Acura MDX vs Mazda CX-90

In the past, if you were aiming for a luxury image, you might have automatically thought of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. However, Mazda dramatically elevated its design and material quality with the 2024 CX-90, surpassing mainstream competitors like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and even drawing nearer to the luxury arms of these brands such as Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. From an exterior perspective, the Mazda CX-90 applied the elegant design blueprint of the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 to a more imposing form. Stretching over 200 inches, the CX-90 showcased a formidable presence with its expansive grille, wide-set front end, and impressive wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Tasteful chrome trim complemented its mass, giving it an air of elegance. Opening the door unveiled an even more impressive interior, especially in top-tier models. Mazda offered the CX-90 in multiple trims, showcasing interiors that could compete with some of the best names in luxury. Higher-tier versions adorned brown suede upholstery on the dash, wood inlays on the center console, and lacked any cheap, glossy black plastic. This commitment to understated elegance extended across the board, making even a top-of-the-line BMW X5 appear overpriced in comparison. Despite the fact the CX-90 was available in 11 different trims across three powertrains, even the lower-end models benefited from Mazda's stylish and well-thought-out design. Nonetheless, higher trims truly shone, with opulent materials and aesthetically pleasing layouts. The Acura MDX had always nailed the striking look that blended modernity with refinement. Its large shield grille, flanked by sharp headlights and intake vents, and a lower bumper area that seemed almost artistically bent, created a sophisticated front face. Inside, however, the MDX felt high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console that could be overwhelming at first glance. Offered in various trims or "packages", the MDX catered to diverse preferences. The base model came well-equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. Upgrading to the Technology Package added features like ambient lighting, navigation, and a premium stereo system, while the A-Spec Package gave the MDX a sporty edge with unique styling and a more powerful audio system. For us, the Type-S Advance Package we tested came loaded with exceptional amenities, including a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. These massaging seats were notably firmer and more effective than those in other luxury SUVs, ensuring a refreshing experience on long journeys. Despite its tech-heavy cabin, the design elements of the MDX were meticulously thought through. Even though it didn't match the sumptuousness of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, it still managed to maintain a high standard of luxury with practical usability.

Mazda made headlines in 2024 with its new powertrain options for the CX-90. The SUV was the first from Mazda to feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup, along with two new versions of a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 offered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, though our test drives focused on the more powerful CX-90 Turbo S version. In particular, the Turbo S variant highlighted Mazda's transformational leap from the previous CX-9. The Turbo S boosted the 3.3-liter I6 engine’s output to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could pick from three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. Switching to Sport mode significantly amped up performance, propelling the CX-90 with a thrilling roar from its exhaust. Yet, the eight-speed transmission exhibited inconsistencies, sometimes holding gears too long or shifting erratically. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, generating 323 horsepower and matching the Turbo S's 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an estimated fuel economy of 56 MPGe. Although quieter and less dramatic, the PHEV mirrored the Turbo S’s handling prowess. Overall, the CX-90 excelled in cornering agility, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout. Despite its larger size, it handled like a smaller vehicle, offering drivers an engaging experience often lacking in its segment. The Acura MDX sported a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. However, the Type-S versions upgraded to a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, pushing out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission channeled power to either the front wheels or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Test-driving the MDX Type-S Advance revealed strong acceleration due to the turbocharged engine. While it didn't offer head-snapping performance, it delivered adequate power for all driving scenarios, from highway merging to overtaking. The MDX’s adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes contributed to a nimble and comfortable driving experience, even on bumpier roads. The MDX’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provided various driving modes—Sport, Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Individual—each altering the vehicle’s dynamics to suit different situations. The air suspension system adjusted ride height based on the selected mode, enhancing both performance and comfort. While focusing on highway and boulevard cruising, the MDX proved highly refined and comfortable. Despite weighing around 4,500 pounds, it navigated corners surprisingly well. Trailering capabilities also added versatility, with AWD models towing up to 5,000 pounds.

The Mazda CX-90 was offered with a variety of seating configurations. Lower trims of the Turbo and PHEV models could seat eight passengers, featuring three seats across the second and third rows. Mid-level trims opted for a seven-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort. The top-tier Turbo S primarily adopted a six-seat configuration, with two seats across all three rows. Cargo space in the CX-90 was competitive, offering 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second row in models with a two-seat third row. Folding all seats down revealed up to 75.2 cubic feet of space, which exceeded the former CX-9’s capacity but still trailed slightly behind top competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Interior storage options included a spacious center console, expansive door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The captain's chairs in higher trims also included a center console with ample storage, adding practicality and convenience for passengers. The Acura MDX’s interior featured three rows of seating, aimed primarily at family travelers. While the first two rows provided exceptional comfort and support, the third row was relatively smaller, better suited for children than adults. Cargo volume started at 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With all rear seats folded, total cargo space reached 71.4 cubic feet. While the MDX didn't offer second-row captain's chairs, the second-row bench came with a fold-down center console that gave the appearance of individual seating. The practical center console offered plenty of storage, although the center stack was cluttered with controls. The center stack's array of buttons and controls, including a drive-mode selector dial, was less intuitive than it should have been. Some drivers found this overwhelming, detracting from the otherwise practical layout.

Mazda focused on eliminating distractions to ensure safety with its technology suite. The Mazda Connect infotainment system eschewed a touchscreen, instead employing a set of hard buttons and a rotary control knob on the center console. Despite the rationale, this setup often led to more distraction due to its complexity. However, the CX-90 featured some salvaging elements such as personalization software using facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard (wireless in higher trims), reverting to touchscreen controls when activated, which offered greater familiarity and ease of use. The infotainment interface of the Acura MDX was a notable drawback. The 12.3-inch display wasn't a touchscreen but controlled via a touchpad that felt unintuitive and cumbersome to use. Despite this, the MDX boasted a plethora of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional tech elements included multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging, adding convenience despite the flawed main interface.

Safety was a strong suit for the Mazda CX-90, equipped with the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centering with adaptive cruise control for seamless driving assistance. While the 2024 CX-90 hadn't been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time, its predecessor, the CX-9, earned high marks, suggesting similar excellent safety performance for the new model. The Acura MDX also came well-equipped with safety features, including standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. Additional features like front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system enhanced safety in higher trims. The MDX maintained strong safety scores from previous years, earning five stars from NHTSA and top ratings from IIHS. However, the distraction caused by the touchpad-based infotainment system was a notable downside concerning driver attention.