10 Reasons Why The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Is A Threat To Other Premium Plug-in SUVs

The shift towards electric vehicles isn’t happening as fast as automakers and the government would like. However, the popularity of plug-in hybrid models isn’t going unnoticed. By combining a small (and lighter) electric motor with a gasoline-powered engine, they offer better fuel efficiency without the anxiety-inducing EV range issue.

The market for premium SUVs with hybrid powertrains isn’t saturated, but one premium SUV with a plug-in hybrid system that deserves attention is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. It’s the Japanese automaker’s flagship plug-in hybrid model in the United States, and quite frankly, does a lot of things right. From its luxury interior and advanced safety features to its powerful gasoline engine, and a third row of seats it ticks all the boxes and then some. The CX-90 PHEV combines a turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a smooth yet thrilling driving experience.

In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information about vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like the EPA, Mazda USA, and Edmunds to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

1

Luxury Interior With Attention To Detail

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV punches above its weight in the interior department. The Japanese automaker is well known for its superb build quality and use of fine materials, but this model takes that experience to a higher level.

Handcrafted Materials For A Refined Cabin

Its seats are wrapped in premium Nappa leather and the cabin is kitted out in real wood accents that elevate the interior to a vehicle far dearer. It has even adorned the shift knob and steering wheel with leather for a premium feel. But Mazda has gone a step further by crafting a cabin with attention to detail, like ambient lighting and a panoramic moonroof that makes the cabin seem larger than it is.

2

Blends Efficiency With Impressive Power

Let’s not beat around the bush. The star of the CX-90 PHEV is its hybrid powertrain, the first one of its kind for Mazda in the United States. The sophisticated system marries a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a commendable 26 miles of electric range and an overall driving range of 490 miles.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Specifications

With a meaty 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine and a 63-kW electric motor, the CX-90 PHEV makes 323 horsepower and a healthy 369 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A gaze at the CX-90 PHEV’s performance figures shows how well the powertrain blends efficiency with power: 0 to 62 mph is dispatched in a zesty 6.2 seconds.

3

Decent Fuel Efficiency

One of the appeals of a plug-in hybrid, like the Mazda CX-90 PHEV, is that it takes less time to charge compared to a full EV, courtesy of the much smaller battery, of course. The other main attribute is that they are more efficient than their ICE siblings and rivals. We’ve mentioned the 26-mile electric range of the CX-90 PHEV. It also offers up to 56 MPGe according to the EPA, propelling it to near the top of the list for the most efficient plug-in SUVs. When the gasoline engine is working in isolation, that figure drops to 25 MPG. It boasts an impressive total range of 490 miles.

Fuel Economy

Mazda has pulled out all the stops to eke out as much range as possible in a large family plug-in SUV. It employs smart technology such as regenerative braking to recoup energy when coming to a halt and plows it back into the system to add more range. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV finds a great balance between offering an eco-friendly and zero-emission driving experience in EV mode.

In addition to that, charging the hybrid with a 120V outlet can take up quite a lot of time, but with a 240V outlet, it needs only 30 minutes to recharge from 20 percent to 80 percent.

4

Focus On Superior Handling And Ride Comfort

Mazda has a solid track record of building cars that offer great driving dynamics and are worthy of putting a smile on your face (think Miata and the famed RX models). The CX-90 PHEV might be aimed at families who need lots of space in a premium package, but it has the ingredients to offer a good drive too.

The evidence of that is the automaker’s decision to offer its bespoke G-Vectoring Control which enhances its stability by reducing the engine torque ever so slightly on turn-in and while under acceleration. It’s aimed at providing more grip when cornering, ultimately giving positive feedback to the driver. The CX-90 PHEV weighs more than double compared to the diminutive Miata, and therefore, Mazda has tweaked the suspension to offer a supple ride and soak up imperfections on the road. All this is nicely tied up with the standard all-wheel-drive system which syncs well with the hybrid system that offers instant pull-away from the EV motor and strong power higher up the rev range.

