MSRP: $49,945
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Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV midsize SUV is a practical 3-row crossover with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery, linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. This package is good for 323 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, up to 26 miles of all-electric range, and 490 miles in total.
Preferred, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus trims are offered, with seating for up to eight people, combining the CX-90’s near-luxury interior finishes with proper practicality and plug-in frugality. It is, therefore, ideal for families looking for 3-row space and electric-only commuting ability.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 CX-90 PHEV lineup gets a new Premium Sport trim, replacing last year’s Premium trim, and adding 21-inch metallic-black wheels, piano-black mirrors, a gloss-black honeycomb grille, a black-chrome signature wing, and black front and rear lower bumpers.
All PHEV trims get a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen in place of last year’s 10.25-inch display, in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. A 1,500-watt power outlet in the cargo area is also now standard on all trims but the Preferred.
Exterior
The CX-90 PHEV shares its body and exterior styling with the turbocharged gas models, including the mesh grille that flows into the LED headlights, but “PHEV” fender badges distinguish them. All trims have LED DRLs and taillights as well.
The new Premium Sport trim stands out for its blacked-out treatment, including its grille, lower bumpers, mirrors, door garnish, and wheels. The Preferred trim rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, but the other two upgrade to 21-inchers – black on the Premium Sport and silver on the Premium Plus. Ground clearance varies between 8.0 and 8.1 inches, depending on the trim.
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Interior
The cabin materials are of high quality and reflect Mazda’s push toward premium status. It’s tech-forward too, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays, one being the gauge cluster and the other the center Mazda Connect touchscreen. Standard features include an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather first and second-row outboard seats, heated front seats, paddle shifters, an 8-speaker audio system, and 3-zone climate control.
The Sport Premium adds features such as a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a power panoramic glass roof, and a 1,500-watt power outlet in the trunk, while the Premium Plus is the only trim with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Preferred seats eight people, and the others have captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. Maximum cargo capacity tops out at 75.2 cu-ft.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV’s price starts just under $50K this year for the Preferred trim, but for $5K more, the new Premium Sport adds big-ticket items such as 21-inch wheels, a Bose audio system, a power panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and more.
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base: PHEV Preferred | $49,945 |
| Top: PHEV Premium Plus | $57,970 |
| Best Value: PHEV Premium Sport | $54,900 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Trans | Drive | 0-60 |
| 2.5L I4 + Electric Motor (PHEV) | 323 hp | 369 lb-ft | 8-spd auto | AWD | ~5.9-6.2 sec |
Fuel Economy
| Mode | Combined | Gas Only | EV Range | Total Range |
| Gas + Electric | 56 MPGe | 25 MPG | 0-25 miles | 490 miles |
Fuel type: Premium Gasoline + Electricity. Battery: 17.8 kWh. Towing: 3,500 lb. Seating: 6.
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Battery (PHEV) | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 26 miles of EV range handles most commutes; 490 total miles eliminates range anxiety
- Upscale interior rivals luxury competitors
- Good handling
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA rating with comprehensive standard safety kit
Cons:
- Powertrain transitions between gas and electric can feel awkward at low speeds
- Gas-only 25 MPG matches non-hybrid CX-90, offering no advantage when battery is depleted
- Third row tight for adults
Verdict
The CX-90 PHEV is a great option if you want 3-row flexibility combined with a premium cabin and exemplary fuel economy, but then you must make the most of the PHEV powertrain, charging daily, and using the electric range, since its 25-mpg combined consumption offers no advantage over the gas CX-90 once the battery runs down. Transitions between electric and gas power aren’t always smooth either.
Other than that, it’s a great option among 3-row midsizers, with punchy performance and agile handling, as long as you keep in mind the third row is similar to that of most cars in this class, and only really suitable for children. We prefer the Premium Sport for its overall balance, but the $50K Preferred already comes with most of the features families want, so you don’t have to feel short-changed opting for it.
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Competitors
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Kia Telluride Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor