We have owned a '20 Telluride SX Prestige AWD for the past 3 years and I would second all that you say. The packaging, technology, and dashboard materials/quality are all top notch. The driving dynamics are "meh." There are a few elements that feel "cheap" versus the CX-90 -- notably the look of the skinny tires, the way the car shudders when one of the doors is shut, the rubber wheel arches, and the engine note from the 3.8L V-6 -- but overall it's an amazing vehicle. After driving the CX-90 and a few others, we will be buying a Mazda to replace the Telluride given its similar interior quality and superior driving dynamics, acknowledging everyone's preferences are different. For nikpmd, maybe a BMW X7, new or used? It might not satisfy on third row and cargo volume but it'd likely hit the mark on performance and seating arrangement in this size class.
CX-90 Reviews are out
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- 2021 CX-9 Sig
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- 2021 CX-5 GT
I loved the interior of the XC90. The feel, comfort, smell and sound was all just perfect. Not sure what audio system is in there, but the sound in the XC90 was amazing. Was about to pull the trigger but talked to people in the service waiting area and they all said the same thing, wonderful car but expect to be at the dealer a lot -and buy the extended warranty - for get this - $10K!
Great user name btw
I actually checked out the Pilot and MDX this weekend. The MDX’s second row seats are too low. The pilot uses the same seats but sits a little bit higher and more comfortable IMO. I must say that the pilot’s drive and ride quality is impressive. Seats are comfy. The torque vectoring AWD is really astonishing in making it feel small. I honestly thought I was driving a CRV until I looked in the rear view mirror, haha. It’s relatively not as quiet but still quiet enough. It’s a super competent option in this segment. Its 3rd row is genuinely usable and was comfortable for the missus (5’ 3”). I would recommend the Pilot as well except for one minor miss which is their infotainment screen being small and dated. Otherwise, it’s a gem of a car. It’s doesn’t have the pizazz of the Telluride or Palisade, and if people made buying choices objectively, I can’t imagine picking anything else in this segment. I’m not in a hurry right now, so I decided to wait but if I absolutely needed one today, I’d go for the Pilot, no question.
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That in fact meets all of my criteria except the budget of course
. Maybe one day. I do agree that the CX-90 is in the same vein as the X7. The CX-90 is probably better looking in a suave way. The X7 is better in a badass way. I’m keeping an eye out for the X7 CPOs as I expect the 3 year lease returns should start coming in soon.One of the reviewers described CX-90 as the dad car for someone who previously owned a Miata. High praise for the driving dynamics. I can’t explain it but I want to drive the CX-90 again. I’d like to try the Turbo S and the PHEV.
I had almost exactly the same experience! Everyone said it’s a very nice car but seems like it’s riddled with issues. I posted in the XC90 forum about this and they said stick with Mazda, and that I won’t be happy with a Volvo
.Any news?
2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade - Worth the $10k Difference?
2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade review by The Straight Pipes. The Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus (Turbo Signature in Canada) is putting down 340 horse...
youtu.be
CX-90 Palisade comparison
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- Canada
2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade - Worth the $10k Difference?
2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade review by The Straight Pipes. The Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus (Turbo Signature in Canada) is putting down 340 horse...
CX-90 Palisade comparison
I've always liked their videos. Thanks for posting
Yes, well I don’t own a Miata, but I still have my 2014 FR-S. But I’m thinking about getting a car that could replace that and my Telluride. Hence the CX-90. But like you, I can wait a while. I will be hanging around here to what CX-90 owners say and what the issues are with this new Mazda.
It seems like you’ve driven every other car in this segment, so you should definitely check out the Turbo S! Personally, I can’t stand talking to car dealers until I’m ready to buy, and even then I can barely stand it! So thanks for the personal research…ha ha
I used to own a FD3S and my ideal dad car would be a RS4 or RS6 
For me a 3 row is not a must have. The wife, however, is adamant on PHEV premium so there are not many options out there. RX450h is a possibility when it comes out and maybe also the CX70 if it's smaller. 200" car is a tight fit into a garage. I don't think you could open the hatch without opening the door or backing up the car into our garage.
