Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid: Your Questions Answered as We Test Drive

Offering three rows of seating and capable of traveling 26 miles solely on electric power, the CX90 PHEV represents Mazda’s pinnacle of efficiency for passenger vehicles. However, does this model truly shine?

Finding a reliable three-row electric vehicle for families isn’t simple. Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X , Mercedes EQS SUV and Cadillac Escalade IQ They are all quite expensive, and some of their third rows are rather cramped. Volkswagen ID. Buzz isn't cheap either, and It isn't suitable for extensive long-distance family travel. . The trims of the Kia EV9 go ahead, but they can become quite expensive as well.

Therefore, for those shopping with a limited budget, the solution might be a plug-in hybrid, such as the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Volvo XC90 or the car I'm driving this week, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Currently, "more affordable than a three-row electric vehicle" doesn’t imply that it’s inexpensive. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus parked outside comes with an MSRP sticker price of $59,405 including the mandatory destination fee, which is roughly $10,000 above the current national average for new cars.

However, if you opt for fewer features, you could get a CX-90 PHEV Preferred model for $51,995, which isn’t too shabby considering it’s a three-row PHEV in today’s automotive landscape. Still, this price tag is over $12,000 higher compared to the basic version priced at $39,300 with an inline-six engine. Although the federal tax credit might help reduce the cost somewhat, keep in mind that you’re eligible for it solely through leasing instead of purchasing the vehicle; thus, you’ll still end up paying extra.

With the additional cost, you receive an SUV equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine alongside a 17.8 kWh battery driving a 68 kW (91 horsepower) electric motor. The power is distributed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. According to Mazda, this configuration delivers a total output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering an all-electric range of 26 miles. However, when encountering higher torque requirements, reliance on internal combustion support might still be necessary prior to reaching those limits.

The CX-90 also features a two-row counterpart. the CX-70 PHEV, I've also had a chance to sample that particular model. My thoughts on the car will be included in my CX-90 review, but let me summarize: If what interests you most about the CX-90 is its engine options, body style, and cabin design, then you’ll find them available whether you choose a two-row or three-row configuration. However, even when opting for the three-row variant, don’t anticipate an overly large vehicle. Despite being Mazda’s largest offering, the CX-90 remains more compact compared to similar models from competitors. Additionally, switching to a rear-wheel-drive architecture has not enhanced its cargo space capabilities.

The CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, which expands to 74.2 cubic feet when both back seats are laid down flat. While this might seem spacious, it falls short compared to the cargo capacity offered by vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander, Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and even the fully electric Kia EV9. However, the CX-90’s cargo volume aligns more closely with compact three-row SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, surpassing only the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in terms of cargo room.

What additional details would you like to learn about this Mazda? I will provide a comprehensive overview of its driving performance and fuel efficiency, but do you have any remaining queries?

I am closely monitoring the powertrain calibration and performance since Mazda’s PHEV system has had some initial challenges. According to Consumer Reports, the CX-90 PHEV was ranked among the least dependable new SUVs for 2025, partly because of problems related to both the PHEV battery and the vehicle’s eight-speed gearbox. However, let me know if there are other aspects you would like me to pay attention to. Feel free to share your thoughts in the section provided below.

Contact the author: Mack.hogan@insideevs.com .