The CX90 PHEV, featuring three rows of seating and capable of traveling 26 miles solely on electric power, stands as Mazda’s most fuel-efficient passenger carrier. However, does this make it a worthwhile choice?
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 tend to be quite expensive, and some of their third-row seats 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, a plug-in hybrid might be the solution, 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 being purchased in the U.S.
However, if you opt for fewer features, you could acquire a CX-90 PHEV Preferred model for $51,995, which isn’t too shabby considering it’s a three-row PHEV these days. Nonetheless, this price tag remains over $12,000 higher compared to the basic version priced at $39,300 with an inline-six engine. Although the federal tax credit might reduce your expenses slightly, keep in mind that you qualify for it solely through leasing instead of purchasing the vehicle; hence, you’re still looking at a considerable additional cost.
With the additional cost, you receive an SUV equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four cylinder engine paired alongside a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery driving a 68 kW (91 HP) electric motor. The power gets distributed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. According to Mazda, this setup delivers a total output of 323 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering an all-electric travel distance of up to 26 miles. However, demanding acceleration might necessitate support from the gasoline engine prior to reaching those limits.
The CX-90 also comes with a two-row counterpart. the CX-70 PHEV, I've also had the chance to sample it recently. My thoughts on that particular model will influence my take on the CX-90, but let me assure you: If you're interested in this engine setup, along with the available body styles and interiors, you can choose between models with either two or three rows. However, even when selecting the three-row option, don’t anticipate an enormous vehicle. Although the CX-90 represents Mazda’s largest offering, the brand generally leans towards more compact designs compared to competitors within its class. Additionally, switching to a rear-wheel-drive platform has not enhanced the cargo space capabilities of the CX-90.
Related Stories
- The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Lacks a Key Improvement
- Used Buying Guide for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid still proves its worth.
- 2025 Volvo XC90 PHEV Boasts Enhanced Design, Updated Technology
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 flattened. While this seems spacious, it falls short compared to the cargo capacity of vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander, Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and even the fully electric Kia EV9. However, its storage volume aligns more closely with compact three-row models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, though it does surpass the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s cargo room.
What additional information would you like to know about this Mazda? I will provide a comprehensive report on its driving performance and fuel efficiency, but do you have any remaining queries?
I am closely monitoring the powertrain tuning and functionality since Mazda’s PHEV system seems to be facing 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, could you let me know which additional aspects you would like me to examine? Feel free to share your thoughts in the section provided below.
Contact the author: Mack.hogan@insideevs.com .
0 Comments