For me a 3 row is not a must have. The wife, however, is adamant on PHEV premium so there are not many options out there. RX450h is a possibility when it comes out and maybe also the CX70 if it's smaller. 200" car is a tight fit into a garage. I don't think you could open the hatch without opening the door or backing up the car into our garage.
My ‘12 Lexus GX 460 is a terrible space for the 3rd row passengers but surprised these options are longer. My ’12 is around 189” and even the ’23 is like 192”. I realize totally different use case and technology/MPG would frighten most away here.
Yes, I think the ‘23 is still on the same platform as the ‘12? The GX is great for towing
How's your comparison to the XC90 you drove, in particular ride quality, cabin noise, and handling feel? Which XC90 you drove, B5/B6 or T8 recharge? Both suvs offer interesting PHEV, but I feel that XC90 T8> cx90 PHEV, while cx90 i6> xc90 B5/B6 from the drivetrain perspective.I had almost exactly the same experience! Everyone said it’s a very nice car but seems like it’s riddled with issues. I posted in the XC90 forum about this and they said stick with Mazda, and that I won’t be happy with a Volvo
Really you don't want any of that CX90.
Have a look here:
www.youtube.com
Have a look here:
Why We Dumped the Volvo XC90 | Pros and Cons
We cover the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge updates and discuss the good and bad of the changes. This old SUV was released in 2015, and while certain things were g...
www.youtube.com
I haven't driven PHEVs yet. I'll probably start test driving them next month. I am warming up to idea of PHEVs.
I drove a friend's T6 during a local trip and test drove the B6 XC90. I really like the way it drives, ride quality and handling is good (not sporty but more tuned to feel luxurious). Powertrain is torquey and responsive, smooth gear shifts, start-stop is almost not noticeable, good turning radius, light steering. It's got all the qualities to make you feel like you are driving an expensive car except the engine note under acceleration and road noise. Because other types of noise is so well controlled, the road noise seems amplified. Where I live, we have a lot of coarse concrete roads and most vehicles with low profile tires suffers from terrible road noise and jittery ride. I rode along in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and test drove a CPO X5 a while ago. And they don't have this problem. So, this is definitely a problem with the Volvo XC90s. I saw in the Volvo forums that the annual Volvo dealer conference finished and mentioned a significant refresh is coming up for 2025 model year. So, I'd just recommend waiting a year if XC90 fits the bill for y'all. Alternatively, downsize to smaller wheel size like 18".
Regarding which powertrain is better between CX90 and B6 XC90, my personal preference is the Volvo for smoothness. The jerky transmission and lethargic off the line feel of the Mazda really put me off. After a while, the Mazda's fun revving engine becomes tiresome especially in traffic. I'd be curious to see a torque curve graph of the Mazdas (google can't find one yet).
This video from savagegeese has caused a lot of stir in the Volvo forums. 4 big threads spurred from this video.Really you don't want any of that CX90.
Have a look here:
Why We Dumped the Volvo XC90 | Pros and Cons
We cover the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge updates and discuss the good and bad of the changes. This old SUV was released in 2015, and while certain things were g...
FR-S is in the same ballpark as a Miata. I think you'll definitely enjoy the CX-90 if the utility, or lack thereof, is not an issue.
I don't know if The Drive is well regarded in these circles, but this article's subheading caught my attention. The article goes on to corroborate my impressions around ride quality. I'm curious to see what the reviewers are going to say when they get their hands on it for a full review. I hope Mazda is listening and tweaks it for the upcoming year. While at it, Mazda, please make your trims less complicated and give me a bench seat in the top trims!
2024 Mazda CX-90 First Drive Review: The Family SUV With Plenty of Hustle
A subtle suspension tweak would go a long way in making the top Turbo S trim more palatable
2024 Mazda CX-90 First Drive Review: The Family SUV With Plenty of Hustle
The Drive gets behind the wheel of the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S and PHEV, and finds that with some small tweaks, it could be perfect.
www.thedrive.com
Have had the XC90 T8 for 3 months now. Amazing car, great efficiency i performance with it plugged in daily. Initially eyeing the cx90 But can't wait that long.Really you don't want any of that CX90.
Have a look here:
Why We Dumped the Volvo XC90 | Pros and Cons
We cover the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge updates and discuss the good and bad of the changes. This old SUV was released in 2015, and while certain things were g...
