From Turbo Zoom To Stow‑And‑Go: Our Seats Got Whiplash
About this episode
The review kicks off with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, highlighting its attractive design, powerful turbocharged engine, and comfortable seating for six. However, the infotainment system is criticized as one of the worst in the industry. The conversation then shifts to the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, praised for its stylish exterior and spacious interior, featuring stow-and-go seating. While the engine performance is adequate, there's a call for a larger infotainment screen and potential engine options. Both vehicles showcase unique features that cater to family needs and driving enjoyment.
Two family haulers, two very different promises. We put the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica through their paces to find out whether driving joy or everyday ease should lead your next purchase. If you’ve ever stood in a dealer lot torn between a sleek three-row SUV and a minivan that just works, this head-to-head is your shortcut to clarity.
We start with the CX-90’s immediate curb appeal: balanced lines, tasteful chrome, and those painted arch moldings that make it feel premium without shouting. On the road, Mazda’s 3.3-liter turbo lights up with 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, backed by an eight-speed that helps it feel quick and composed. Our long loop returned an impressive 26.7 mpg. Still, there are caveats. A fussy start-stop system and a first-to-second shift that nags in traffic chip away at an otherwise athletic package. And the infotainment? It’s still behind the best, which matters when carpool chaos hits and you just need things to work.
Then we slide into the Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan with real presence. The laid-back windshield and blacked-out pillars deliver clean lines, while sliding doors and a generous liftgate make every errand easier. Inside, practical storage and durable, comfortable seating keep the cabin tidy. Top trims add surprising luxury, and dual sunroofs brighten both rows. The V6 and nine-speed won’t win stoplight sprints, but they deliver the right blend of power, quiet, and stability. The ace up its sleeve is Stow ’n Go: seats that vanish to create a flat, low cargo floor, then reappear when duty calls. Add competitive pricing and AWD, and you get a family machine that solves problems before they start.
Looking for a driver’s SUV with real power and premium vibes? The CX-90 makes every commute feel special. Need maximum flexibility, painless loading, and trip-ready storage on demand? The Pacifica proves why the minivan still reigns for real life. If this helped narrow your shortlist, share the episode with a friend, hit follow, and drop a review with the one feature you can’t live without.
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Mazda CX-90
"All right. Time now for this hour's car review. 2025 Mazda CX 90. Oh boy. I had the 3.3 turbo S premium plus. This is a standard SUV seating for six in three rows, all new for 2024."
The Mazda CX-90 is a new SUV that can fit six people and has three rows of seats. It's designed for families and has a powerful engine for good performance.
The Mazda CX-90 is a new SUV model introduced for the 2025 model year, featuring a turbocharged engine and spacious three-row seating for families.
turbo
"All right. Time now for this hour's car review. 2025 Mazda CX 90. Oh boy. I had the 3.3 turbo S premium plus."
A turbo is a part of the engine that helps it produce more power by forcing in more air. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power, enhancing performance.
three-row seating
"This is a standard SUV seating for six in three rows, all new for 2024."
Three-row seating means the SUV has three sets of seats, so it can hold more people, usually up to six or seven passengers.
Three-row seating refers to a vehicle layout that includes three separate rows of seats, allowing for more passengers, typically accommodating up to eight people in larger SUVs.
torque
"...3.3 liter turbocharged engine, 340 horsepower, 369 pound feet of torque. So it doesn't..."
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can produce. It helps a vehicle start moving and is important for carrying heavy things.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in the context of engines, refers to the twisting force that the engine produces. It is crucial for acceleration and the ability to move heavy loads.
horsepower
"...3.3 liter turbocharged engine, 340 horsepower, 369 pound feet of torque. So it doesn't..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a vehicle go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how quickly work can be done, with higher horsepower generally meaning better performance.
eight-speed automatic transmission
"lack in the power eight speed automatic transmission towing 5,000 pounds gets 23 in the city..."
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of car gearbox that changes gears automatically and has eight different settings, which helps the car drive more smoothly and use less fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission provides smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency compared to older transmissions with fewer gears. It allows the engine to operate at optimal RPMs for various driving conditions.
miles per gallon
"...gets 23 in the city, 28 on the highway for a combined of 25..."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go using one gallon of gas. The more miles per gallon, the less gas the car uses.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It's a key indicator of fuel efficiency, with higher numbers indicating better efficiency.
start-stop feature
"...the start stop feature kills the engine at any speed when the accelerator is not pressed..."
The start-stop feature is a system in some cars that turns off the engine when the car is not moving to save gas. It turns the engine back on when you press the gas pedal.
The start-stop feature automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel and reduce emissions. It restarts the engine when the accelerator is pressed.
Mazda Miata Mx5
"...with the Mazda Miata MX-5. What could use improvement there? Nothing."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small, sporty car that is fun to drive. It's known for being light and quick, making it a favorite among people who enjoy driving.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, two-seat roadster known for its agile handling and sporty performance. It's often celebrated for its fun driving experience and affordability in the sports car segment.
Hyundai Palisade
"Kia Telluride starts 36,190. Hyundai Palisade 36,8. And the Toyota Grand Highlander, which..."
