2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the wraparound taillights and fender-mounted vertical lights created a unique visual signature. Inside, the LYRIQ showcased Cadillac's attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a sleek three-spoke steering wheel. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a modern yet unobtrusive presence in the cabin.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with Nappa leather, polished metallic trim, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered a calm and poised driving experience, particularly on the highway. Its dual-motor powertrain delivered 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup featured a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both powertrains used a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with a claimed range of 505 kilometres for rear-wheel drive and 494 km for all-wheel drive. However, real-world testing showed a maximum range closer to 420 kilometres. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Regenerative braking helped alleviate stress on the friction brakes, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output versions. The standard-output engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Noise and impact harshness further detracted from the driving experience, although the CX-90 remained one of the most agile family haulers available.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited storage space. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof and elevated second-row seating added to the comfort, but the long rear doors could pose challenges when loading children. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system featured native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided an excellent hands-free driving experience, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the centre console. The voice recognition system was lacking, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display offered helpful data, and the blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the safest midsize SUVs, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, although the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.