Mazda CX-90 PHEV Review: Trims, Specs, Features

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Review: Trims, Specs, Features

If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV featuring premium amenities and an efficiency-enhancing plug-in hybrid powertrain, you’ll want to see our Mazda CX-90 PHEV review.

The new Mazda CX-90 and its inline-six engine have been winning praise, and rightfully so, but today, we’re focusing on the Mazda CX-90 PHEV model. It’s paired with its own next-generation Mazda powertrain of the plug-in hybrid variety.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is now available through your local Mazda dealer and coming to used car lots near you, so if you’re considering this three-row crossover SUV as your next vehicle, you’ll want to get familiar with the CX-90 PHEV, including its available features, specs, and trims.

See our Mazda CX-90 PHEV review as you start shopping and comparing this plug-in hybrid SUV to other options.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV MPG: Fuel-Efficient Performer

Before diving into the details of the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV trim levels, we should review the benefits of this CX-90 plug-in hybrid variant, and why you might choose it over the standard model paired with the automaker’s new inline-six engine.

After all, the CX-90 PHEV MPG and MPGe ratings, EV range, and plentiful torque are three top selling points of this model.

Like the inline-six of the standard CX-90 model, the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV powertrain features electrifying performance, courtesy of a gas-electric hybrid setup. Instead of the six-cylinder’s 11 kW M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system, though, the CX-90 PHEV utilizes a plug-in hybrid powertrain, as the model name suggests.

The Mazda e-Skyactiv-PHEV powertrain propelling this new Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid model features a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine coupled with a 68 kW electric motor, resulting in a total system output of up to 323 horsepower while burning premium fuel (or 319 horsepower on regular unleaded gas).

With 369 pound-feet of torque, a rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD system, and Sport, Off-road, and EV drive modes courtesy of the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system, the CX-90 PHEV is a true performance plug-in hybrid SUV.

This three-row Mazda CX-90 hybrid can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. With its PHEV e-Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, you can seamlessly switch from smooth and highly efficient cruising to a spirited drive on the fly.

How about its fuel efficiency? Are the Mazda CX-90 PHEV MPG ratings worth the price premium over the standard CX-90 inline-six model? Let’s have a look at the Mazda CX-90 PHEV fuel economy and pricing so you can decide for yourself.

The 323-horsepower CX-90 PHEV starts around $50k in the States and is rated at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city/highway driving. When running this plug-in hybrid SUV on non-liquid fuels, its miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent is an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe.

With an EPA-estimated EV range of 26 miles plus a total driving range of 490 miles with the full hybrid system, the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV fuel economy impresses just as much as its power output.

In contrast, the 280-horsepower Mazda CX-90 inline-six model starts at around $40k in the U.S. Like the CX-90 PHEV, it is also rated at an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined city/highway. However, the standard model falls short of the PHEV in torque at 332 pound-feet, and by not offering any pure EV range.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Trims: Choose Your Equipment Level

Perhaps it’s unsurprising that the Mazda CX-90 PHEV model comes in just three trims or editions, given its roughly $10k price premium over the CX-90 inline-six model when purchasing either as brand-new.

The benefit of this pricing structure for SUV buyers is that the CX-90 PHEV comes a bit better equipped in its base trim than the inline-six model.

For instance, while the six-cylinder CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select base model gets leatherette seating surfaces, the CX-90 PHEV Preferred base trim boasts genuine leather seating and heated front seats. The main difference is that the Preferred trim is the second edition for the six-cylinder model, but it’s the base trim for the CX-90 PHEV.

But, if you’re leaning more toward the plug-in hybrid variant, you’ll want to know how the CX-90 PHEV trim options compare. Let’s have a look:

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Preferred

The CX-90 PHEV Preferred could be the ideal three-row plug-in hybrid SUV if you’re looking to maximize your passenger-hauling capabilities. That’s because the Mazda CX-90 PHEV Preferred is the only edition of this Mazda plug-in hybrid SUV that features eight-passenger seating.

With the Preferred trim, you’ll get two rows of bench seating, with both benches featuring split-folding seats, enabling the eight-passenger interior to morph into cargo-hauling mode in a matter of moments. Seven-passenger seating is available on Preferred trims, however, replacing the second-row bench with two captain’s chairs.

Other key standard features of the eight-passenger Mazda CX-90 PHEV Preferred include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with Silver finish
• Power tilt and sliding-glass moonroof
• 10.25-inch center display
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated front seats
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane-keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Smart Brake Support – Front
• Rear power liftgate with programmable height adjustment

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium

Moving to the mid-grade CX-90 PHEV Premium brings substantial upgrades, along with standard seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs.

The most striking difference between the Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium and the base edition is the Premium’s larger 21-inch alloys featuring a bold and stylish machined finish.

