7 REASONS WHY THE ENGINEER LOVES THE MAZDA CX-90

Automotive Engineer David Chao loves the 2024 Mazda CX-90 so much that he is thinking of cancelling his order for the Toyota Grand Highlander - to buy the CX-90 instead. In fact, David gives 7 reasons why he feels that the CX-90 is a better 3-row SUV than the Grand Highlander, even though he initially really liked the Grand Highlander. This is a full review of the all-new, Japan-built Mazda CX-90.

Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).

David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[oneplusins]

As a Toyota loyalist, the only Mazda I ever owned were Rx7s during my younger years and now that I'm a family man with 3 young kids, I was looking at the 3-row Highlander as a replacement for our 2014 Sienna. After watching this video, I will now look at the CX90. Thanks David!

[onepingonlyvasily]

Most people don't know what their missing, Mazda feels like a hidden gem. I'm hoping they change their mind and produce the new Mazda 6 they were planning with this powertrain

[Weaseltube]

Every so often Mazda makes a class topping car like this right smack in the heart of a segment, that Toyota and Honda can't match. As a long time Mazda fan I love to see it and hope it leads to greater and greater success for them.

[forrestsautoreviewsofficial]

Love this video David! As someone who is ADHD and talks fast, I love your calm, soft pace. I wish I had that ability. 😂
Aside from that, I agree with everything you’ve said. I’m fortunate enough to have gotten a CX-90 (the exact spec in your video) as a 1 year loaner for me to make content with. I’m really leaning towards working out a way to purchase it after the yea is up. My wife loves it, my 1 year old fits great, it’s well insulated, drives well, and I honestly think it makes more power than advertised. Especially if you fill it up with 93 octane. This thing moves which is extremely refreshing in this class of vehicle. I’ve obviously driven crazier, faster, over cars but the quality & fun to price ratio is unmatched. As a reviewer I’m sure you can agree that we not only get excited over cars like the 911 GT3 RS, Escalade V, Raptor R, etc. but we get excited when a car does something extremely well and does it without asking for the moon & stars.

[georgelewis]

Mechanical engineer here whose last four sedans have been Mazda6s, maybe the most underrated vehicle sold. Thanks for a straightforward professional technical review that addresses significant factors I care about instead of the fluff and subjective personal opinions given by so many YT amateurs.
Just want to add that an inline 6 is also preferred because it is naturally balanced (as is the V8). V6s require complex, power sucking balance shafts and this inferior format only exists because it can fit into the small compartments allowed by minivans.
Mazda made the decision to take the IC engine to another level through innovation and they succeeded - My 2025 M6 with an 2.5L I4 engine has plenty of power and gets great fuel economy. Mazda didn't invent direct injection but they seem to have perfected it; I have not heard of carbon buildup issues like some more expensive German models suffer from. Mazda also stayed with the conventional automatic transmission instead of the two-clutch versions made by German automakers. They improved the shift times and in fact I barely notice the shifts.
Finally the steering, which if I didn't know was electric I would never have noticed anything different. Your comment about the motor being mounted directly on the rack improving feedback was a good one, but another advantage is it offers the best, most direct input to the rack.
Keep up the good work!

[steeleruburgh]

Since my mechanic told me to buy a Mazda back in 1995, I haven't looked back. My last Mazda had 250, 000 miles on it before I bought my 2014 CX5. It had 111, 000 miles. Keep up with maintenance and it will run forever.

[JoeEngineer]

I think the CX-90 has the right combination of ingredients to become a future classic. Excellent fit and finish, a design that will age well, RWD I-6 layout, good performance, and modern Mazda quality. This is something special.

[LookingGlass]

Wowsers! I had no idea Mazda cars were so good. As an Industrial & Systems Engineer, with a Black Belt cert and trained on LEAN/Kaizen manufacturing by Shingijitsu Japanese consultants, I’m absolutely impressed with Mazda’s manufacturing and performance. I too am obsessed with manufacturing perfection.
I was about to buy a Subaru Outback but I wasn’t 100% convinced. But now I’m going to have to test this one. This may end up being the one I buy. And that Bordeaux color is to die for. The gloss is amazing! Thank you David! A true engineer’s review.

[johng.]

Mazda - Probably the last car company that "gets it". Fantastic car and engineering. Overlooked by many for even more expensive cars. Go MAZDA!

[onajesalim]

Just purchased the PHEV version and was pleasantly surprised by the refinement of both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The driving experience thus far is exactly as described in this video review. Thank you David, your professional engineering assessment puts into words objectively what I am feeling about the car subjectively in the first week of driving the CX-90. Very happy with my purchase, the drivability, gas/electric milage, and the pricepoint!

[Dlwinborne]

I recently took my VW in for service and was given a Mazda CX-30 as a loaner car. I was extremely impressed and started researching Mazda. This one of the most comprehensive, logical and informative comparison reviews I have ever watched. You have convinced me to give Mazda serious consideration for my next vehicle purchase. Thank you so much, David!

[lakevacm]

It competes against the MDX for me, with the benefit of the inline 6, and power being delivered to the rear, and they stiffened the chassis. Mazda hit all the right boxes. I like the profile.

[xmandough]

Thank you for your unbiased, honest review from a Toyota engineer. This gives me more confidence in Mazda to try out the CX-90 and CX-70. I am a Toyota fan, but looking for the best bang for the buck. Toyota has lost it's quality control, in my opinion. I am willing to try other manufacturers.

[lichtstarke]

would love to see David go around and measure the gaps on a Tesla...

[TomJoseTheverkunnel]

CX 90 is not only good looking, but the build quality in and out is extremely awesome. I am sure we will see Mazda come to the front row smoothly among SUV competitors with this type of build quality. I have not seen any such previous initiatives from this company, but this one is Amazing....

[roadsterbrew]

I test drove multiple 3 row SUV's including XC-90, MDX, and Q7 (3.0T) and the Cx-90 was the choice for me. David hit the nail on the head with his review, $60K well spent on a Turbo S Premium model that surpassed the others in driving feel, agility, value, and fun!

[maxfacts]

I purchased the first Mazda CX9 available from our local dealer here in Wisconsin and it's been a trouble free ride, great build quality, all weather handling, responsive engine ride, but it needed a bit more room that the CX90 delivers. I'm ALL in on making the CX90 my next ride.

[suhaylrouagRE]

Drove a Mazda 3 at 11, 000 feet and was purring and responsive. Have a cx5 never had an issue after 8 years just usual break pads, oil changes. Used to own Honda's. The quality is excellent and the price versus quality, mechanical is excellent.

[CAngel-gqcm]

Great video! Made in Japan, inline 6, fantastic fit and finish and the fact this is one of the few SUV's that I think look good! This would be a MUST TEST DRIVE SUV if one is looking in this price range. Mazdas have always operated like a well built, smooth as silk sewing machine...

[DanQuentinJames]

David, I whole heartily agree with you the CX-90 is and will be a better car than the Grand Highlander. Lately, I am feeling the U.S. Operations of Toyota are failing to bring out well thought-out vehicles and their execution is below par. As an owner of Toyotas (all made in Japan) for many years, I have noticed all their Japan produced vehicles are executed better. Also, I agree with you...I would get the CX-90 in lieu of the Grand Highlander. As far as Toyota this year, I am sure Toyota will present a well-made Land Cruiser Prado in North America. As I said before, I am hoping there will be a V6 option. Thank you for your excellent engineer's reviews through your many years of experience.👍