2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Review

The CX-90 is built on a brand-new rear-wheel drive architecture. Mazda can now mount engines longitudinally rather than the more budget-friendly transverse layout found in all front-wheel-drive cars. This new architecture means that Mazda’s CX-90 can offer a more luxurious driving experience when compared to previous generation products like the CX-9, while also having the ability to fit larger engine configurations. 

The move to a rear-drive architecture and longitudinally mounted engine setup shows just how serious Mazda is about building a luxury SUV. Rather than continue to evolve their proven platform from the CX-9 Mazda invested in a platform that will carry the brand into a new future. Mazda is no stranger to building superb rear-wheel-drive cars, just ask any Mazda Miata owner, but does this shift warrant the risk?

Based on our driving experience in the new CX-90 it is. During back-to-back drives with the previous generation Mazda CX-9, there’s a clear dynamic shift from a competent front-wheel-drive SUV to a real luxury driving experience. The improved dynamics and feel during normal driving make the investment worthwhile. For a first-generation product, the CX-90 feels composed and well-sorted. The new CX-90 gets power down in a more controlled manner and feels far better than the CX-9 during normal driving. 

Hybrid Power For Every Speed

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s first foray into the hybrid market. Mazda is known for building reliable gasoline engines without unnecessary complication, but in the new CX-90 things change significantly. The Mazda CX-90 comes with two engine choices including Mazda’s tried and true 2.5-liter inline-4 or a brand new turbocharged 3.3-liter straight-6. The four-cylinder CX-90 is offered as a plug-in hybrid only while all inline-6 CX-90s are offered with a mild-hybrid setup. 

Mazda developed a brand new 3.3-liter straight-6 engine to compliment the CX-90's new rear-drive architecture. Taking a page right from BWM’s playbook, Mazda couples the superbly smooth straight-6 engine layout with a composed chassis that’s no slouch in the corners. The 3.3-liter straight-6 is supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that’s meant to reduce the impact of turbo lag and help the CX-90 move from a dead stop with ease. The 11 kW electric motor produces 16.6 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is simply meant to fill power gaps. The turbocharged inline-6 comes in two power levels including the base that produces a respectable 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Move up to the CX-90 Turbo S and power rises to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

For customers looking for a more fuel-efficient option, Mazda offers the CX-90 PHEV. This plug-in hybrid SUV is perfect for customers with short commutes or who only need to drive around town on short trips. It’s the best of both worlds because you benefit from the ability to charge at home, with the power of a gasoline engine to take on longer drives. The CX-90 PHEV uses an updated version of the 2.5-liter inline-4 found across Mazda’s lineup. The total system output for the CX-90 PHEV comes to 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque which almost matches its straight-6 cousins. The 68 kW electric motor produces 173 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque while the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine pumps out 189 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. 

Electric When You Want and Gas When You Need It

The CX-90 PHEV perfectly represents a fair compromise in modern SUV powertrains. For some, the jump to a fully electric vehicle may not fit their lifestyle or personal preferences, while the cost of running a pure gas SUV around town seems far too costly. The compromise is a plug-in hybrid drive train like the setup found in the superb CX-90 PHEV.

SUVs like the CX-90 PHEV allow you to use pure electric power around town and on short trips, while you have the comfort of gasoline power to take on longer journeys. This combination of modern powertrain options is the best of both worlds when it comes to electric versus gas. If you cannot choose one, why not have both?

The CX-90 PHEV offers 26 miles of pure electric range which is more than enough for shorter commutes or trips to the local grocery store. The CX-90 uses a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery to store power for pure electric trips and hybrid support when the electric range runs low. To fully charge the lithium-ion battery takes 6 hours and 40 minutes at a level 1 charger and only 1 hour and 30 minutes at a level 2 charger. 

In our testing, the CX-90 has more than enough power in pure electric mode and offers a quiet serene driving experience. The ability to go about daily chores without burning a drop of fuel, and without worrying about EV range anxiety was delightful. 

A Quality Interior Lacking In Storage Space

The Mazda CX-90 is a massive step forward for the brand in terms of both design and quality. Mazda was able to inject more features and exciting designs without losing the beauty of its simple driver-focused interiors. 

There are usually center-mounted touch screens and digital gauge clusters but without needless complication. Mazda has retained buttons to control all of the critical systems like your HVAC and drive mode controls. The center touchscreen offers a simple layout and is mainly there to support your Apple Carplay and Android Auto needs. When it comes to tech, Mazda’s systems work flawlessly and are easily approachable for the less tech-savvy.

The interior of our test CX-90 PHEV was covered in white leather which trimmed the entire cabin. The cabin was accented with beautiful trimmings and felt crafted and thoughtfully laid out to excited passengers. 

All of this stunning design may impress, but it does come at a cost. The CX-90 offers very little interior storage space up front which isn’t ideal for a family car. This is due to both design choices and the CX-90 rear-wheel-drive layout which requires a more intrusive transmission tunnel and space for the driveshaft to reach the rear wheels. As Mazda works to move up the market, it has sacrificed a little useability.

Conclusion

The new Mazda CX-90 ushers in an exciting era for the Mazda brand. As Mazda continues to move its products up the market, it’s exciting to see Mazda continue its focus on engineering driver-focused products. The CX-90 Mazda’s decision to develop a new rear-wheel-drive platform to back up the SUV’s impressive interior shows just how serious they are about their luxury aspirations. 

Our time behind the wheel of the fuel-efficient CX-90 PHEV was one of comfort and satisfaction. The ability to rely on electric power for short trips was a game changer in daily fuel consumption. This ability also does not come at the cost of EV range anxiety thanks to the inclusion of a gasoline engine to allow for longer trips with ease. For luxury SUV customers conscious of fuel costs, the Mazda CX-90 is a fantastic SUV worth test driving.