5

Advanced Safety Features

This mid-size SUV is aimed at families and that means safety is one of the main priorities, if not the top. Mazda has kitted the CX-90 PHEV with a plethora of advanced safety features that will give parents peace of mind when traveling with their loved ones. The automaker’s i-Activesense suite couples important features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. There are also front airbags, front knee airbags, weight sensors, and an automatic emergency braking system available as standard, providing a comprehensive list of safety features. Here are some of the safety features you get as standard:

• Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Smart Brake Support
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane-Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring With Vehicle Exit Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Seat Alert
• Driver Attention Alert

Opt for the mid- Premium Sport trim and you’ll further get features like:

• Road Keep Assist
• Secondary Collision Reduction
• Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Head-On Traffic Avoidance Assist

The top-of-the-line Premium Plus benefits with:

• Front Cross Traffic Alert
• Smart Brake Support Rear
• Smart Brake Support Front Crossing
• Rear View Monitor
• 360-degree View Monitor

6

Infotainment System Designed For The Future

Mazda has been producing cars for over 90 years, and it’s safe to say they’ve mastered the art of superior cabin quality. The CX-90 PHEV’s interior is crammed with features that serve the purpose of making life easier, and it’s kicked off by the 12.3-inch centrally-mounted infotainment display that features intuitive controls. The screen isn’t garish and huge like in other cars, but fits seamlessly into the cabin’s superb overall Feng Shui.

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Six USB ports

Other notable standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless smartphone charging dock. While more and more automakers scrap their in-house navigation systems, Mazda offers its built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates. For audiophiles, there’s a Bose Centrepoint Surround Sound system with AudioPilot featuring no less than a dozen speakers.

7

The Signature Understated Mazda Exterior Design

Mazda’s three-row plug-in SUV is a stunner. Let’s start from there. Its bold front-end is imposing with chrome touches on the lower bumper and around the grille. Among its design arsenal is distinctive LED lighting that distinguishes it from other models in Mazda’s lineup. Using brush strokes from Mazda’s signature Kodo design language, the CX-90 PHEV stands out among other mid-size SUVs with its rakish appearance, particularly in profile view.

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Exterior Dimensions

The PHEV model is adorned with huge 21-inch wheels that fit the CX-90’s arches with aplomb, and it also has premium paint options such as the pictured Artisan Red. Mazda says this color “has been specifically developed to suit large platform vehicles to accentuate its blend of high-performance appearance and world-class refinement.”

8

Versatile Cargo And Passenger Space

The base model has a second-row bench seat for eight passengers. The upper trim levels have second-row captain’s chairs for seven passengers. The third row is best reserved for children. As for the cargo space, you get 15.9 cubic feet with all seats in place. Tip the third-row and the space expands to 40 cubic feet. Now fold the second row as well and you get 75 cubic feet of space at your disposal.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Interior Dimensions

The third row has a 60/40 split and is nifty if you need space for bags or groceries but also need seating space. There are a myriad of nifty storage areas throughout the cabin, including behind the seats, drawers in the doors, and an extra cargo area under the floorboard in the trunk. The three-row plug-in SUV makes a great case to be ideal for families

9

It Starts At A Shade Under $50,000

We believe that Mazda’s approach when preparing the CX-90 PHEV for the American market was to build on its success credentials of offering a luxury SUV without the eye-watering price tag. The plug-in hybrid SUV is priced from $49,945 for the Preferred model and, frankly, it’s our preferred option because of all its standard kit.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Pricing

It blends spaciousness, sophistication, technology, good styling, and a comfortable ride along with a third row of seats to make a strong case for itself. Throw in the fact that it qualifies for federal tax credits for plug-in hybrids, it blows other hybrids like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and Lexus RX 500h out of the water by being competitively priced compared to its rivals. Its primary rival, however, is the

Toyota Highlander Hybrid
, and here’s how it stacks up against it:

10

Built For Long-Term Reliability

Mazda has garnered a strong following in the United States. The Japanese automaker has a reputation for building cars with strong build quality and long-lasting materials. That gives buyers peace of mind when thinking about forking out close to $50,000 on an SUV. It’s a vehicle that will be well-used in all manners, and that’s why knowing Mazda’s comprehensive warranty of 5-year/60,000-mile is included offers peace of mind. In addition to that, the automaker has also slapped a warranty on the battery that reaches no less than eight years or 100,000 miles. It goes back to the company’s long history of building cars and becoming excellent at it.