2024 Mazda CX-90, 3-row RWD platform with a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine.

Mazda has taken its first big leap into the future and is ready to plug in while aiming to fit the whole family.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuted Tuesday. With a new hybrid powertrain, a rear-wheel-drive based platform, and three rows of seats, the car is eyeing more boring competition.

At the moment, the CX-90 is light on details and flush with beautiful design elements that might excite enthusiastic families. According to Mazda, the CX-90 will go on sale this spring, with pricing, fuel economy, electric-only range, and actual body dimensions to be announced closer to launch.

In-line, turbo, rear-wheel-drive based

The CX-90 will debut Mazda's new clean-sheet rear-wheel-drive based large platform for the US market. All CX-90s will be all-wheel-drive hybrids with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid combines a 2.5-liter inline-four with an electric motor sandwiched between an eight-speed transmission; a 17.8 kwh lithium-ion battery pack is mounted just behind the second row and extends below the third row. Total system output is 323 hp and maximum torque is 369 lb-ft. Mazda said the system can run in electric-only mode or as a hybrid and has enough electric range for daily driving, but did not comment on range.

The Turbo 6 model is powered by a new clean-sheet 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo with a single-scrolling single turbo, mated to an electric motor mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 340 hp and maximum torque is 369 lb-ft.

Mitsuru Wakiya, head of the CX-90 program, told Motor Authority that it is no coincidence that the two powertrains have identical torque values. This output is close to the output limit of the new 8-speed automatic: the 8-speed automatic transmission is a clean-sheet in-house design with two wet clutches and no torque converter, the latter being replaced by an electric motor. Behind the engine, in the transmission casing, is the electric motor, with the wet clutch, the 8-speed automatic transmission, and a further wet clutch connected to the driveshaft.

The all-wheel drive system developed by Mazda sends about 80% of the power to the rear wheels under typical driving conditions, Wakie said. The executive said that even in electric mode, the CX-90 delivers power to all four wheels, something that is not possible with the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge. There is no torque vectoring or limited slip differential, but the system can send up to 50% more power to the front wheels.

Mazda has added a Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system, first introduced in the 2022 MX-5 Miata. This electronic control feature improves cornering stability by applying braking force to reduce body roll during cornering while improving grip. The concept is similar to the brake-based torque vectoring system used in other vehicles.

The new platform allows Mazda to package double wishbone suspension in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear; the CX-90 does not feature an active damping system or air suspension.

Luxurious looks with seating for up to eight passengers

One glance at the CX-90 will tell you that its three rows of seats set it apart from the competition.

Longer and wider than its successor, the CX-9, the CX-90's short front overhangs and long hood lead to a large dash-to-axle ratio and a tidy rear end. The design language has evolved and refined, with flamboyant fenders, but everyone will know this is a Mazda vehicle. The top-of-the-line Signature model comes with 21-inch aluminum wheels.

The CX-90 can be configured to seat six, seven, or eight passengers. The current CX-9 can only seat six or seven, depending on the configuration. Depending on the trim, the second row of the CX-90 will have a bench seat or two captain's chairs, while some models will have a two-seat third row and others will have a three-seat last row. Mazda did not elaborate on which trims will feature which configuration.

The second and third row seats are stadium style. At 170 cm tall, I was able to sit behind myself in all three rows, leaving about an inch of headroom above my head in the third row. However, due to the packaging and battery pack, there is a decent amount of legroom and footroom; both rows fold completely flat and can carry a large load, and the third row can be folded down to a more comfortable position.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital meter cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Mazda will stick to a rotary dial and button input system, and the screen will support touch input only when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The active safety set will be expanded, but this early reveal did not yet provide sufficient details on that feature set. The signature model shown at this reveal appears to support a rearview camera system that is projected in the rearview mirror, but Mazda has yet to comment on this feature.

Up-close materials and surfaces appear to be a strength. On the Signature model, nappa leather and open-pore curly maple wood seem to be stepping into luxury territory. The latter features a shimmering effect and is used on the guitars. The signature white interior features a linen-like trim material on the dashboard and door panels. Other trims will feature dark interior colors and plastic trim with a mesh-like embossed design.