Thinking About Your Next Big SUV? Lets Talk Gas Mileage and Green Choices
Thinking about a big SUV? You’re probably eyeing fuel use. What about the air we breathe? Honestly, these things matter more than ever. Today, we’re looking at the Mazda CX-90. We’ll see how it stacks up against others. We’ll also explore its real impact on our world. It’s quite a story to tell, isn’t it?
Understanding the Mazda CX-90 Fuel Economy
You know, picking a big family car is tough. It has to feel right. The Mazda CX-90 is pretty new on the scene. It brings a mix of strength, comfort, and smart design. Under its hood, you’ll find a strong 3.3-liter inline-six engine. People like its quick response. It truly handles well.
Now, let’s talk about gas mileage. The rear-wheel-drive CX-90 gets about 24 miles per gallon combined. That’s 21 in the city and 26 on highways. If you pick the all-wheel-drive version, it’s slightly less. It drops to roughly 23 miles per gallon combined. That’s 20 city and 25 highway. Not bad at all for an SUV this size. But here’s the thing, how does that really compare? Let’s see.
Take the Ford Explorer, for example. Its base model gets about 24 MPG combined. That’s pretty close to the CX-90. But then there’s the Toyota Highlander. Its hybrid model is something else. It can hit an amazing 36 MPG combined. That’s a huge difference! It really makes you think about hybrid power. From my perspective, the numbers don’t lie.
I believe the CX-90 finds a good middle ground. It gives you strength and saves some gas. But honestly, hybrid cars are winning on fuel economy. The Honda Pilot, another big player, gets around 22 MPG combined. So, the CX-90 does a bit better here. Yet, the choice really depends on what you value most. Do you want pure gas power or something greener? It’s a big decision for sure. It always is.
Emissions: A Closer Look
Talking about fuel economy means talking about pollution. You can’t separate the two, right? The Mazda CX-90, with its gas mileage, puts out a fair amount of CO2. We’re looking at about 5.6 tons each year. That’s assuming you drive 15,000 miles. Think about that for a moment. It really adds up. This shows how big SUVs affect our environment. Honestly, it’s a sobering thought.
Let’s compare this. The Ford Explorer sends out about 5.8 tons of CO2 yearly. The Toyota Highlander hybrid is much better. It only puts out around 4.5 tons each year. That’s because it uses less gas. Its hybrid system uses electric power when it can. It makes a real difference. Honestly, it’s troubling to see. Regular gas SUVs still create so much pollution. Our planet needs us to act. We need to find greener ways to drive.
What if we all chose better? It makes you wonder. The numbers tell a clear story. We need to move toward options that are kinder to Earth. It’s no secret that climate change is a big worry. Every ton of CO2 counts. We really must think about these things. It’s crucial for future generations.
Comparing Big SUVs: Who Wins on Gas?
So, let’s really dig into the competition. The Mazda CX-90 does pretty well. But some others are trying even harder. Take the Chevy Traverse, for example. It gets about 21 MPG combined. Then there’s the Kia Telluride. That’s a popular one, right? It hits 23 MPG combined. The Nissan Pathfinder also gets around 23 MPG. So, the CX-90 actually looks a bit better here. It’s good to know.
But here’s the thing about cars. It’s not just about the numbers. How it drives matters. How it feels inside matters too. The CX-90 offers fun handling. Its inside feels quite fancy. Many people want more than just good gas mileage. They want the whole package. It makes sense, doesn’t it? It’s a big investment, after all.
When we look at pollution, the differences grow. The Traverse puts out around 5.9 tons of CO2. The Telluride is close, about 5.7 tons. These are near the CX-90’s numbers. Still, it shows us something important. You really need to think about both fuel use and emissions. It’s a big decision for our wallets and our world. Some might argue that a small difference doesn’t matter. But imagine millions of cars doing the same thing. Then it absolutely adds up! Every single car contributes.
Real Stories: Owners Share Their Thoughts
How does the CX-90 truly perform? The best way to know is from owners. Many people are happy with its gas use. Especially for a big SUV, it’s impressive. Take one family of four. They said they could drive for ages on one tank. This was great for their road trips. They loved the power and the savings combined. It just worked for them, you know? A perfect fit.
