AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9/10
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Safety9/10
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PRACTICALITY10/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7/10
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FEATURES9/10
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POWER8/10
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COMFORT8/10
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DRIVING FEEL8/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8/10
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VALUE9/10
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a three-row SUV with room for either seven or eight occupants, and a big battery pack that provides a bit of all-electric range.
It’s the biggest SUV Mazda makes, and is powered by a potent gas-electric setup – hence the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) designation. While there’s a gas-only version that features a more robust lineup, this PHEV is offered three ways, all of which qualify for government incentives that take some of the sting out of their asking prices.
Styling: 9/10
Although larger than the other SUVs in the Mazda lineup, the CX-90 bears a striking resemblance to the CX-30 and CX-50, while the recently announced 2025 CX-70 is identical but comes only with seating for five. The interior is elegant and thoroughly modern, with an eye-pleasing colour scheme in this mid-pack GS-L trim.
Safety: 9/10
Standard on GS models and on GS-L models is an array of airbags, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning and keeping assistance. The top GT trim adds front and rear parking sensors (rear ones are found on the GS-L), surround-view cameras (in addition to the government-mandated back-up camera that’s standard), traffic sign recognition, front cross-traffic alert, and a vehicle exit assist system that warns of traffic approaching from behind.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2024 CX-90 with its highest Top Safety Pick+ rating after it met tougher criteria introduced this year. Meanwhile, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not crash-tested the CX-90 at the time of writing.
Features: 9/10
The all-new CX-90 PHEV comes well equipped with standard features like LED exterior lighting, an acoustically insulated windshield and front door glass, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, eight-speaker stereo, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, three-zone climate control, keyless entry, and heated front seats. The GS-L trim gets notable extras like a power panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, rear parking sensors, faux leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, power driver and front passenger seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Finally, the top-of-the-line GT trim gets a few cosmetic upgrades, along with a 12-speaker stereo, integrated navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear door sunshades, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.
User-Friendliness: 7/10
While this SUV is mostly straightforward, the infotainment system can be challenging to grow accustomed to. Although it works just fine, it’s not run in conjunction with a touchscreen. Instead, Mazda has opted for a console-mounted dial for system operation, except for when smartphones are connected using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; then the display is touch-responsive.
Practicality: 10/10
With room for seven or eight occupants, and a flexible cargo area, the CX-90 nails the essentials of its three-row existence. The PHEV version can tow as much as 1,588 kg (3,500 lb), while the gas-only version is good for 2,268 kg (5,000 lb). Cargo room isn’t as generous as segment-leading entries like the Toyota Grand Highlander or Volkswagen Atlas, with 423 L of space behind the third row.
Comfort: 8/10
The seats are firm and supportive, and the three-zone climate control system works as promised. By and large, the cabin is quiet and well insulated from outside noises. In fact, it’s so quiet that the powertrain’s transition between gas and electric operation is noticeable, while the electric motor can be noisy at low speeds.
Power: 8/10
Every CX-90 PHEV model comes with the same powertrain configuration: a 2.5L inline-four engine coupled to a 68-kW electric motor. That stuff is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
Combined output depends on the type of gas used. Mazda recommends 93 octane, which gives the CX-90 PHEV a total output of 323 hp. With regular-grade stuff in the tank, that drops slightly to 319 hp. Regardless of octane rating, total torque is 369 lb-ft.
Driving Feel: 8/10
This SUV can easily absorb bumps and irregularities in the road and deliver a very smooth ride. The gas and electric motors work well together, providing excellent acceleration in both city and highway scenarios. However, at 2,344 kg (5,168 lb), this is a heavy vehicle. That doesn’t mean it’s sluggish, but the heft takes some getting used to.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
With an all-electric range of 42 km, it’s possible to drive the CX-90 PHEV to work in the morning, plug it in at the office, and drive home at night without ever using the gas engine. The same applies to running local errands; and, since it can be charged to 80 per cent in about 80 minutes using a Level 2 station, it’s possible to maximize the efficiency of this SUV with home and public charging.
According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the CX-90 PHEV is rated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city, 8.7 on the highway, and 9.4 combined with its gas engine at work. During this test week, the indicated average stood at 6.5 L/100 km, combined, with plenty of electric driving helping to reduce that number.
Value: 9/10
With the introduction of the CX-90 PHEV, Mazda has carved out a nice niche for itself with a three-row electrified SUV that starts at $54,900 (plus $2,195 for freight). That’s roughly the same as the Toyota Grand Highlander with its conventional hybrid powertrain (it can’t be plugged in), while the all-electric Kia EV9 that starts at about $63,000 before tax and incentives.
On that note, the 2024 CX-90 PHEV qualifies for a federal zero-emissions vehicle rebate of $2,500. Plug-ins with more range qualify for the same $5,000 as the EV9. Either way, the GS-L trim tested here is $59,950 before freight and tax, while the top GT trim is priced at $64,350.
For the sake of comparison, the Kia Sorento PHEV starts at $48,795 before freight and tax, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that’s about the same size is priced at $48,198. It’s worth noting, however, that while they’re slightly smaller than the CX-90 and their third-row seats aren’t as spacious as a result, both are eligible for the full $5,000 federal rebate thanks to their greater range.
The Verdict
In the battle of the big SUVs, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a niche player with three rows of seats, a plug-in powertrain, and 42 km of all-electric range. While others in the segment offer more space, none of them does so with PHEV power, while the ones that do aren’t nearly as spacious.
| Engine Displacement | 2.5L / 68 kW electric motor |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | I4 PHEV |
| Peak Horsepower | 323 hp (93 octane), 319 hp (87 octane) |
| Peak Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 9.9 / 8.7 / 9.4 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb (hybrid); 4.2 Le/100 km, 42 km est. range |
| Cargo Space | 423 / 1,133 / 2,101 L behind 3rd/2nd/1st row |
| Model Tested | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV GS-L |
| Base Price | $59,950 |
| A/C Tax | $450 – Soul Red Crystal Metallic exterior paint, $450 |
| Destination Fee | $1,995 |
| Price as Tested | $62,495 |
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Optional Equipment
$450 – Soul Red Crystal Metallic exterior paint, $450
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