be proud. Good review by Dave Coleman. After my test drive of the CX70 I can say many of the software issues has been addressed by Mazda. I recommend you check out this car as it does feel like a horse with rider as one.
“DYI”? Do Yourself In? Somehow your new acronym 😊is much funnier and more appropriate than the more (standard) “Do It Yourself”! Thanks for the laugh; I really appreciate your poor grammar and spelling. You’re a TRUE American, damn it! 🎉
Whether u like the car/brand or not, listening to these guys talk in detail about the engineering and tuning variables is a masterclass, loved it!
As a novice, my take is that their is an element of snobbery here . They won't admit it but everyone essentially is using BMW as a benchmark. This is a luxury vehicle with power. Mazda will take notes and adjust accordingly and fix/ fine tune what has to be done. This word "linear" that was used constantly here was a way of saying predictable. Again, a snobbish attitude. Bravo to Mazda for producing a high end quality product that has alot to offer. Just not for the snobs.
Holy Crap!! that is Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car Magazine! I was listening to him talk about chassis dynamics and was like, man I could listen to him all day. That's because he was my "car professor" while taking Mechanical Engineering classes at Texas Tech. Wish he would have talked about the "Dave Spot" when describing the tires interacting with steering inputs.
WHY IS MAZDA BETTER.... Dave Coleman is the only representative of a car maker I have ever heard of... most other companies have a revolving door. Mazda has true dedicated employees.
Dave also races Miatas - ruclips.net/video/xSvIkIcPLjM/видео.html
Davie Colman was an editor at Sport Compact Car. He is a true car enthusiasts. I was just wondering where he ended up. With him on board at Mazda I would definitely consider a purchase that he had his hands on. Loved his work at the magazine ❤
I think Mazda made a good choice by differentiating. If they built a softer car with quick steering, they would be competing directly with a bunch of very similar cars. They chose to stick to their niche and give a communicative option for the people that appreciate cars like the Miata, S2000, BRZ, etc.
Quick steering sucks really
Used to drive a Jeep Cherokee, a simple 1 degree turn the car sways to the other lane, it was the worst steering I ever experienced
Always find suspension talk fascinating, love the effort and technical information you left in this
Listening to Dave Coleman getting into the granular details of the software is exactly why I love this channel aside from the hosts.
Brilliant effort. This is why I follow you guys. You provide background and insight that no one else does.
My current vehicle is a 2023 Mazda CX-5 Signature and I am a major Mazda fanboy. I took a very short test drive in a lower trim CX-90 while having the CX-5 in for routine maintenance. I was shocked. At how unimpressed I was. Something that turned me off right off the bat was the hesitation when pulling away from a stop. May have been the start-stop. Next time I'll make sure it's not on. The cabin was noticeably louder than my Signature on the highway. Despite the much larger size, the driver position did not feel much roomier. The interior storage is little better than the CX-5. For the center storage, it's actually less. Finally, driving dynamics. The trim I drove can't hold a candle to how my Signature feels. Despite all the work they put into the CX-90, it still feels like the much larger vehicle that it is compared to the CX-5. then there are the trim options. Why only second row bench seating for just the lowest trim? Were I in the market for a CX-90, not having a second row bench option in the higher trim that my wife and I like, is a deal breaker. I also don't understand all the extra complexity with the mild hybrid. Seems like a lot for little gain. I found the drive train in the CX-90 trim I drove (Turbo select) to be rough. It detracts from the smoothness of inline six and is nowhere near as refined as the CX-5 Signature. From my perspective, older is still better. What do my wife and I really want? A slightly larger, interior wise, more practical storage, more fuel efficient CX-5 Signature.
Conversely we sold our 22 CX-5 Turbo for the 24 CX-90 PHEV and I totally disagree with everything you said. The driving position in the CX-90 is infinitely better than in the CX-5. I can actually adjust the steering wheel to where my elbow is actually resting on the center console armrest. The CX-5’s biggest issue was for people of average height that had to sit way too close to the pedals because the steering wheel didn’t telescope enough. Anyone that isn’t very short should ignore this person’s write-up. I owned a CX-5 Turbo for 1.5 years and now the CX-90 PHEV for 1 month. This guy’s short test drive opinion is baffling.
Both are crap, sorry
Im glad i canceled my cx90 order and went for a CX9 instead. The CX9 is mature and stable, and drives well for a 3 row SUV, without all these first generation problems.
Almost bought a CX9… wife persuaded me to wait and buy the CX90.
I honestly believe I would have been happy with the CX9, but there were no signatures available when I decided to buy. Also, I finally decided to listen to my wife and get what I REALLY wanted.