I heard about a business owner too. They swapped their old SUV for a CX-90. They saw their gas bills drop a lot. That money then went back into their business. Isn’t that smart? It shows how small improvements can save big bucks. Over time, those savings really pile up. I am happy to see these stories. They really prove the numbers. From my perspective, this makes the CX-90 even more attractive. It lives up to its promise. That’s a big deal for buyers.
Experts Speak: Why Efficiency Matters
Car industry pros have a lot to say. They talk about gas use and pollution often. The U.S. EPA says transport makes a big mess. It causes almost 29% of all greenhouse gases. That’s a lot, isn’t it? It really shows how our cars matter. It’s a huge slice of the pie.
Dr. Jane Goodall, a famous environmental expert, put it simply. She said, “Our vehicle choices affect our planet.” SUVs are fine. But they must get better on gas. Her words are a strong reminder. We need to pick cars that are kinder to Earth. Think about the impact of every drive. Every mile counts.
A group called ICCT did a study. They found better fuel use cuts carbon a lot. They figured if new cars hit 40 MPG, we’d save huge. We’re talking 1.3 billion tons of carbon over their life. That’s incredible! It truly makes you think about the future. I am excited about what car makers can do. Mazda, for instance, is making progress. The CX-90 is a good start. But there’s always room to do more. We need less pollution and better mileage across the board. It’s a continuous journey.
A Look Back: How Fuel Standards Changed
Want to get how fuel economy works today? We need to go back in time. Remember the 1970s oil crisis? That’s when things changed forever. The U.S. government set new rules. They called them CAFE standards. These rules made cars get better gas mileage. Over the years, these rules got tougher. Much tougher, actually. Automakers had to adapt quickly.
In 2012, for example, a big rule came out. By 2025, new cars had to average 54.5 MPG. This pushed car companies hard. It made them invent new things. They built more efficient engines. They also started looking at hybrid and electric cars. It’s truly fascinating to see this journey. They had to create, not just tweak. It sparked real innovation.
Today, companies put tons of money into research. They want to meet these rules. Mazda, for instance, uses its SKYACTIV tech. This makes engines run better and use less gas. This history shaped cars like the CX-90. It tries to mix power, comfort, and gas savings. It’s a pretty big ask, but they’re trying. It’s a tough balance to strike.
The Road Ahead: Big SUVs Go Electric
What’s next for those large SUVs we love? It seems they’re going electric. More and more car makers are offering hybrids. They’re also making fully electric versions. People want to use less gas. They also want less pollution. The Toyota Highlander hybrid shows this clearly. People are ready for different choices. This is big, honestly.
Mazda has even dropped some hints. They’re planning more electric cars. We’ll likely see more hybrids soon. Fully electric models are coming too. Imagine a world where big SUVs are not just strong. They’re also super clean. This could truly change everything. It might shift what we expect from these cars. Think about the potential!
And think about batteries! New tech is coming. Solid-state batteries, for example. They promise much longer ranges for electric cars. As these things get better, who knows? Big SUVs like the CX-90 could become eco-friendly leaders. It’s exciting to think about that kind of change. It’s a real chance to improve our future. I am eager to see how it unfolds.
Actionable Steps: What You Can Do
So, what can we do? We all play a part. First, do your research. Look beyond just the price tag. Check out those MPG numbers. Find out about emissions too. Every car choice impacts our planet. It truly makes a difference. Your decision matters.
Consider hybrid or electric options. Even if they cost more upfront, savings grow. Lower fuel bills add up fast. Plus, you’re helping the Earth. Think about where you drive most. City driving often benefits hybrids. Long highway trips might suit regular gas cars for some. It depends on your daily life. Plan wisely.
Support companies that try to improve. Mazda is working on greener tech. Encourage them to keep going. Speak up about cleaner transport. Our voices really matter. Let’s work together for a better, cleaner future. It’s up to all of us, honestly. We can make a change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got some questions swirling in your head? You’re not alone! Let’s get to some common thoughts about the CX-90 and its rivals.