Added cabin tech featured inside the CX-90 PHEV Premium trim includes:

• Bose 12-speaker premium surround sound system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Mazda Navigation System
• Wireless phone charger

Enhanced safety and driver-assistance technologies are here, too, with the Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium trim gaining:

• Auto Speed Limit Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist
• Road Keep Assist
• Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist

The Premium and range-topping Premium Plus, which we’ll cover next, get two additional exterior color or paint options compared to the Preferred base trim, namely Sonic Silver Metallic and the new Artisan Red Premium, designed specifically for Mazda’s new large-platform premium SUVs like the CX-90 and first-ever Mazda CX-70.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

For peak comfort and style inside the Mazda CX-90 PHEV interior, opt for the top-trim Premium Plus. Its upgrades are highlighted by premium Nappa leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.

The CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus also gets a larger 12.3-inch center display in place of the standard 10.25-inch screen.

Added comfort, convenience, driver assistance, and safety features found on the CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus include:

• Automatic power folding side mirrors
• Second-row center console with storage and two USB-C chargers
• Heated steering wheel
• 360-degree View Monitor with see-through view
• Smart Brake Support – Reverse
• Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Interior Colors & Materials

Every edition of the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV interior comes with leather-trimmed seating and includes heated front seats as standard.

Select either the CX-90 PHEV Preferred base trim or the mid-tier CX-90 PHEV Premium, and you’ll have a choice of Greige leather or Black leather seating surfaces.

The PHEV Premium’s standard seven-passenger interior with second row-captain’s chairs is available on the CX-90 PHEV Preferred, currently at no extra cost, but the base model comes standard with eight-occupant seating with a second-row bench seat.

Upgrading to the top-trim CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus presents two interior options, both with upscale Nappa leather seating material. Choose from Black or White Nappa leather seats in your new Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Review: Which Trim Would We Pick?

If you’ve narrowed your three-row SUV options down to a Mazda CX-90 PHEV, you’ve already chosen a well-equipped model, no matter which trim level you select.

With its 323-horsepower PHEV powertrain, EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined fuel economy rating, 490-mile range, and 26-mile EV range, every edition of the CX-90 PHEV is primed to perform.

The base model CX-90 PHEV Preferred is a no-brainer if you’re after eight-passenger seating, even though it can also be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs and a seven-passenger seating configuration like higher trims.

However, if maximizing your seating capacity to eight isn’t a priority, we’d recommend upgrading to the CX-90 PHEV Premium edition.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium trim’s most noticeable upgrade from the base model is its 21-inch machined alloy wheels, replacing the CX-90 PHEV Preferred’s 19-inch silver-painted alloys. The larger 21-inch wheels suit this three-row SUV’s design better than the smaller 19s and also help give the CX-90 PHEV exterior a more premium road presence.

While the range-topping CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus comes with plenty of perks like a larger 12.3-inch center display and luxurious Nappa leather seats, its roughly $3k price premium over the mid-grade CX-90 PHEV Premium pushes this SUV’s new-car price even closer to luxury vehicle territory.

We think the mid-tier CX-90 PHEV Premium is the best value for the money when buying one of these Mazda plug-in hybrid SUVs as brand-new. Of course, if you’re looking to buy pre-owned, the price gap between the three available CX-90 PHEV trims should narrow, making the Premium Plus an even more attractive alternative.

If you live in a warm-weather climate, like the Florida-based MazdaMotoring team, then the top-of-the-line CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus is tempting and could be the way to go. After all, it’s the only edition boasting standard ventilated front seats to help keep you cool.

We hope our Mazda CX-90 PHEV trims review has helped you determine your ideal version of this plug-in hybrid SUV.

We’ll be covering and comparing the Mazda CX-90 vs. CX-90 PHEV, as well as this SUV’s two-row sibling, the highly anticipated Mazda CX-70, so stay tuned for more Mazda news, reviews, and comparisons from MazdaMotoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV range?

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV range reaches up to 490 miles, thanks to its fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. Beyond its total driving range of 490 miles, the CX-90 PHEV also offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of EV range, meaning this SUV can travel limited distances on electric power alone. Experience limited full EV driving plus 490 miles of total range with the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid lineup.

What is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV MPG rating?

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV efficiency is rated at up to an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city/highway driving while utilizing the full gas-electric hybrid powertrain. This plug-in hybrid SUV earns an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe when running on non-liquid fuels, with an EPA-estimated EV range of 26 miles on electric power alone. Its total range with the full hybrid system is 490 miles on a single tank of fuel.

What is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV 0-60 time?

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV 0-60 time is just 5.9 seconds, which makes it even faster than the Mazda CX-90 inline-six model. While the standard CX-90 SUV can sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, the CX-90 PHEV cuts the 0-60 time down by more than half a second. With its 5.9-second 0-60 time, the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid three-row SUV proves to be a formidable performer.

What’s the Mazda CX-90 PHEV price and trims?

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV price starts at $49,945 for the 2024 model in the U.S. This Mazda CX-90 PHEV MSRP is for the PHEV Preferred trim. Also available are the mid-tier PHEV Premium, priced at $54,400, and the range-topping PHEV Premium Plus at $57,450, with both adding 21-inch wheels and second-row captain’s chairs. The new Mazda CX-90 MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees, and destination charge.