The Mazda CX-9 uses a front-wheel-drive based platform with a 4-cylinder turbo engine, while the Mazda CX-90 is built on a new large-platform with rear-wheel-drive bias and a more powerful 3.3L inline-six engine. The Mazda CX-9 is positioned as a more accessible, well-established 7-seater option compared to the more expensive, luxury-oriented Mazda CX-90.