MAZDA CX-90

THE MAZDA SUV THAT BREAKS THE $100K BARRIER

- JOHN LAW

Model Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami w/Takumi package

Engine 3283cc inline 6, dohc, 24v, turbo

Max power 254kW @ 5000-6000rpm

Max torque 500Nm @ 2000-4500rpm

Transmission 8-speed automatic

Weight 2222kg

0-100km/h 6.9sec

Economy 8.2L/100km

Price $100,185

On sale Now

TERE'S A GRAB bag of clichés I could trot out to describe what Mazda's doing with the CX-90.

These stretch from the utterly unimaginative 'fake it 'til you make it' to the K-Mart brochurelevel 'dress for success', with plenty in between - but none would accurately describe what Mazda has accomplished with this excellent large SUV.

The Mazda we know today has been making an explicit push towards premium since launching the CX-30 small SUV in 2019, but it's been going on longer than that. Remember the rotary-powered Eunos Cosmo coupe (1990-1996)? Or perhaps Amati, Mazda's failed Lexus rival?

With the CX-60 and CX-90 (both built at Mazda's Hofu plant), this attempt is a little different. These are a pair of SUVs featuring longitudinal engines (including all-new straightsixes), rear-biased AWD, and doublewishbone front suspension - things you'd typically only find in rivals from BMW, Benz, and Audi.

But why now? It's simple. Mazda says its fiercely loyal customers want to spend big with the brand - it's just that they can't.

Mazda's current range tops out at $75K for the CX-9 Azami LE. Come the third quarter of this year, that's right where the CX-90 will start, with the Touring from $74,385 before on-road costs.