For the past decade, my family has begun the summer with a camping trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This area is surrounded by the Great Lakes, Canada, and Wisconsin and offers a rugged and natural setting for our adventures. The journey from Metro Detroit takes about four to five hours on Interstate 75, and once we arrive, we need to have most of our supplies ready. While there are some grocery stores, bars, and ice cream stands available, it’s best to be prepared.
Our 2024 Mazda CX-90 has been a key player in these trips, and this time was no exception. Despite some issues with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the SUV proved to be a reliable and versatile family hauler. Packing for the trip was a breeze, as the CX-90 easily accommodated all our camping gear, including a cooler, tent, and fishing equipment. The Mazda’s spacious interior allowed us to pack everything we needed while still maintaining good visibility out of the back window.
During the drive to the Upper Peninsula, the CX-90 performed admirably as a comfortable and quiet expressway cruiser. The steering felt precise and engaging, and features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring added to the overall driving experience. Despite the lack of EV chargers in the area, we managed to average 24.5 mpg running on premium fuel, with one impressive 341-mile stint at 26.7 mpg.
Once we arrived at our camping site, the Mazda was put to the test with three nights of sleeping on the ground and four days of outdoor activities. The SUV was covered in dirt and sand inside and out, requiring a thorough cleaning session upon our return. Despite the wear and tear, the CX-90 held up well and proved to be a capable companion for our family adventure.
In comparing the CX-90 to other vehicles we’ve taken on similar trips, it holds its own against legendary long-termers like the VW Golf GTI, Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Sienna. While I rank it slightly behind the minivans due to their superior functionality, the Mazda’s fuel efficiency and sporty design make it a strong contender. The Forester was commendable for its performance in snowy conditions, while the Palisade stood out for its spacious and airy interior.
Overall, the Mazda CX-90 proved to be a reliable and versatile choice for our summer camping trip. Despite some minor flaws in its driving character, the SUV handled the challenges of the trip with ease. It passed the U.P. Family Camping Test with flying colors and solidified its position as a sporty three-row crossover that combines style and functionality. As we head into the end of summer, I’m confident that the sand and dirt accumulated during our adventure will be a distant memory.