The automotive landscape in Australia is witnessing a seismic shift as Mazda positions its flagship CX-90 SUV to disrupt the premium segment in 2025. This bold move from the Japanese manufacturer signals their commitment to elevating their brand presence within the luxury market, giving established European rivals a run for their money.
With its striking design language and premium appointments, the CX-90 represents Mazda’s most ambitious endeavor yet. Priced from $68,800 for the entry-level Touring variant, it’s clear Mazda has set its sights on wooing discerning Aussie buyers who might otherwise gravitate toward more expensive European alternatives.
Engineering Excellence: The Heart of the Beast
The 2025 CX-90 boasts impressive engineering credentials that serve as the foundation of its premium aspirations. At its core lies a choice of two remarkable powertrains that deliver performance without compromising efficiency.
The petrol option features a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six engine producing a formidable 254kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This powerplant enables the CX-90 to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds – not too shabby for a large family hauler! It’s complemented by Mazda’s innovative 48V mild hybrid technology (MHEV) that helps optimize fuel efficiency.
For those preferring diesel, Mazda offers an equally compelling 3.3-litre turbo-diesel inline-six generating 187kW and a substantial 550Nm of torque. This variant delivers an impressive fuel economy of just 5.4 litres per 100km, making it an attractive option for those undertaking long journeys.
Both engines are paired with a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, providing drivers with confidence-inspiring handling characteristics rarely found in vehicles of this size.
Luxury Redefined: Interior Excellence
Step inside the CX-90, and you’re immediately transported to a realm of refined elegance. Mazda has meticulously crafted an interior space that rivals luxury marques costing significantly more.
The cabin features high-quality materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful design elements that create an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. The base Touring model comes well-equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment, and tri-zone climate control.
Move up to higher trim levels like the GT or Azami, and the luxury quotient increases further with Nappa leather, heated rear seats, and ambient lighting. The flagship Azami Takumi variant incorporates premium materials, including suede dash inserts and unique styling elements that elevate the experience to near-luxury status.
What truly sets the CX-90 apart from mainstream rivals is its thoughtful approach to interior design. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, with physical controls for key functions rather than relegating everything to touchscreen operation. This driver-centric philosophy extends to the rotary controller for the infotainment system, which many find more intuitive to use while driving.
Technology That Serves, Not Overwhelms
In today’s digital age, technology integration can make or break a premium vehicle experience. The CX-90 strikes a perfect balance between cutting-edge features and user-friendly operation.
The base Touring model comes equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, while higher trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch unit. All versions support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The Mazda approach to infotainment emphasizes safety by requiring the use of a rotary controller rather than a touch interface, minimizing driver distraction.
Safety technology is comprehensive across the range with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite included as standard. This encompasses adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add innovative features like a 360-degree camera system and front cross-traffic alert.
Audiophiles will appreciate the available 12-speaker Bose sound system in upper trims, delivering rich, immersive sound throughout the cabin. The attention to acoustic detail further reinforces the CX-90’s premium positioning.
Practical Dimensions for Australian Families
Despite its luxury aspirations, the CX-90 remains fundamentally practical for Australian families. Measuring 5120mm in length and 1994mm in width, it provides generous interior space across all three rows.
The flexible seating configurations accommodate between six and eight passengers depending on specification. Second-row captain’s chairs are available in higher trims for a more luxurious feel, while the standard bench arrangement maximizes passenger capacity.
Third-row access is thoughtfully designed with seats that easily tilt and slide forward. Once seated, even adults will find the rear-most row surprisingly accommodating for shorter journeys – a rarity in this segment.
Cargo capacity is equally impressive. With all seats in place, the CX-90 offers up to 608 litres of luggage space including underfloor storage. Fold the third row flat, and this expands dramatically, providing ample room for family road trips or the occasional furniture haul.
Market Positioning: Challenging Established Players
Mazda’s strategy with the CX-90 is particularly interesting from a market perspective. While priced above mainstream offerings like the Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Kluger, it undercuts European luxury SUVs by a significant margin.
This positions the CX-90 in a sweet spot between mass-market and luxury segments. The entry-level Touring variant at $68,800 makes a compelling case against top-spec mainstream alternatives, while delivering superior driving dynamics and perceived quality.
At the upper end, the Azami Takumi tops out at $101,380 – entering genuine luxury territory but still representing excellent value against established European players like the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, or Mercedes-Benz GLE, which typically command $40,000-$60,000 premiums.
Industry analysts suggest this strategy could prove particularly effective in the Australian market, where buyers are increasingly willing to stretch their budgets for vehicles that deliver a premium experience without the premium badge tax.
