2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Review

This week I bring you the new three-row flagship SUV from Mazda - the 2024 CX-90. It's available with three different powertrains including a turbocharged mild hybrid hybrid variant that CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds has reviewed.  I have the performance-oriented plug-in hybrid variant in the PHEV range-topping Premium Plus trim. 

Exterior

Mazda's done so much right with the CX-90, which replaces the CX-9, raising the bar for class-leading looks and luxury even higher.  My test vehicle is a gorgeous SUV especially in Artisan Red Premium. What an elegant, sophisticated look the CX-90 presents with its sculpted hood and gloss black finish mesh grille surrounded by Bright trim (which you also find on the front and rear bumper.) The Premium Plus rides on 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a machine cut finish. 

 

 

The CX-90 lineup is equipped with LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights and combo taillights. The Premium Plus is also equipped with automatic power folding, heated side mirrors with auto dimming. 

A body-colored roof spoiler and aluminum roof rails with a Satin Chrome finish are standard across the lineup.

Performance

My Premium Plus model is equipped with the lineup's plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs Mazda's e-SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with a 68 kwh E motor. The result is 323 horsepower/369 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The acceleration feels great.  (Horsepower drops slightly to 319 horses if you fill up with regular.)  The engine is mated to a new 8-speed smooth-shifting automatic.  The entire CX-90 lineup comes with standard all-wheel drive. 

EV Range and Charging

All-electric range for the CX-90 PHEV is 26 miles.  Using a Level 2 charger you can get an 80 percent charge in 1.5 hours.  Level 1 charging slows you down to 6 hours and 40 minutes.  

The CX-90 PHEV has something called "Charge Mode".  Mazda describes it as keeping "the gas engine engaged and prioritize charging the PHEV battery." Mazda says it can fully charge the battery using the engine as a generator. You activate it at the press the button on the center console. 

Interior

The CX-90 lineup seats between 6 and 8 depending on the configuration. The roomy Premium Plus is a standard 7-seater with 2nd-row captain's chairs.

 

 

 

 

Mazda's high quality interiors are indeed legendary for its class. The CX-90's high-end interior impresses with top notch materials from its soft touch surfaces and White Nappa leather-trimmed seats to its quality switchgear and multi-textured door panels.  Both the front and passenger three-way heated and ventilated front seats are 8-way power adjustable. The leather-wrapped heated steering wheel has paddle shifters.

The wider center console design is minimalist and elegant with a short gear shift knob, two hidden cupholders, and various controls including Mi Drive select, an automatic brake hold and electric parking brake.

The second row is roomy with comfortable 2nd-row captain's chairs and a center walk through. The 2nd-row also has manual window shades. 

 

 

 

Bravo, Mazda! The 60/40 split fold-down third-row is roomy enough for adults, and has it's own USB-C ports and A/C vents. 

Standard features on the Premium Plus include a power panoramic moonroof,  wireless phone charger, Hands-Free Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment, three-zone climate, an advanced keyless system, a 1500 AC rear power outlet, 12 volt, and more.

Technology

The Premium Plus trim boasts two 12.3-inch digital screens. One for the fully digital LCD driver's display. The center vehicle display graphics are really terrific.  The other is the multimedia touchscreen with navigation.

 

 

 

The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and also offers HD radio and Bluetooth.  You can operate the system via the Command Control knob on the center console, as well as Voice Command and steering-wheel mounted controls. The premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system delivers great audio quality.

Connectivity wise, the CX-90 is outfitted with USB-C ports - two in each row for a total of six.

Ride and Drive

Mazda is well known for its excellent driving dynamics, and they don't disappoint here.   The CX-90 delivers a great ride and drive quality with ample acceleration, a smooth suspension and the ride is quiet, too.   Mi Drive modes include Sports, Off Road, Towing and EV.

Safety 

The list of standard Mazda i-Activsense safety features is impressive. They include Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All CX-90s also include a new rear seat alert feature. Driver Attention Alert is also standard.

Extra goodies on my Premium Plus model include: Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist,  front and rear parking sensors, a 360 degree view monitor and an Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition

What You'll Pay

The Premium Plus package includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an 8 way power front passenger seat, heated 2nd row captain's chairs, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, the dual 12.3 inch digital displays, 360 degree view monitor and Smart Brake Support Reverse. Optional equipment includes the Artisan Red Paint ($595).

MSRP on my test model as equipped is $58,960.

Verdict

The CX-90 plug-in hybrid is a crowning achievement thus far for Mazda,  surpassing its own class-leading level of polished refinement and quality and offering a new electrified powertrain that delivers on Mazda's handling promises.  Its looks will impress your neighbors, too.