10 Features We Love in the 2024 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 comes standard with a longitudinally mounted 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six paired to a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It makes 280 hp, or 340 hp if you upgrade to an S trim. Most competitors in this price range use smaller, transversely mounted inline-fours, so it's nice to see Mazda taking an aim upmarket right at the core of its vehicles.

If fuel savings is your priority, Mazda also offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain option for the CX-90. It combines a four-cylinder to an electric motor connected to a 17.8-kWh battery pack, for a combined 323 hp and 23 miles of all-electric driving range.

It's not just the drivetrain setup that punches above its class in the 2024 Mazda CX-90. Step inside and you'd think you were inside a vehicle costing $70,000, not $40,000. There's a smart cabin layout and plenty of high-quality materials within reach. Even better, there are physical controls for things like climate control, meaning you don't have to fumble through the touchscreen to adjust temperature.

Depending on the trim you go for, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 gets a 7-inch or a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster nestled in front of the steering wheel. Similarly. you get a 10.3- or a 12.3-inch screen for infotainment depending on the model you pay for.

The Mazda CX-90 is big. Very big. With the third row up, you get 16 cubic feet of storage volume. Fold them down, and you get 40 total cubic feet. Throw down the second row, and you get an incredible 75 cubic feet of cargo volume, more than enough for most people's hauling needs.

The mark of any truly great modern car is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We wouldn't recommend any daily driver without this feature, as it makes accessing your favorite navigation and music apps far easier. Thankfully, the CX-90 gets it as standard.

Option the 2024 Mazda CX-90 correctly and you'll get captain's chairs for the second row. They look cool and come with a console that splits them down the middle, complete with their own cupholders. Perfect for separating kids who don't get along.

Mazda is known for injecting driving fun into places where competitors don't, like its lineup of mainstream crossovers. The CX-90 is no different, offering a surprisingly competent drive and taught, accurate steering. No, it's not Miata fun, but the CX-90 proves the sports car ethos is alive and well within the Mazda brand.

The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with the company's i-Activsense suite of safety systems, which includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

Go for the CX-90 S trim, and you get a 12-speaker Bose speaker system included. For people who like listening to things while commuting to work or running errands (essentially everyone, then), it's a must-have.

Check out our comprehensive road test here