These Japanese SUVs Hide a Luxury-Grade Turbo Inline-6 Under the Hood

The inline-six engine layout is one that is generally reserved for the likes of Range Rover and BMW. The silky-smooth power is associated with luxurious transport and usually comes at a high premium. However, one mainstream Japanese brand has made use of the layout in two of its SUVs.

There has been a general decline in the use of the inline-six engine layout for some time now, with manufacturers opting instead for four-cylinder engines boosted by hybrid systems or turbochargers. However, the layout may be making a comeback with its alluring symphony and its balanced refinement.

We explore the only two Japanese vehicles on the market right now making use of the layout, with both of them coming from the same brand. The mainstream brand aims to move slightly upscale, and this is clear with the ideology of these two SUVs. We dive into what else makes these Japanese vehicles so enticing and how they are genuine alternatives to traditional luxury SUVs.

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The Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 Can Make Up To 340 Horsepower

The latest vehicles in Mazda’s crusade to slowly move upscale are the CX-70 and the CX-90. Both are mid-size SUVs, with the main difference being that the CX-70 features two rows of seats while the CX-90 has three. More impressively, both come with six-cylinder engines under the hood.

Performance Specifications

The CX-90 is the first Mazda to have made use of the brand’s inline-six engine, debuting for the 2024 model year, with the CX-70 coming shortly after. In base form, the engine makes 280 horsepower, while the more expensive S models can put down an impressive 340 horses. Both make use of a 48-volt hybrid system. Power delivery from this engine is exceptionally smooth. Both the CX-70 and CX-90 can be had as plug-in hybrids, but they use an inline-four instead.

Whether you opt for the two or three-row version of the SUV, you’ll find it is much more nimble than you’d expect. The main downside being that the transmission can be a bit laggy, responding slowly to inputs from the wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The S trims are quick, though, able to motivate the CX-70 to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 6.2 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the CX-90.

Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, both the CX-70 and the CX-90 achieve identical fuel economy figures. This isn’t that surprising due to the fact that the only difference between the two is an extra set of seats. What is impressive, though, is that the much more powerful S models don’t punish you by being much heavier on fuel.

Compared to other three-row mid-size SUVs, the fuel economy of these two Mazdas is about average. This is fairly impressive considering they’re using inline-sixes and putting down a decent amount of power.

Safety and Driver Assists

• Mazda i-Activsense® Safety Suite
• 360º View Monitor
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Adaptive Front Lighting System

Both the CX-70 and CX-90 come exceptionally well-equipped when it comes to safety and driver-assist features. Among these features is Mazda’s adaptive cruise control system which features stop-and-go functionality. Both SUVs scored five stars out of five for safety in the NHTSA’s testing. The IIHS has also awarded both SUVs with the Top Safety Pick+ award due to their exceptional test results.

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The More Powerful S Trims Come At a Luxury Price

Mazda is clearly trying to define themselves as an entry-level luxury brand, particularly with these mid-size SUVs. While they still retain competitive pricing when it comes to their base trims, the top trims with the more powerful inline-six are priced similarly to some options from luxury brands.

2025 Trims and Pricing

If you’re looking for the most affordable version of these two sedans, it actually starts with the CX-90. This is because the CX-70 skips the base Select trim. Otherwise, both SUVs are offered with the same packages, with there being an $800 difference between the two to account for the additional row of seating in the CX-90.

If you want the more powerful 340-horsepower engine, you’re going to have to drop over $50,000 regardless of whether you want the third row or not. Go for the top trims, and you’re definitely entering luxury territory, with the Turbo S Premium Plus models being priced similarly to the Lexus TX, and coming close to the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90.

Best Value Trims

While the entry-level models are nice and the base engine delivers reasonable power, it is obvious that Mazda has designed these two SUVs to fight brands like Lexus, Genesis, and Volvo. They are meant to be similarly luxurious but slightly cheaper options, attracting those wanting a plush experience. Thus, we’d skip the non-S trims.

In our eyes, the 340-horsepower engine aligns better with the silky-smooth opulence that the CX-70 and CX-90 aim to achieve. While the Premium Plus trim is nice, the Premium package offers more than enough for most buyers. It includes features like 21-inch wheels, a digital gauge display, a heads-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. It also comes with an upgraded sound system and a hands-free power-operated liftgate.

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A Plush, Well-Designed Cabin Awaits You In Mazda’s Mid-Size SUVs

In order to be able to take on fully-fledged luxury brands, you have to be pretty confident in your ability to create a comfortable interior. It has felt like Mazda has slowly been building up to this point for a while, with the CX-30 and CX-50 offering class-above cabins, but the CX-70 and CX-90 are truly exceptional.

Interior Dimensions

Mazda’s two mid-size SUVs are brilliantly designed. Their interiors are made to offer a good blend of modern technology while holding on to a traditional level of class. While there is plenty of screen real estate, they are made to be accents rather than the focal point of the dashboard. Premium materials are used throughout, particularly if you opt for top trims, including Nappa leather upholstery and suede-like trim.

While not particularly cramped, Mazda’s upscale mid-sizers aren’t class-leading when it comes to passenger space. This is a trend that you’ll find throughout most of their lineup. This is especially true for those relegated to the third row in the CX-90, which doesn’t have an abundance of headroom or legroom. Cargo space is plentiful, though, with there being close to 75 cubic feet of usable room if you fold the third and second rows away.

Infotainment and Technology

Rather than being a large and gaudy screen, Mazda’s 12.3-inch system peaks out from atop the dashboard. While you can use touch controls when Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are in use, you otherwise need to make use of the rotary controller on the center console. This aims to reduce time not looking at the road, but it does take some getting used to. A 12.3-inch, fully customizable digital gauge display is also available.

There are plenty of desirable features available on the two Mazda SUVs. As long as you don’t opt for the base Select CX-90, you get wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging is also available. While base models come equipped with a passable eight-speaker stereo system, a 12-speaker Bose system is available on higher trims. Three-zone climate control is available as well, as are heated and ventilated seats.