Mazda CX-90 2023: Australian release date confirmed for third quarter

Production has started for flagship Mazda SUV, with a launch of the Q7 rival set for around six months from now

The Mazda CX-90 will be released in Australia in the third quarter of 2023 (July to September), with the launch of the premium seven-seat SUV set to closely follow the arrival of the smaller but related CX-60 model.

Mazda’s luxury SUV push will begin in earnest in June of this year, when the two-row CX-60 model launches with a choice of six-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder diesel or four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines.

Mazda CX90 2023 white — The CX-90 will cruise into Australian showrooms in spring

The larger CX-90, by contrast, will not launch with a PHEV option in Australia, but the biggest Mazda SUV will offer local buyers the choice of a 254kW/500Nm 3.3-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder, or a 187kW/550Nm diesel-six of the same size.

Mazda revealed the CX-90 early this morning in southern California, where the vehicle was developed.

Marketing director of Mazda Australia Alastair Doak told Chasing Cars that the CX-90 will follow its smaller sibling “a few months later – in the second half of 2023, but not long after CX-60.”

Mazda CX90 2023 artisan red — The CX-90 will be offered initially with six-cylinder petrol and diesel power

Production has commenced for the CX-90 and it will first launch in its major target market of the United States before coming to Australia after a short lag.

Chasing Cars understands that Mazda Australia is working on complying the American-market CX-90 PHEV engine for local sales but this is not expected to be achieved before 2024.

The Australian pricing and grade structure of the CX-90 is not yet known but this is expected to be announced in the coming month or two.

The interior of the CX-90 features nappa leather and maple wood trim

Some guidance can be taken from the grade walk of the smaller CX-60, which allows buyers to choose entry-level Evolve, mid-spec GT or high-end Azami trim levels of all engines.

However, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told automotive media that it was reasonable to speculate that the flagship CX-90 would be more expensive than the dearest CX-60 grade, which is priced at $85,500 before on-road costs.

Mazda CX-9 GT SP 2021 Polymetal Grey front end — The existing CX-9 model will continue for at least one more year, alongside CX-90

By contrast, Mazda’s existing widebody three-row SUV, the CX-9, tops out at just over $74,000 before costs.

The CX-9 will be retained in Mazda Australia’s lineup once the CX-90 arrives in showrooms, but the future of the older model is only really guaranteed through 2023 because it has been discontinued in the United States.