Mazda has always done things differently. It has always focused on delivering a unique, truly engaging experience behind the wheel of its cars.
Mazdas may not always be the fastest, nor the industry leaders in terms of sales, but they know their market—a market that craves driving pleasure, a release from the strict and stifling confines of everyday life, and freedom through the joy of independent mobility.
To drive a Mazda is to fall in love with the romance of driving—with our innate spirit of exploration, the curiosity of what lies beyond the horizon, and the joy of discovery. To drive a Mazda is to celebrate driving.
For it is the drive that transforms us, allowing us to shed the burdens of life and feel at peace. It is not just the act of driving that we celebrate, but the freedom it gives. And a Mazda provides the perfect venue and opportunity to celebrate.
Sliding behind the rich Nappa leather and Leganu suede interior, you immediately know the CX-90, Mazda’s flagship, is not your run-of-the-mill crossover. The seats hug you reassuringly when cruising, and when winding A-roads beckon, they provide exemplary support, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.
There’s also a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a wireless charging pad, and a 10.4-inch head-up display for speed and navigation. It looks and feels high-tech, but not in-your-face like the current crop of Chinese NEVs with their massive, TV-sized displays and complicated user interfaces. Here, technology flows seamlessly into traditional luxury.
Look behind, and you’ll find captain’s seats for second-row passengers, with a center console dividing the sliding and reclining seats. Of course, there’s oodles of cargo space: 608 liters with all three rows in use, expanding to 1,163 liters when the third row is folded, and a gargantuan 2,025 liters with the second row down. There’s space for literally everything including the kitchen sink.
The 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, complete with a subwoofer, envelops you in rich, vibrant music. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or streaming your favorite playlist to enhance the drive, the CX-90 helps set the right driving mood. Because in the CX-90, just like any Mazda, it’s always about the drive.
Even amid the ongoing oil concerns in the country, the CX-90 does its part, running as efficiently as possible. It consistently returns 15.7 km/l on the highway at the speed limit, and an impressive 8.2 km/l in city driving—for a luxuriously appointed crossover.
After a week behind the wheel, the CX-90 averaged a combined 8.9 km/l over roughly 390 kilometers of real-world driving, with over a quarter of a tank still remaining from its 74-liter fuel capacity.
The drive itself is far from boring. The steering is communicative—it almost feels like it’s guiding your hands toward adventure. The lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning ensure you’re still with the Mazda on your shared adventure, as is the radar cruise control.
The brakes are grabby at low speeds and also when cold. But they warm up quickly, delivering strong, progressive and consistent stopping power, inspiring confidence at speed. Great brakes, after all, are the true secret of fast drivers.
The transmission, aside from the sometimes clunky first-to-second shifts at low throttle, is buttery smooth, especially when pushed harder. With eight forward gears, the CX-90 has the flexibility for both responsive sprints and relaxed cruising.
The 3.3 liter SkyActiv inline six cylinder gasoline engine feels delightfully mechanical, with an aggressive snarl that becomes more apparent when you roll the windows down. That inline-six would feel right at home in a proper sports sedan or coupe. With 280hp and 450 Newton-Meters of torque, it’s got the muscle to back up its handsome looks.
As for the suspension, Mazda kept a surprise until the end. This particular CX-90 belongs to Mazda Philippines boss Steven Tan. A true enthusiast, he fitted it with AutoExe fully adjustable coilovers.
Engineers at Mazda’s Center of Excellence have been fine-tuning the ride height and damping settings, aiming for better control without sacrificing comfort, while giving the large crossover a lower, more aggressive stance. It’s still a work in progress, so final judgment is reserved—but it’s a promising start.
Personally, I’d prefer a slightly higher ride height, along with more damping and rebound control, plus increased spring preload. The current setup can feel a bit soft at times, which contrasts with the CX-90’s capable chassis. The 21-inch wheels also look somewhat small; 22-inch or even larger 23-inch forged wheels would give it a more commanding presence.
In town, features like front and rear cross-traffic alert, along with the 360-degree camera, make maneuvering this large Mazda into tight parking spaces much easier. The technology is just right, doesn’t distract you from driving and also monitors your attentiveness, again making sure you are committed to the driving adventure with the CX-90.
If you’re looking for something different—something stylish, unique, exquisitely appointed, and genuinely enjoyable to drive—the Mazda CX-90 makes for an excellent choice.
The CX-90 helps us celebrate driving, celebrate our freedom, our joy of exploration while we still can.
