2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed to stand out as a crossover, with its distinctive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found excessive. Despite this, the CX-30 maintained an appealing aesthetic with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. The interior was a highlight, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

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 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its price point. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 was sophisticated compared to other midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, creating a deceptive sense of sluggishness. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was a downside, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km, far from the expected 9.3 L/100 km. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, though it felt soft in mountainous terrain.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard 3.3 Turbo producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The high-output version delivered up to 340 horsepower with premium gas. Power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Fuel economy was rated at 9.3 to 9.5 L/100 km, depending on the engine. The CX-90 excelled in handling, though the suspension was firm, and the ride was less compliant.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was deft, with quality materials and logical controls. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the front seats were comfortable and heated. Storage space was adequate, with 572 litres of cargo volume behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded. The CX-30's interior was practical, though not overly generous in space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, though seat-track travel was limited. The third row was best for children, and cargo space was 451 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,129 litres with seats folded. Storage was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen was far from the driver, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. All CX-30s in Canada included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with USB-C ports and a Bose audio system on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only with smartphone mirroring, requiring the use of a centre console knob for other functions. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a 12-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound. The CX-90 also included a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 came with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, with additional aids on higher trims. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature was irritating, and the warning chimes were excessive.