Like an aspiring Olympian, Mazda has been training relentlessly in recent years, working toward transcending its mainstream roots and competing at a higher level against premium automotive brands. The company has been making good on that mission of late, with cars and SUVs that are more refined and better appointed while still retaining the engaging driving dynamics Mazdas have long been known for. The all-new CX-90 mid-size SUV is the culmination of the training regimen and will serve as the company's flagship. After spending a day with it on rainstorm-battered Northern California roads, we're inclined to say that this athlete of an SUV has the skill set to compete in the premium-class games and maybe even to medal.
Mazda could not have reached this level by simply modifying any of its existing products. The CX-90 uses a fresh-from-the-ground-up longitudinal-engine architecture. It gets its motivation from two fresh powertrains-one a plug-in hybrid-that feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, both new.
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Fleeting Thoughts
Updates and hot takes on the vehicles fortunate enough to spend 40,000 miles with C/D's editors.
Swedish Bliss
The new Volvo EX90 channels the brand's characteristic approach to wellness and serenity into an electric SUV sized for the whole family.
Tick, Tick, Boom
Tesla Model 3 Performance HIGHS: Nauseatingly quick, airy cabin with great visibility, genuine value. LOWS: Off-putting user interface, inescapable clinical feeling, austere interior design.
Black Ops
The new Precision package for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing hones one of our favorite sports sedans.
Pay to Play
Porsche Panamera HIGHS: Ample motivation, fun in every corner, surprising fuel economy. LOWS: Grip levels drop slightly, big price tag, dumb touchscreen vent controls. VERDICT: The bottom rung, but you'd never know it.
Man-o'-War
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Manthey Racing HIGHS: A clinic on proper steering response, 9000 rpm of sonic glory, more grip is good. LOWS: A mirror full of wing, upgrades useful only on track, quiet only when it's off.
Low-Pro Hero
Honda Civic Hybrid HIGHS: Fuel efficiency of a hybrid, Si-beating acceleration, as comfortable to ride in as it is engaging to drive. LOWS: No adjustable lumbar support, low-limit tires, quicker at the track than in the real world.
Back in Tune
CarBahn CB3 M4 HIGHS: A monster inline-six with an available warranty, massive grip and lateral stability, a better-looking face. LOWS: The exhaust needs an off switch, suspension links clatter, steering is still mute.
Hurricane Force
Ram 1500 HIGHS: Quicker than the old V-8 Ram, powerful and smooth turbo six, class-leading luxury. LOWS: Detectable turbo lag, slow-to-react touchscreen, hands-free mode zaps confidence.
Good Vibrations
No one has to guess what's under the hood of the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
