The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is a luxury 3-row sport ute that replaces the venerable Mazda CX-9. It’s sort of how broccoli got replaced by its sexy cousin, Brocolini. Both are vegetables, but one is a hybrid version.
The CX-90 is part of the new brand of Mazda vehicles that are pushing the envelope into the near-luxury segment. In addition to standard internal combustion engine versions, it is now available in an athletic PHEV version which is a first for the Mazda brand. Both models are 3-row SUVs.
What makes the CX-90 tick?
A few facts and figures about the Mazda CX-90
First, its plug-in powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 323 horsepower and 369 lb.ft of torque. The CX-90 PHEV is designed to be driven using battery power, gas power or a combination of the two. Using the pure electric mode, it has a range of around 25-miles. EV mode allows city dwellers a chance to make a fossil-free commute and the results are pretty punchy.
For longer trips, using EPA test protocols, Mazda says the CX-90 is capable of 56 MPGe/25 mpg. That’s a pretty sweet number, if you ask us! Smiles can fade, though. Since this is a PHEV, you must, er, plug in to charge it. That takes a little over two hours using a level two charger. Still, we like vrooming off with electric power!
For those who can’t get away from standard propulsion, Mazda offers the CX-90 Turbo in two degrees of spiciness. A first is the Mazda CX-90 Select with a 3.3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 280 horsepower. Or there’s the CX-90 Turbo S with a 3.3-liter turbo six that offers a more muscular 340 horsepower. Both vehicles are complete with all-wheel drive.
An Inside look at the CX-90
Mazda continues the luxury theme with an interior that exudes elegance and finesse with upscale features like leather seating, aluminum and lightwood trim and a comfortable and roomy design. There’s seating for up to eight. The base model includes a standard bench seat with slide and recline capabilities, while two upper trim levels include second-row captain’s chairs. Third-row passengers can access a center pass-through, where they will find a bench seat that can squeeze three passengers in a pinch.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are here as you would expect. So are two USB ports per row. Our tester also featured a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen. What stomps us though, is that while the rest of the vehicle has moved forward, it takes a step back keeping the pesky (and not so intuitive) central control knob. You’d expect more from a luxury SUV with an MSRP of $56,950.
Lots to love about the CX-90.
A few foibles aside, there’s still plenty to love about the new CX-90. Mazda used to be known for Zoom-Zoom. But it could be time to change their marketing line to Vroom-Vroom. Putting your foot into it, you can’t help but smile.
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