When Mazda launched the CX-90 Turbo S as its new flagship three-row SUV, automotive enthusiasts and family buyers alike anticipated a vehicle that would blend Mazda’s celebrated driving dynamics with premium luxury and practicality. The specifications seemed promising: a 340-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine, a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. However, after subjecting the CX-90 Turbo S to a rigorous 40,000-mile long-term test, our experience reveals significant shortcomings that challenge its position in the competitive luxury SUV segment.<\/p>\n
Initial impressions of the Mazda CX-90 Turbo S were overwhelmingly positive. The vehicle’s exterior design features Mazda’s signature Kodo design language with elegant, flowing lines that suggest motion even at a standstill. The interior, particularly in the higher trims, presents a convincing argument against more established German rivals, with premium materials including Nappa leather, authentic maple wood trim, and meticulous attention to detail in stitching and panel gaps.<\/p>\n
The driving experience during the first 5,000 miles supported Mazda’s “driver-first” philosophy. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine delivered smooth, linear power, while the chassis exhibited commendable composure on winding roads. The steering provided satisfying weight and feedback, a rarity in the three-row SUV category dominated by numb, over-assisted systems. Early fuel economy figures hovered around 23 mpg combined, respectable for a vehicle of this size and power.<\/p>\n
As the odometer crossed the 10,000-mile mark, subtle issues began to surface. The most immediate concern was the transmission’s behavior in low-speed, stop-and-go traffic. The eight-speed automatic, which incorporates a motor-generator unit as part of Mazda’s mild-hybrid system, exhibited inconsistent shift quality. Particularly noticeable was a pronounced hesitation when accelerating from a complete stop, followed by a jerky engagement that diminished the premium driving experience Mazda promised.<\/p>\n
By 15,000 miles, the infotainment system’s reliability became a point of frustration. The system, controlled primarily through a center console rotary dial rather than a touchscreen, suffered from occasional freezing and required multiple reboots. While Mazda’s decision to avoid touchscreens aims to reduce driver distraction, the execution proved problematic when basic functions like navigation or audio selection became inaccessible during drives.<\/p>\n
The most significant disappointment emerged in the CX-90’s driving dynamics as mileage accumulated. Despite featuring a sophisticated Kinematic Posture Control system and frequency-selective damping shocks, the SUV’s ride quality degraded noticeably. On highways with imperfect surfaces, the chassis transmitted excessive road noise and sharp impacts into the cabin, compromising the luxury ambiance. The suspension, initially praised for its balance between comfort and sportiness, developed a tendency to crash over larger bumps and potholes.<\/p>\n
At approximately 25,000 miles, handling characteristics began to change. The precise steering that defined early drives became less communicative, developing a vague on-center feel that required constant small corrections on straight highways. Body roll, well-controlled initially, increased during cornering, diminishing driver confidence. These changes were particularly disappointing given Mazda’s reputation for vehicles that maintain their driving character throughout their lifespan.<\/p>\n
The CX-90 Turbo S’s powertrain, while powerful on paper, revealed limitations during extended use. The mild-hybrid system, designed to provide torque fill during gear changes and improve efficiency, proved minimally effective in real-world conditions. Fuel economy decreased to an average of 21 mpg combined, falling short of EPA estimates and competitors’ real-world results.<\/p>\n
Engine performance also showed signs of degradation. The smooth power delivery noted during initial testing gave way to occasional turbo lag, particularly when accelerating at highway speeds for passing maneuvers. The engine note, initially refined and isolated, became coarser and more intrusive as mileage increased. These characteristics contradicted Mazda’s positioning of the CX-90 as a legitimate alternative to established luxury brands.<\/p>\n
As a family vehicle, the CX-90 presented a mixed picture. The third-row seating, while adequate for children, proved cramped for adults on anything beyond short trips. More concerning was the limited cargo space behind the third row\u2014just 15.9 cubic feet\u2014which fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. When all seats were occupied, luggage capacity became severely constrained, challenging the vehicle’s utility as a true three-row family hauler.<\/p>\n
The second-row captain’s chairs, while comfortable and supportive, lacked the versatility of a bench seat option available in competitors. Family buyers who occasionally need to transport more than six passengers found this limitation frustrating. Additionally, the second-row seats didn’t fold completely flat, creating an uneven cargo floor when maximizing storage space.<\/p>\n
By 35,000 miles, several build quality issues emerged. Interior trim pieces, particularly around the center console and door panels, developed minor rattles and squeaks. The panoramic sunroof mechanism occasionally emitted groaning sounds during operation, and one of the power-folding third-row seats failed to deploy fully on multiple occasions, requiring manual intervention.<\/p>\n
Service requirements proved more frequent than expected for a modern vehicle. Beyond routine maintenance, the CX-90 required unexpected visits to the dealership for software updates addressing transmission behavior and infotainment glitches. While covered under warranty, these interruptions diminished confidence in the vehicle’s long-term reliability.<\/p>\n
The Mazda CX-90 enters a fiercely competitive segment where it faces established players like the Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, and Lincoln Aviator, along with mainstream offerings like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. While Mazda has successfully moved upmarket with vehicles like the CX-5 and CX-50, the CX-90’s long-term performance suggests the brand may have overreached with its flagship SUV.<\/p>\n
Price positioning presents another challenge. A well-equipped CX-90 Turbo S approaches $60,000, placing it within striking distance of more prestigious brands with stronger reputations for long-term reliability and resale value. Our 40,000-mile test suggests that while the CX-90 offers compelling initial appeal, its long-term ownership experience may not justify this premium positioning.<\/p>\n
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite performed reliably throughout the test period. The adaptive cruise control maintained smooth, predictable operation even in heavy traffic, and the lane-keeping assistance provided appropriate support without being overly intrusive. However, the system’s automatic emergency braking occasionally triggered false alarms, particularly when approaching overpasses or when other vehicles cut closely in front.<\/p>\n
The 360-degree camera system, while useful for parking maneuvers, suffered from image distortion that made precise positioning challenging. The rear cross-traffic alert system proved invaluable in crowded parking lots, though its audible warnings became overly sensitive as the test progressed, frequently alerting to non-threatening situations.<\/p>\n
Total ownership costs during the 40,000-mile test exceeded expectations. Beyond routine maintenance, several unexpected issues contributed to higher-than-anticipated expenses. While most were covered under warranty, they suggest potential reliability concerns that could impact out-of-warranty ownership. Depreciation estimates based on current market trends indicate the CX-90 may lose value more rapidly than some competitors, particularly those from luxury brands with stronger reputations for long-term quality.<\/p>\n
Insurance costs proved higher than segment averages, likely due to the vehicle’s premium positioning and repair complexity. Fuel costs, while not excessive for the class, were higher than EPA estimates suggested, adding to the total cost of ownership over the test period.<\/p>\n
The Mazda CX-90 Turbo S represents an ambitious attempt to redefine what a three-row family SUV can be, blending sporty driving dynamics with premium luxury. Our 40,000-mile test reveals that while the vehicle excels in initial presentation and short-term driving pleasure, it falls short in the sustained refinement and reliability that define true luxury ownership. For buyers considering this segment, the experience suggests that either established luxury brands or more pragmatic mainstream alternatives may offer better long-term value. The CX-90’s journey demonstrates that impressive specifications and beautiful design must be matched by consistent, durable execution across years of ownership\u2014a standard this Mazda flagship ultimately fails to meet despite its considerable strengths and admirable ambitions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When Mazda launched the CX-90 Turbo S as its new flagship three-row SUV, automotive enthusiasts and family buyers alike anticipated a vehicle that would blend Mazda’s celebrated driving dynamics with premium luxury and practicality. The specifications seemed promising: a 340-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine, a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. However, after subjecting […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":91920,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cards.overcentral.com\/cards\/en\/18255.png","fifu_image_alt":"Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Fails Reliability Test After 40,000 Miles of Real-World","footnotes":""},"categories":[2336],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-automotive"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cards.overcentral.com\/cards\/en\/18255.png","fifu_image_alt":"Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Fails Reliability Test After 40,000 Miles of Real-World","fifu_redirection_url":"https:\/\/www.caranddriver.com\/reviews\/a45873287\/2024-mazda-cx-90-turbo-s-reliability-maintenance\/","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}