Mazda CX-90

• On the Riyadh to Dammam highway, the CX‑90 is great to drive; even at three‑digit speeds, you find good composure and cover ground relaxed. The inline‑6 is smooth, and the 8‑speed automatic superbly supports the performance.​
• You get AWD standard across every Saudi trim. This makes adventure and mountain drives even more fun. When you are approaching Abha or on gravel tracks near Taif, you feel confidence on changing surfaces immediately.​
• Expect real‑life mileage of 10 to 11.5 km per liter, which is not bad for a 3.3‑liter six‑cylinder carrying seven people.
• Towing capacity is around 2,268 kg, practical for buyers who need it.​

Some Realities

• Look at the difference in engines; the Turbo S at 345 hp is noticeably faster than the standard 284 hp version. Buyers who test the Turbo S first will feel the gap in the standard engine.​
• Honestly, the inline‑6 mild‑hybrid setup is unusual for the Saudi market. Many buyers will still look at V6 alternatives from rivals; however, Mazda’s engine is more refined. So checking on that is vital.
• You don’t get a pure petrol option without the mild hybrid. The system is maintenance‑free and largely transparent in daily use, but if you prefer powertrain simplicity, you should know this right at the start.

• On Saudi highways, the CX‑90 is undoubtedly quite composed and refined. You don’t get much road noise; in this segment, that is exactly what buyers expect. Similarly, the suspension is well tuned to absorb desert motorway rough patches without harshness. The drive from Riyadh to Madinah in this car is certainly a better experience than in most direct competitors' cars.
• What also determines your driving experience is the steering. For the most part, it works well with road situations and terrain. One big fun-driver part. For example, driving through the roundabouts of Al Nakheel in Riyadh and the sweeping curves on the road above Taif, the CX‑90 feels smaller and more connected than its size suggests.
• Another strong point is the 210 mm of ground clearance, which is good for Saudi city roads, gravel access roads, and light off‑road terrain.​

Things That Matter More

• Keep in mind, the rear‑biased platform that delivers the CX‑90’s handling quality also makes the ride firmer than families expect from a large three‑row SUV. On bad roads in older Jeddah districts or the industrial areas of Dammam, second‑ and third‑row passengers feel the surface more than they would in a Palisade. So experience both cars before you make a call.
• This is a big car, and in the city you feel that every day.
• Key features like adaptive cruise with lane centering are on the Preferred trim and above. Base‑variant buyers doing regular intercity drives do not have it, which, on a three‑row SUV at this price, is a gap worth noting.

• Overall it appears that the cabin materials are consistent from the dashboard top to the lower door cards, quite rare at this price outside German luxury brands. Soft‑touch surfaces, stitched leather, and weighted controls are found throughout the cabin, and nothing feels ad‑hoc or misplaced.
• You notice the difference in the 10.25‑inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is bright and usable even in Saudi sunlight. The physical rotary controller handles navigation and audio without touching the screen, which on a hot Saudi day has practical value every single time.​
• The Bose audio system on the preferred and above trims is among the better standard-fit systems in this segment. On a long evening drive toward Taif, it earns its place, a rare but good upgrade from a Japanese brand.
• For families, the second‑row captain’s chairs on upper trims deliver a real first‑class feel. Also, the legroom is generous, third‑row access is straightforward, and the folding mechanism suits daily family use.
• The Driver Personalization System adjusts the seat, mirrors, and steering column for the recognized driver automatically, giving real convenience. For a family where two people share the car, this removes a daily point of friction. Most owners are likely to love this.
• Third‑row AC vents and USB ports make this a real seven‑seat SUV, not a six‑seat car with just a showcase bench.​

What is missing?

• There are missing pieces, though. A panoramic moonroof is not available on all Saudi trims. At this price, that is an expectation, not a luxury, and rival three‑row SUVs include it more broadly. Generally this has become a standard nowadays, but Mazda doesn’t think so.
• For some buyers used to other brands, the 10.25‑inch screen feels smaller at a similar price. Those who prefer large screen sizes will notice this gap on a side‑by‑side test drive.
• The third row is definitely useful for children and shorter adults but cramped for tall adults if the drive is long. You must check the third row if that is what you need by actually sitting in it at the showroom.

• When it comes to safety, there is no Gulf-specification crash-test data. In other markets the CX‑90 has earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and a 5‑star NHTSA rating, which provides meaningful reassurance even without a regional result.
• As far as resale value goes, it is a mixed bag. If you are buying on Murabaha with a planned three‑ to four‑year exit, you should keep realistic expectations.
• Mazda offers just three years of warranty coverage, which may feel shorter compared with some rivals. So keep that in mind, especially buyers on longer Aqsat cycles should factor this in.​