Driving Dynamics: The Mazda Difference
What truly distinguishes the CX-90 from both mainstream and luxury competitors is its exceptional driving experience. Mazda has long prioritized driver engagement, and this philosophy extends to their flagship SUV.
The CX-90 benefits from Mazda’s “Kinematic Posture Control” technology, which subtly applies braking force to the inside rear wheel during cornering to reduce body roll and improve stability. This, combined with the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, delivers handling characteristics more akin to a luxury sports sedan than a three-row SUV.
Multiple drive modes – including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road – allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences and road conditions. Sport mode, in particular, sharpens throttle response and adjusts transmission mapping for a more engaging driving experience.
Even with its focus on handling, the CX-90 maintains impressive ride comfort. The suspension tuning strikes a perfect balance between controlling body movements and absorbing road imperfections. This dual-character approach distinguishes it from competitors that typically lean toward either sport or comfort, rarely achieving both.
A Value Proposition That Demands Attention
For 2025, Mazda has made the CX-90 even more compelling by reducing prices across the range by up to $7,800 without sacrificing equipment levels. This aggressive pricing strategy makes an already strong value proposition even more attractive.
Standard features across all models include LED headlights, power tailgate, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and start, and a comprehensive safety suite. Higher trims add luxuries like panoramic sunroof, premium audio, ventilated seats, and additional driver assistance technologies.
Mazda supports the ownership experience with a 5-year unlimited kilometer warranty and reasonable servicing costs. Maintenance intervals are set at 15,000km for petrol models and 10,000km for diesel variants, with capped-price servicing available for the first five years.
Challenging Established Perceptions
Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing the CX-90 is brand perception. While Mazda enjoys a reputation for quality and reliability in Australia, it doesn’t yet carry the prestige associated with European luxury marques.
However, this could actually work in favor of savvy buyers who prioritize substance over badge recognition. The CX-90 delivers a genuinely premium experience without the premium price tag, representing exceptional value for those willing to look beyond established luxury labels.
Mazda’s consistency in execution across their entire lineup has steadily elevated the brand’s standing. With the CX-90, they’ve created a flagship that doesn’t merely compete with luxury alternatives – in many ways, it surpasses them.
A Game-Changer in the Making
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 represents a significant moment in the evolution of the Australian SUV market. It challenges conventional wisdom about what constitutes a premium vehicle and which brands can deliver a truly luxury experience.
With its combination of sophisticated design, powerful yet efficient powertrains, thoughtful interior execution, and engaging driving dynamics, the CX-90 makes a compelling case for itself against both mainstream and luxury competitors.
As Australian buyers become increasingly value-conscious while still desiring premium features, the CX-90 is positioned to capture a growing segment of the market that appreciates substance over symbolism. Whether it succeeds in converting traditional luxury buyers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the CX-90 demands to be taken seriously as a legitimate luxury contender.
For those considering a premium three-row SUV in 2025, overlooking the Mazda CX-90 would be a significant oversight. It represents Japanese engineering and design philosophy at its finest – elegant, purposeful, and exceptional.
FAQs
What engines are available in the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
The CX-90 offers two options: a 3.3L turbocharged petrol inline-six producing 254kW/500Nm and a 3.3L turbocharged diesel inline-six delivering 187kW/550Nm.
How much does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 cost in Australia?
Prices start from $68,800 for the Touring variant and range up to $101,380 for the top-spec Azami Takumi model.
Does the CX-90 have seven seats?
Yes, the CX-90 comes standard with seven seats, though some variants offer captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to six.
What warranty does Mazda offer on the CX-90?
Mazda provides a 5-year unlimited kilometer warranty with roadside assistance and offers capped-price servicing for the first five years.
How does the CX-90 compare to European luxury SUVs?
The CX-90 offers comparable quality, features, and performance to European luxury SUVs but at a significantly lower price point, typically $40,000-$60,000 less than equivalent European models.
What safety features come standard on the CX-90?
All CX-90 models include Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.
Is the CX-90 available as a hybrid in Australia?
While a plug-in hybrid version is offered in some overseas markets, it is not currently available in Australia. Both engine options do feature 48V mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency.
What is the fuel economy of the CX-90?
The diesel variant achieves approximately 5.4L/100km, while the petrol model’s fuel consumption varies by specification but is competitive within its segment.
Does the CX-90 have AWD?
Yes, all CX-90 models come standard with Mazda’s rear-biased i-Activ AWD system.
What is the towing capacity of the CX-90?
The CX-90 offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,500kg across all variants.
Is the CX-90 built in Japan?
Yes, the CX-90 is manufactured in Japan and imported to Australia.
What are the main competitors to the CX-90?
The CX-90 competes with high-end mainstream SUVs like the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade, as well as entry-level luxury SUVs such as the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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