As of 2024, Mazda will sunset its flagship crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-9 and replace it with the upcoming Mazda CX-90. The CX9, which has been Mazda’s flagship crossover for sixteen years, is a 6/7-passenger all-wheel-drive mid-size SUV. With all the latest technology in a practical package, it is suitable for those interested in a family car as well as those who appreciate the crossover distinction.

Now, to the untrained eye, Mazda’s switch from the CX9 to CX-90 may appear as innocuous as the addition of an “ought” to the end of the model number. But make no mistake; Mazda has taken an aggressive redesign approach with the CX-90 that reflects the Japanese automaker's commitment to take its flagship crossover upmarket. One feature is a longitudinal engine layout that completely reconfigures the engine to a posture widely adopted by performance vehicles, but the most defining feature that will push the CX-90 to the head of the pack is its increased cabin space and passenger capacity.

RELATED: 2024 Mazda CX-90: Performance, Price, And Photos

Taking The Mazda Brand Upmarket

Grey 2023 Mazda CX-9 in the mountains
Mazda

Between 2000 and 2018, crossover sales grew from just four percent, of the market to 40 percent, a ten-fold gain in just 18 years. As we proceed into 2023, the growth seems to only continue. But with almost every auto manufacturer releasing a new model, it can be difficult to stand out.

The Mazda CX9 has suffered from lagging behind the competition. While being a standout for some of its great features, it has not gained the popularity of its competitors. It appears that Mazda aims to change that by giving consumers what they want: more space in a performance-oriented SUV, now built on Mazda's new large vehicle platform.

RELATED: 10 Things You Need To Know About The 2024 Mazda CX-90

Transverse To Longitudinal, How Will It Affect The CX-90?

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine
Mazda

Most modern vehicles use a transverse engine configuration, as opposed to a longitudinal one, which means that the engine is configured with the cylinders perpendicular to the wheels. Visually, this means that the cylinders are configured left-to-right in a transverse engine configuration.

The soon-to-be-replaced Mazda CX9 is no exception. A transverse engine configuration is functional because it is a very space-efficient design that allows for more cabin room. However, the transverse engine has drawbacks. This is what Mazda ultimately changed moving from the CX9 to the CX-90. The CX-90’s configuration will be longitudinal. Mazda claims that its longitudinal engine design will improve the vehicle’s handling, but it defines a new approach for the CX line to compete with performance competitors, particularly those from Europe.

Bringing to bear a longitudinal engine configuration with a rear-biased all-wheel drive powertrain and an in-line six-cylinder 3.3-liter turbo engine that is the most powerful that Mazda has ever produced, the CX-90 has a strong performance arsenal to make it competitive with luxury crossovers like the BMW X5. Turbo trims offer 280 horsepower while Tubro S trims offer up to 340 horsepower, both set up with mild-hybrid tech paired with Mazda's eight-speed transmission.

Normally this configuration shift would come at the cost of cabin space, but not so with the CX-90. Mazda has managed to switch to a performance-oriented engine configuration while actually increasing the cabin room of the vehicle. Mazda has increased the overall passenger volume in the CX-90 vs. the CX9 with an overall length of 200.8 inches and a longer 122.8-inch wheelbase, which is seven more inches than the CX-9. This will be the defining feature of the CX-90.

RELATED: The Mazda CX-90 Is A Firm Stance Against BMW And Audi

Defining The Mazda CX-90: More Space

Red 2024 Mazda CX-90
Mazda

If you're the kind who considers buying a crossover SUV, passenger and cargo space are often the most crucial factors that influence that purchase decision. Essential to competition in an aggressive marketplace is a brand’s ability to deliver a crossover SUV with the highest capacity possible.

However, the new Mazda CX-90 takes it up a notch over the CX-9 with the ability to seat 6-8 passengers. The Mazda CX-90 will offer eight trim options, of which three trim packages offer a spacious eight-passenger capacity. The PHEV electric version will only be available in 7/8 passenger configurations, with premium materials and features like A/C vents and USB ports making it to that third-row bench that offers up to 30 inches of legroom, a marked improvement over the CX-9.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Second-Row captain chairs
Mazda

This reflects a taller and wider cabin designed to seat the additional passengers comfortably. This will take Mazda into another category of crossovers: one that offers maximum passenger space without sacrificing comfort or performance. The Mazda CX-90 will measure up to the widely popular Toyota Highlander, which is an important step for Mazda to compete in the crossover market.

To summarize, very few crossover vehicles include a longitudinal engine design, but the performance specialists at Audi/BMW use it in their crossovers. Now Mazda is joining their ranks and, priced around $60,000 for the top-spec model it undercuts the German competition by a long shot.

Its longitudinal engine layout reflects a ground-up redesign and an obvious attempt to go upmarket and compete with more performance/luxury brands. This alone is an attribute you don't see in the mainstream segment. Mazda’s updates reflect a redefined approach to its flagship crossover that will help it compete with the wide range of popular brands on the market.