2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its blistered fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The CX-50's standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior allure. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, catering to adventure enthusiasts.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design and quality materials. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. While the vertical air vents and off-centre dash vent were somewhat conspicuous, the overall cabin design was attractive. The CX-50's interior offered comfort and style, with options like terracotta upholstery available on higher trims. Overall, the CX-50 was a visually appealing compact crossover, both inside and out.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, represented a significant leap in design and luxury for the brand. Drawing inspiration from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5, the CX-90 expanded Mazda's elegant design language to a larger, more imposing SUV. With a length exceeding 5 metres, the CX-90 commanded attention with its big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Tasteful chrome trim added a touch of sophistication, making the CX-90 an elegant presence on the road despite its size.

Inside, the CX-90 offered a luxurious experience, especially in top-tier trims. Brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits created an upscale atmosphere. The CX-90's interior design rivalled luxury brands, with a focus on comfort and style. The SUV was available in various trims, each benefiting from Mazda's delicate design language and comfortable layout. The CX-90's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to luxury, offering a refined and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different preferences. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It provided a commendable fuel economy of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbo engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Despite some minor torque steer, the CX-50 delivered a driving experience reminiscent of a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, marking a significant transformation from the outgoing CX-9. The CX-90 offered a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and two versions of a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded version in GT-P and Signature trims increased power to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, provided noticeable differences in behaviour, with Sport mode delivering an exceptional engine roar. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. While the PHEV offered a quieter experience, both CX-90 models excelled in handling, showcasing Mazda's commitment to driving dynamics.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 prioritized comfort and convenience with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured a pleasant cabin environment. The CX-50's driver and front passenger seats provided long-lasting comfort, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space measured 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with the seats folded, offering a long load floor but limited width between the wheel wells.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered versatile seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims. Mid-level trims featured captain's chairs, seating seven, while the Turbo Signature trim offered an exclusive six-seat layout. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 2,129 litres available in models with a two-seater third row. The CX-90's cargo capacity exceeded that of the CX-9, though it fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Despite this, the CX-90 provided ample storage options, including a large centre console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The interior featured high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 10.25-inch display, though it lacked touchscreen functionality for native controls. Instead, users relied on centre console buttons, knobs, and steering wheel controls, which could be distracting. However, Mazda allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a more user-friendly experience. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display projected essential information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 continued Mazda's focus on safety by eliminating touchscreen interfaces in favour of physical controls. The Mazda Connect system used a rotary control knob and hard buttons, aiming to reduce distractions. While the intention was sound, the system's quirks could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, enhancing convenience for multiple drivers. The CX-90 also featured standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems. The combination of familiar projection systems and Mazda's rotary controller provided a balanced technology experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring capability. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came equipped with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-90 Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centring with adaptive cruise control. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well, given the CX-9's strong safety ratings.