The Hyundai Palisade is another family-friendly SUV that is spacious and comes with many modern features. It's a good choice for those needing extra room.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious seating, and a range of modern technology features. It's designed for families and has received positive reviews.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"Kia Telluride starts 36,190. Hyundai Palisade 36,8. And the Toyota Grand Highlander, which..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a new SUV that provides a lot of space and comfort for families. It's known for being reliable, which is a hallmark of Toyota vehicles.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a new mid-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and Toyota's reputation for reliability. It is designed to accommodate families with ample space.
Kia Telluride
"Kia Telluride starts 36,190. Hyundai Palisade 36,8. And the Toyota Grand Highlander, which..."
The Kia Telluride is a popular SUV that offers a lot of space and features for families. It's known for being a good value for the price.
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong performance. It has gained popularity for its value and family-friendly features.
fuel injected
"And I was getting 31.2 on a 1.2 liter turbo, normally aspirated, fuel injected, obviously."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into an engine more accurately, which helps it run better and use less gas. It's better than older systems that used carburetors.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel to an engine in a precise manner, improving efficiency and performance compared to older carburetor systems. It allows for better control of the air-fuel mixture.
supercharger
"Some have a supercharger, but they're not that often. But you got to wonder sometimes about the longevity of it."
A supercharger is a tool that helps an engine get more air, making it more powerful. It works differently from a turbocharger, which uses exhaust gases to boost air intake.
A supercharger is a device that increases the pressure of air entering the engine, which can enhance performance. Unlike a turbocharger, a supercharger is powered directly by the engine's crankshaft.
warranty
"Well, hopefully if it goes out, it'll go out under warranty. Yeah, you know, you got three or 36 as a standard."
A warranty is like a promise from the car maker that they will fix problems with the car for a certain amount of time or miles. If something goes wrong, you can get it repaired for free.
A warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer that covers repairs or replacements for a specified period or mileage. It protects the buyer from defects or issues that may arise.
diesel engine
"I know that on a Chevy truck, and I think most of them, the turbocharger on the diesels, they're in the center of the rear of the engine."
A diesel engine is a type of engine that runs on diesel fuel, which is different from regular gasoline. Diesel engines usually get better fuel economy and are often used in larger vehicles like trucks.
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel instead of gasoline. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.
Chrysler Pacifica
"Time now for this hour's car review. I had a chance to drive the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. Yes, it's a minivan. If you want to call it that, there's nothing really mini about it anymore."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a family minivan that has a lot of space and features to make traveling with kids easier. The 2025 version has different styles you can choose from.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a versatile minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2025 model continues to offer various trim levels, including hybrid options.
PHEV
"the Select PHEV, which stands for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle."
PHEV means Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It's a type of car that uses both gas and electricity, and you can charge it by plugging it in, which helps save on fuel.
PHEV stands for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor that can be charged by plugging it into an outlet. This allows for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency.
all-wheel drive
"pinnacle and pinnacle PHEV. I had the limited all-wheel drive. It's a minivan. Seats seven,"
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. It is particularly beneficial for handling slippery roads or off-road situations.
lift gate
"Huge, easy opening lift gate in the back end, but I liked the best look in minivan despite its age."
A lift gate is the back door of a car that opens up, like a big hatch. It makes it easier to put things in the trunk or take them out.
A lift gate is a type of rear door on a vehicle that opens upward, providing access to the cargo area. It's commonly found on SUVs and minivans, making it easier to load and unload items.
infotainment screen
"Interior highlights, seating surfaces, kid-proof, yet comfortable. Infotainment screen is small by"
An infotainment screen is the screen in the car that shows music, maps, and other information. It's like a mini computer for your car.
An infotainment screen is a display in a vehicle that provides entertainment, navigation, and information features. It typically includes functions like music playback, GPS navigation, and vehicle settings, enhancing the driving experience.
3.6-liter V6 engine
"It comes with the venerable 3.6-liter V6 engine, has 287 horsepower."
A 3.6-liter V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders and is 3.6 liters in size. It's designed to give the car enough power to drive well while still being efficient.
The 3.6-liter V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.6 liters. It's known for providing a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for larger vehicles like minivans.
nine-speed automatic transmission
"262 pound-feet of torque, nine-speed automatic transmission."
A nine-speed automatic transmission is a system in a car that helps it change gears without the driver needing to do anything. More speeds can help the car drive more smoothly and save fuel.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears for the driver. Having nine speeds allows for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
tow rating
"with a tow rating of 3,600 pounds. It gets 17 miles per gallon in the city, 25 on the highway"
Tow rating is how much weight a vehicle can pull behind it safely. If you want to tow a trailer, this number is very important to know.
Tow rating refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It's an important specification for buyers who need to haul trailers or other heavy loads.
base trim price
"Base trim price, $52,565. Price is tested, $59,165..."
Base trim price is the lowest price for a car without any extra features. It's what you pay for the simplest version of that car.
Base trim price refers to the starting price of a vehicle's most basic version, without any additional features or options. It's a key figure for budget-conscious buyers.
stow and go seating system
"...let me tell you something. That stow and go seating system is something to see how it works. When the seats are up, so the whole thing tumbles down into the floor..."
Stow and go seating is a way to fold the back seats of a minivan into the floor so you can have more space for luggage or other items. It makes it easier to switch between carrying people and carrying stuff.
The stow and go seating system is a feature found in some minivans, allowing the rear seats to fold flat into the floor, creating a large, flat storage area. This design maximizes cargo space and versatility for families or travelers.
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