Following its most recent redesign for the 2020 model year, the Ford Explorer is due for a refresh in the 2024 model year, as Ford Authority reported last October. That forthcoming update will see the off-road-focused Timberline and high-performance ST variants live on for another year, alongside some other updates that are typical of mid-cycle refreshes. However, the Ford Explorer isn’t alone in its heated segment, and will soon be joined by the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90, which has just been revealed.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is more than a simple replacement for the outgoing CX-9, riding on the automaker’s new longitudinal-engine architecture that it calls the “Large Platform.” Those same underpinnings also support a new lineup of electrified powerplants – a turbocharged 3.3L inline-six cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system that generates 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and a plug-in-hybrid setup consisting of a gas-powered 2.5L I-4 and 17.8 kWh battery pack that produces 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Both powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate wet-clutch setup and standard all-wheel drive with a rear-wheel bias for sportier driving. Meanwhile, Mazda says that the CX-90 will also return better fuel economy than its predecessor, but hasn’t yet revealed any of those specs – nor the PHEV’s all-electric driving range.
On the outside, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 retains the brand’s signature look but updates it with a longer hood, lower body trim, a host of new colors, and wheel designs measuring up to 21 inches in diameter. The CX-90 is both longer and wider than the CX-9, which translates to more interior space and room for up to eight passengers with three rows of seats.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is set to launch in the U.S. this spring, though pricing has yet to be announced.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
So here’s your wake up call, FMC! Add a proper hybrid and a PHEV (from the Euro-Explorer) to the 2024 Explorer now…enuf of this lukewarm stuff! That will satisfy your current customer base that doesn’t want a full EV!
Besides the price difference, the CX-90 is in another world compared to the Explorer. The Explorer only looks nice in higher trims but not it’s interior. The interior of Fords are awfully cheap and bland. Most trims are filled with black materials and finishes.
My mom has a new cx-9 (the predecessor). Super nice vehicle. Extremely quiet and well done cabin. I’d take it over any explorer that isn’t an ST.
Well done Mazda… now if you could only fix that alpha-numeric name….you would have a segment winner.
Sad when a tiny company can produce vehicles so much better than giant Ford.
Even more sad is now the Lincoln Aviator is suddenly outdated and old.
In 2020 I suggested that Ford had the makings of a great Residential Home Backup Power Generator in the newly released Explorer Hybrid Power Train. With just a little bit of work over, they could sale a lot of vehicles. Well, instead of following through with what could have been a game changer, they decided to conceive and build the idea into the F-150 Power Boost Truck. It worked, but I am not looking for a truck. For me the idea in an SUV would truly make the Explorer a Utility Vehicle, as suggested in the name (Sport Utility Vehicle). With all the Power Grid outages across the United States, it would have filled a great need to Temporarily power the house through some tough times.
Now I see the CX-90 coming with the same great potential in a Hybrid. Maybe Mazda can pick up on this thought process and build it into their new Hybrid CX-90.
I have owned many Fords in my life with hundreds of thousands of miles driven, (432000 on my 02 Explorer) “literally” but my wife owns a Mazda 3 with over 200,000 miles on it and it has been extremely reliable.
Maybe Mazda can give me what Ford could not.
Any other auto company can give you what Ford can’t do.