Design and details make this a standout vehicle in a category needing difference

By Gary S. Vasilash

One of the places that Mazda has consistently been a leader in is exterior design execution.

Arguably no other OEM does as well a job on putting out vehicles with stand-out designs not on a here-or-there basis, but across the board, from the top to the bottom.

There seems to be a recognition at Mazda that whether someone can afford an entry level vehicle or the one that is the most expensive, for that person it is their new vehicle that they are proud of. While the high-end vehicles from marques generally have little someone can feel underserved about, often the other vehicles in the lineup don’t resonate as well.

But Mazda is different. It puts its design mark on every vehicle that wears its badge, and that is a highly laudable thing.

Another way Mazda is different is that it doesn’t follow the overall design trends that tends to make too much seem too much alike.

That is, consider the CX-90, its three-row crossover.

Nowadays there is an evident rush toward making crossovers—large and small—boxier. This, apparently, is meant to make people think that these vehicles are ready for the Rubicon Trail, people who couldn’t find the Rubicon on a map. (In case you are wondering, it is about a two-hour drive northeast of Sacramento.)

Rather than boxy—or a previous design approach that can be described as “blobby”—there is an overall theme to the design of the CX-90 brings to mind the Streamline Moderne era of the late 1930s and 1940s. There are curves and lines that seem to be indicate the body is streaming through the air.

And this design theme is picked up in the cabin, as well, with metallic trim accents that are certainly Moderne.

However, the most distinctive thing in the interior is the material on the instrument panel that is handmade-paper-like in appearance and which has two pieces, top and bottom, that appear to be joined by stitched thread. This is described by Mazda as the use of a Japanese weaving technique known as “Kumihimo.” You will not find this—or anything like it, for that matter—in any other crossover vehicle.

Those delicate stitches show that there is a recognition the CX-90 is a premium vehicle that is about comfort, not something that one can imagine having globs of mud hosed out of, as is the case with many other vehicles in the category.

The CX-90 offers seating for seven or eight, depending on the type of seats selected. And for those passengers it is an environment that is characteristic of the country club, not a nearly inaccessible trailhead.

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The Non-Design Aspects

The CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus (yes, that’s a mouthful) is powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter turbocharged straight six. This is a mild-hybrid that, when the recommended 91 octane fuel is used, produces 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When 87 octane is used (a.k.a., “regular”) the engine controller figures that out and consequently there is a reduction of power to 319 hp.

The official name of the engine is the e-Skyactiv G 3.3 Turbo with M-Hybrid Boost. What this means is there is a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system, an electric motor that helps provide smoother starts and a modicum of efficiency. (This system just works; there is no plugging in required.)

There is an eight-speed automatic. There is intelligent all-wheel drive (i.e., it comes into play when needed).

Even with that highly respectable performance the vehicle returns an estimated 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

There is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display. The knob-centric Mazda infotainment interface is used; while not great, it is something that one quickly becomes used to.

There are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There are USB-C ports for all three rows. There is a wireless charge pad just below the infotainment screen (though I’ve got to say it would be better if it was a bit larger because I found spirited driving and the phone in that space not to be particularly consonant).

Among the tech offered in the package are i-Activsense (Mazda really likes names) safety features including a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, Rear View Monitor (dynamic reversing guidelines), Smart Brake Support Rear, Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and and Trailer Hitch View. That’s right: the CX-90 can tow: 3,500 pounds or, when equipped with “Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories,” 5,000 pounds.

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One Thing to Consider

While the entry CX-90, the 3.3 Turbo Select, starts at $39,300, the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus starts at $57,570. This puts it into entry-lux category. Which may make one think about vehicles like, say, the Acura MDX or the Infiniti QX60 because those marques are considered to be more lux than Mazda, which is mainly a mainstream brand.

But again, look at the design. Look at the detail.

Those make a big difference and act in the favor of this vehicle.