Mazda CX-90 vs Polestar 4

The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $4,115.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $86,350 respectively.

The Polestar 4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mazda CX-90 and 92% for the Polestar 4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mazda CX-90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-90 and 7 in the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-90 misses.

The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Polestar 4 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-90 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-90 gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 4 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mazda CX-90 and 2-zone in the Polestar 4.

The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 4 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,120mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 280mm longer than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 269L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length.