Mazda simply doubtlessly leapfrogged Toyota, which as of but has no Highlander Prime in sight.
On Monday, the Japanese automaker unveiled the 2024 Mazda CX-90 lineup, consisting of a plug-in hybrid, delicate hybrid, and three rows of seats with three totally different seating configurations.
Mazda mentioned all variants of the 2024 CX-90 will arrive in dealerships this spring however as of but it’s mild on particulars.
2024 Mazda CX-90
PHEV or MHEV is the query
Consumers strolling into the Mazda showroom may have a alternative between two engines beneath the hood of the CX-90. Each will likely be electrified, and each mannequin is a hybrid.
Plug-in hybrid fashions pair a 2.5-liter inline-4 with an electrical motor sandwiched within the 8-speed computerized transmission. The electrical motor, which is powered by a 17.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack, replaces the transmission’s torque converter. Whole system output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Gentle-hybrid fashions pair a brand new 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 with a much less highly effective electrical motor, fed by a a lot smaller battery pack. The motor is sandwiched within the 8-speed computerized transmission. Whole system output is 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
EPA rankings aren’t in but and Mazda wouldn’t touch upon electric-only vary. The automaker informed Inexperienced Automotive Stories that at low speeds the mild-hybrid powertrain is able to operating on electric-only energy whereas the plug-in hybrid may have adequate electric-only vary for day-to-day driving. Mazda famous the fuel engine is useful for longer drives or when most acceleration is required, reminiscent of merging on a freeway. We take this to imply that even in electric-only mode pushing the accelerator to the ground will interact the fuel engine, because it does within the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe—and the just lately detailed MX-30 R-EV that’s intriguing however unlikely U.S.-bound.
2024 Mazda CX-90
Fairly proportions with seating for eight
The CX-90 pulls no punches in terms of design, with an extended and wider stance than the CX-9 it is going to rapidly change. The entrance contains a quick overhang that leads into a protracted hood, a protracted dash-to-axle ratio, a protracted wheelbase, and a brief rear finish.
Contained in the CX-90 sits on the posh bubble in top-spec signature fashions. White nappa leather-based, linen-like material, and open-pore curly maple wooden give the inside a heat and lounge-like vibe. A darker inside coloration scheme and mesh-like patterned plastic trim will likely be accessible in decrease trims.
The CX-90 will be configured as a six-, seven-, or eight-seater, with the provision of a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs together with a two- or three-seat third-row. Mazda hasn’t detailed which seating configurations will be had with which powertrains and trims. The lithium-ion battery pack sits beneath the second and third row, creating stadium-style seating. At 5-foot-10 I used to be capable of sit in all three rows behind myself, however the third row had slim footroom, a low seat backside with knees-up seating place, and about an inch of additional headroom. These checking in at 6 ft will doubtless contact the headliner and be uncomfortable.
2024 Mazda CX-90
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is augmented by a 12.3-inch infotainment system. The latter is managed by a rotary dial and a few arduous buttons, however the display screen is touch-enabled solely when utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda mentioned it is going to element active-safety expertise at a later date, however we noticed what seemed to be a rearview digicam system throughout the rearview mirror.