Forget the Germans: This Mazda CX-90 Trim Will Shock You

Eish, you're looking at a family SUV that feels like it should cost R200k more – but which Mazda CX-90 trim actually delivers the best bang for your buck? This isn’t your average school run chariot, bru. Mazda’s trying to muscle in on the luxury SUV game, but without the luxury price tag. Let’s break down what you get for your rands, because it’s not just about leather seats – it's about getting the right tech, power, and practicality. ## So, What's the Fuss About the CX-90 Anyway? Look, we're spoiled for choice these days. You’ve got your BMW X5s cruising Sandton, your Merc GLEs blocking traffic in Cape Town CBD…but they cost a *fortune*. The Mazda CX-90 is aiming to bridge that gap. It’s trying to give you that near-luxury feel – the soft-touch materials, the athletic handling – without needing a bond to afford it. It's a three-row SUV, which is a big deal for families, and it’s positioned to take on the big boys without the big price. It’s a lekker attempt, but does it stick the landing? ## The Base Model: Is the Select Trim Actually…Decent? Let's be real. Base models are often…kak. Stripped down, feeling cheap. But Mazda’s actually done a decent job with the CX-90 Select. You’re already getting leatherette-trimmed seats as standard, which is a win. It’ll set you back $40,830, which, let’s be honest, is still a chunk of change, but it’s the entry point. Is it enough? Probably for the average family who just needs reliable transport. But if you're the type who likes a bit of spice in your life, you’ll quickly find it lacking. Think of it as the Nando’s lemon & herb – it gets the job done, but it’s not setting your world on fire. ## Sweet Spot Alert: Why the Premium Sport is Where It's At Now *this* is where things get interesting. The Premium Sport, coming in at $49,010, is the sweet spot. It’s a step up from the Select and Preferred, but still below the more expensive trims. This is the one you want if you're after a good balance of features and value. You get real leather seats, heated *and* ventilated in the front and rear, plus a heated steering wheel – essential for those chilly mornings. But it’s the tech that really seals the deal. We're talking a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system (for belting out your favourite tunes on the Durban beachfront), built-in navigation, traffic sign recognition, and Sirius satellite radio. And then there's the drive mode selector. Sport, off-road, *and* towing modes? Jislaaik, that's versatility. This trim also unlocks a 5000-pound tow rating, which is a game changer if you’re hauling a boat or a caravan. ## Need to Tow? The Premier Tow Package Explained Speaking of towing, let’s get into the details. The Premium Sport and above trims can tow up to 5000 pounds, which is substantial. However, trims *below* that can only manage 3500 pounds. If towing is a priority, you’ll want to look at the tow packages. The $900 Premier Tow option gets you everything – trailer hitch, harness, tow ball mount, and even a brake controller. For $700, the Essential Tow package is a more basic option, just the hitch and harness. Choose wisely, bru. ## Splashing Out: What Do You *Actually* Get with the S Trims? Alright, so you’ve got some disposable income. You’re thinking about the S Premium Sport ($55,760) and S Premium Plus ($59,100). What’s the difference? Power, mostly. These trims get a more highly tuned engine, delivering 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Car and Driver tested the S Premium Plus and clocked a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. That’s a noticeable jump in performance. Both S trims also add an interior camera system that remembers your seat and mirror settings – a nice touch. But it’s the S Premium Plus that really goes all-out. ## Nappa Leather & Tech: Is the Premium Plus Worth the Extra Dough? The S Premium Plus is the full befok experience. We're talking nappa-leather-trimmed seats, premium accents, ventilated second-row seats (yes, you read that right), and a rear console. It’s the kind of luxury you’d expect in a much more expensive vehicle. Plus, it gets a few unique features like front cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, adaptive front lighting, a windshield de-icer, and a 150-watt power outlet. It’s the ultimate CX-90, but is it worth the extra $59,100? That depends on how much you value those extra luxuries. ## The Bottom Line: Which CX-90 Should *You* Buy? Look, every CX-90 trim is a solid choice. Mazda has done a great job creating a near-luxury SUV that doesn’t break the bank. But if I had to pick one, I’d go with the **Premium Sport**. It hits that sweet spot of features, performance, and value. You get the leather, the Bose sound system, the drive mode selector, and the respectable towing capacity without emptying your bank account. If you absolutely *need* the extra power and luxury, then the S Premium Plus is worth considering. But for most people, the Premium Sport is the smartest buy. It's a lekker vehicle that delivers a premium experience without the premium price. But now I'm wondering… if you’re looking for a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mazda, is the CX-50 the better option? We're diving into that next.