The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid strikes an impressive balance between eco-conscious driving and upscale luxury, positioning itself as a compelling alternative to mainstream three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. This CX-90 PHEV blends bold styling, a premium interior, and an engaging driving experience that makes it feel more like a luxury vehicle than its price tag would suggest.
The CX-90 PHEV is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 68-kW electric motor that generate a combined 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The result is strong acceleration around town, especially when the full powertrain is working together. The transition between electric-only mode and the gas engine is impressively seamless—most drivers won’t even notice when it switches over.
The 26-mile all-electric range isn’t ground breaking, but it does offer enough range for short errands around the city. The CX-90 PHEV has a combined 56 MPGe rating. Just don’t expect much excitement in EV-only mode—the performance is noticeably more sluggish, and the 8-speed automatic transmission can feel a bit rough when changing gears.
Mazda has paid serious attention to the CX-90’s interior, delivering a cabin that’s stylish and feels more upscale than you’d typically expect in this segment. Soft-touch materials, elegant trim, and its minimalistic design elements make it feel like a premium SUV.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard, but the infotainment system is a bit of a letdown. The lack of a touchscreen means you’re forced to use a rotary dial to control functions, which can be frustrating and outdated by today’s standards. It’s worth noting that is you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the screen does turn into a touchscreen, but only when you aren’t moving. That frustration extends to the wireless phone charger, which is both finicky and ineffective—phones slide off too easily, and even when perfectly placed, it charges at a snail’s pace.
Behind the wheel, the CX-90 PHEV is smooth, quiet, and confident. Its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system gives it surprisingly agile handling for a three-row SUV, and it even offers a bit of driving fun on twisty roads. However, the steering can feel overly heavy, and the ride quality leans firm—some bumps transmit more harshness into the cabin than you might expect from an SUV in this class.
Where the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid starts to show its limitations is in practicality. The third-row seats are best suited for kids, with limited legroom and headroom for adults. With all three rows in use, cargo space is also tight. These compromises are common in many three-row SUVs. Another annoyance is the gear shifter, which is shaped in an awkward backward L and makes it cumbersome to operate, especially when you’re in a hurry.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Premium Sport and Premium Plus. The pricing starts at $51,400. If that price is a bit steep for you, the CX-90 is also offered with an inline-six engine and starts at $39,500.
At the end of the day, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in hybrid is a great choice for the family thanks to its combination of efficiency, stylish design, and luxurious interior. If having a fun to drive three-row SUV is at the top of your priority list, the CX-90 is definitely one you should check out.