1st Mazda: CX-90 Turbo S PP Artisan Red on Tan

[ceric]

I got a '14 Mazda3 sGT (2.5NA) Soul Red.
(1st gen Soul Red. I heard it got even better with later gens)
It is absolutely beautiful under direct sun lights.

 

[EWL5]

For you current CX-90 owners, how many of you got the 2nd row captain's chairs instead of bench? I prefer bench myself since I need max passenger + cargo space.

 

[MNMACHT]

I did captains but that’s cause our kids are 21 (out of the house)18 and 16 with their own cars. So it’s usually only 4 adults max for us. Sounds like bench is best for your needs. Nice to have options.

 

[EWL5]

I did captains but that’s cause our kids are 21 (out of the house)18 and 16 with their own cars. So it’s usually only 4 adults max for us. Sounds like bench is best for your needs. Nice to have options.

Not the way Mazda has done it. The top of the line 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus only comes in captain's chairs.

 

[ccspeedsix]

That red is really nice!

 

[Tellulied]

Not the way Mazda has done it. The top of the line 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus only comes in captain's chairs.

Yes, it sucks! Bench all the way. You get the center cupholders and it keeps the dog in the back

 

[Antoine]

Here is a shot with morning sun hitting a rear quarter panel after a wash.

Wow that color is amazing and love the lines as well...Welcome and thanks for sharing!

 

[Trip CX9]

Yes it is soul red. I have test drove the Pilot trailsport twice (that’s all the dealers have for demos around here). The pilot rode softer but also had more body roll. Probably expected from a trailsport trim but I couldn’t find a EXL to test drive. Road noise in the trailsport was louder than the CX-90. The pilot also seemed to resonate tire slapping in the cabin on road expansion joints. Acceleration was fine but didn’t feel as direct or responsive. The interior was fine but stitching on the leather seats wasn’t straight. I found multiple paint blemishes on a display EXL at the dealer and the panel gaps varied quite a bit. In general it was fine but didn’t excite me or make me feel like I was buying something special for myself like the CX-90 does. Here is a shot with morning sun hitting a rear quarter panel after a wash.

Soul Red is amazing. In the right light is looks like the car is wrapped in foil, it’s so brilliant.

I agree with the overall comments about the Trailsport. I noticed the tire noise and body roll. I can confirm that the Elite, with lower ride height and street oriented treads is noticeably quieter and the ride is firmer with less body roll. I was impressed with the calibration of the iVTM AWD and how it keeps the rear wheels powered. The CX-90 is still better but the Elite closes the gap.

What’s pushing me towards the CX-90 is what you mentioned - most other vehicles I looked at don’t feel as special. I keep noticing all the Pilots around me everyday. I like that a fellow CX-9 is a rare sighting as I’m sure the CX-90 will be. I don’t want to see myself coming and going.