1. How good is the CX-90’s gas mileage compared to other big SUVs?
The CX-90 offers pretty good fuel use. It gets up to 24 MPG combined. It’s right there with cars like the Ford Explorer. But hybrid options, like the Toyota Highlander, are still ahead. Those hybrids use less gas, for sure.
2. What about the CX-90’s impact on our environment?
It puts out about 5.6 tons of CO2 each year. That’s for typical driving. For a large SUV, that’s not too bad. But it’s still a real amount. It makes us think about cleaner choices. Every bit adds up.
3. Does Mazda make a hybrid CX-90?
Not right now, no. The CX-90 is gas-powered. But Mazda has talked about future electric models. So, things could change soon. They are planning to create more hybrid options. It’s on their radar.
4. How does saving gas help the planet?
It’s simple, really. Use less gas, burn less fuel. That means fewer bad gases go into the air. When all cars get better mileage, total pollution drops. It truly helps our air quality. Cleaner air for everyone.
5. What’s next for big SUVs?
They’re moving towards electric power. Hybrids and fully electric SUVs are becoming common. People want cleaner rides. This trend is here to stay, it seems. It’s exciting to watch.
6. Is the CX-90 only about fuel economy?
Not at all! Many owners love its handling. They also really like its comfortable inside. It’s built for those who want more. It’s about the whole experience, not just gas numbers. It really balances many things well.
7. Why do some SUVs pollute more than others?
It comes down to engine design. Also, how heavy the car is. Hybrids use electric motors. This cuts down on gas burning. So, they usually produce less pollution. It’s about smarter tech and lighter materials.
8. What are CAFE standards? And why do they matter?
CAFE means Corporate Average Fuel Economy. These are U.S. government rules. They make car companies build more efficient cars. They force innovation, which helps everyone. They push for better mileage across all new cars. It’s important for our future, honestly.
9. Are electric SUVs good for long trips?
They are getting much better! Battery tech improves all the time. Charging networks are growing. Many can now go hundreds of miles. It makes long trips much easier. Imagine just plugging in at home or on the road! No more gas stations.
10. What’s the main takeaway for someone buying a large SUV?
Think about your real needs. Balance power with efficiency. Check emissions data too. Consider hybrids for big savings and lower impact. Your choice really counts. It’s a huge step for you and the planet. We all need to be mindful.
11. Do gas-powered SUVs have any advantages over hybrids?
Sometimes, gas models can cost less upfront. They might offer simpler maintenance. Also, refueling is super quick. You just fill up and go. Hybrids can be more complex. But the long-term savings often outweigh this. It’s a tradeoff, really.
12. How has technology like Mazda’s SKYACTIV helped?
SKYACTIV makes engines smarter. It helps them use less fuel. This boosts power and efficiency. It’s how Mazda improved gas mileage. It’s their way of making better cars. It’s a clever way to use existing tech. It really works.
13. What is regenerative braking in hybrids?
Some hybrids use regenerative braking. This system captures energy when you slow down. It turns that energy back into electricity. Then it stores it in the battery. This helps save fuel. It’s a smart way to reuse energy.
14. How do driving habits affect an SUV’s fuel economy?
Driving habits play a huge role. Smooth acceleration saves gas. Hard braking wastes it. Keeping tires properly inflated helps too. Even reducing extra weight makes a difference. Small changes add up over time.
15. Why is CO2 such a big concern?
CO2 is a greenhouse gas. It traps heat in our atmosphere. This warms the planet over time. Too much CO2 causes climate change. That leads to extreme weather and rising seas. So, lowering emissions is vital for everyone.
Bringing It All Together: The CX-90 Story
So, what have we learned about the Mazda CX-90? Its gas mileage helps it stand out. It gives you strength and saves some fuel. But its emissions also tell a story. We really need to think about our planet. Our car choices matter beyond our wallets. They shape our future.
The car world keeps changing. It’s exciting, actually. Companies need to keep inventing. They must push for greener tech. I am happy to see brands like Mazda trying so hard. They are stepping up to this big challenge. That’s good news for us all. It truly is encouraging.
As buyers, we have a big part too. Let’s make smart choices. Choices that help our families. Choices that help our Earth. The future of big SUVs is quite thrilling. I am eager to see all the new ideas. It’s going to be an interesting ride, that’s for sure.
