Most three-row SUVs lean into utility—big space, big comfort, big capability. But the 2025 Mazda CX-90 takes a different approach. It offers all that practicality but wraps it in a more refined, driver-focused experience. And now, it adds plug-in hybrid efficiency to the mix. With an estimated 26 miles of all-electric driving, the CX-90 PHEV delivers a rare combination in this segment: real EV range, premium design, and crisp Mazda handling.

Mazda’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is available on three trim levels—Preferred PHEV, Premium Sport PHEV, and Premium Plus PHEV—each combining upscale features with a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor producing a total of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just efficient—it’s quick. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the PHEV CX-90 delivers smooth, confident acceleration and composed road manners, even under heavy load.

Where Luxury Meets Responsibility

Step inside the CX-90 PHEV, and it becomes clear Mazda is aiming above mainstream rivals. Even the mid-level Preferred PHEV trim feels tailored and upscale, with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims step into luxury territory, offering Nappa leather, ambient lighting, second-row captain’s chairs, a surround-view camera, and reverse automatic braking.

Unlike many hybrids that feel like budget-minded compromises, the CX-90 PHEV embraces its premium identity. Its quiet cabin, responsive handling, and high-quality materials help it feel more like a high-end European crossover than a midsize mainstream family hauler. And while competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid offer similar fuel savings, neither delivers the same performance or polish.

Efficiency Without Sacrificing Performance

Mazda estimates 56 MPGe in blended driving and 25 mpg on gas alone for the CX-90 PHEV. While official EPA ratings are still pending, those numbers put it ahead of many full-size three-row competitors. When plugged into a Level 2 charger, the 14.8-kWh battery recharges in about 90 minutes, and you can drive up to 26 miles on electricity alone—perfect for commutes or errands without using a drop of fuel.

And unlike many hybrids that feel sluggish or strained, the CX-90 PHEV is just as quick as its gas-powered counterpart. With 323 hp on tap, it accelerates to 60 mph in the mid-6-second range, delivering seamless torque and quiet, composed power delivery. For families who want efficiency but still appreciate a well-tuned chassis and confident power, this SUV strikes a rare balance.

Practicality: A Trade-Off for Style

The CX-90’s elegant, narrowed proportions mean the third row and cargo area come up short compared to rivals. Legroom in the third row is tight, and cargo capacity behind it is more limited than in the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, or Volkswagen Atlas. That said, with the rear seats folded, the CX-90 PHEV offers more cargo space than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and nearly matches the Kia Sorento PHEV.

Towing capacity is another point of distinction. While most plug-in hybrids struggle in this department, the CX-90 PHEV can tow up to 3,500 pounds—enough for a small trailer, boat, or pop-up camper.

Trims and Pricing: Where the PHEV Fits

Mazda keeps the PHEV offering focused and premium. Here’s a breakdown:

• Preferred PHEV ($51,400): A well-equipped entry point to plug-in performance with leather seats, wireless connectivity, heated front seats, front/rear parking sensors, and the full Mazda i-Activsense safety suite.
• Premium Sport PHEV ($56,355): Adds a panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, head-up display, Bose 12-speaker audio system, navigation, and blind-spot/lane-keeping assist with steering intervention.
• Premium Plus PHEV ($59,405): The top trim includes ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, Nappa leather, ambient lighting, surround-view camera, front cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

Across all trims, AWD and an 8-speed automatic come standard. This helps ensure the PHEV behaves more like a confident, upscale SUV than a fuel-sipping compromise.

Safety and Technology

Every CX-90 PHEV includes a robust suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Upper trims enhance this with front cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.

While the infotainment system still uses a rotary dial for primary navigation (touchscreen use is limited to smartphone apps on upper trims), the system is clean, responsive, and less distracting while driving. The addition of a 12.3-inch display and a digital gauge cluster on upper trims adds modern clarity to the driving experience.

Verdict: A Rare Plug-In Performer in the Three-Row Class

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV offers something few three-row SUVs can: meaningful electric range, engaging performance, and a luxury-level interior—all at a price that undercuts many luxury competitors. It’s not the most spacious option, nor does it offer the most advanced infotainment system. But for drivers who want a premium experience with plug-in flexibility, the CX-90 PHEV stands nearly alone in its class.

If you’re tired of settling for dull hybrids and want an electrified SUV that still delivers behind the wheel, the CX-90 PHEV is one of the most compelling choices available.