2024 Mazda CX-90 flagship SUV with new platform and inline 6-cylinder engine

Mazda on Tuesday unveiled a new three-row SUV scheduled to debut next January, called the CX-90, which is based on Mazda's new longitudinal engine rear-wheel drive platform and will be sold overseas in March with the Mazda CX-60 compact crossover It made its debut in March with the Mazda CX-60 compact crossover sold overseas. Both vehicles are part of Mazda's premium large-size product group, which will also include a crossover for the U.S. market named the CX-70.

The CX-90 will be Mazda's largest ever. Mazda has confirmed that it will be longer and wider than the CX-9, which is 199.4 inches long and 77.5 inches wide; it is not clear whether the CX-90 will replace the CX-9 or be a premium alternative. Mazda currently sells the new CX-50 alongside the older CX-5.

The teaser photos show the new "Artisan Red" exterior color that Mazda will offer for vehicles based on the rear-wheel-drive platform. The teaser photos also show a badge that integrates the words "Inline6" with what appears to be a fake front fender vent.

The badge refers to Mazda's new inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, which uses mild hybrid technology and is available in gasoline and diesel versions; the CX-90 should have only a gasoline engine, at least in the U.S. market. Another possibility is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The plug-in hybrid is mounted on the CX-60 and delivers a total of 323 hp.