This week I am back behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-90. Specifically, the 2025 CX-90 plug-in hybrid variant. This near-luxury three-row SUV enjoyed quite a sales spike in 2024, with sales up 77% over 2023, the year it debuted. Year-to-date, sales are also up 52.5% through February compared to last year. In only its second model-year, the CX-90's success is certainly no head scratcher. The replacement for the CX-9 sets a new bar of excellence for the automaker. A PHEV Premium Sport trim joins the lineup this year, but this is the top-trim Premium Plus.
Exterior
To start, the flagship CX-90 is a gorgeous SUV in Platinum Quartz Metallic with stunning machine cut finish 21-inch aluminum alloys. The entire silhouette is so sleek and pleasing to the eye and I also love the PHEV badging.
The Premium Plus is distinguished by Bright trim finish on the front and rear bumper, and I love the look. It also gets treated to Black and Chrome molding under door garnish.
Equipment wise, it's equipped with LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights and LED combo taillights, a body-colored roof spoiler and aluminum roof rails with a Satin Chrome finish.
The Premium Plus also features automatic power-folding, heated side mirrors with auto dimming.
Powertrain
The CX-90 PHEV has a fantastic hybrid powertrain. I just wish I liked the gear shift better. It's too stubby and I don't like where Park is located.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 68 kwh motor for 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (with premium fuel.) An 8-speed transmission comes with steering wheel paddle shifters that control regenerative braking. There are two levels, normal and high.
Power and acceleration is great, especially given this is a heavier 5,000+ pound SUV, but I will say the engine is on the loud side upon takeoff. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
You'll get 26 miles of EV driving range with the PHEV system and charging at home with a Level 1 will take 6 hours and 40 minutes. It drops to 1.5 hours if you get a Level 2 charger installed.
Interior
An upscale, roomy and well-crafted interior full of quality materials and switchgear is certainly part of the CX-90's success story.
The Black Nappa leather 8-way power front seats are wonderful in terms of quality, design and comfort. They are a bit narrower than one might expect in a large SUV to make room for the wide center console.
The driver and passenger seats are three-way heated and ventilated. The heating elements - including the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel - work notably well. Above the steering wheel, Mazda gets it right with a wonderful 12.3-inch LCD digital driver display with fantastic color graphics.
A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen hosts Mazda Connect - its multimedia with navigation system - a continuing weak spot in my eyes. It has forever been too cumbersome to operate and an update is way overdue. I wish it had come with the new CX-90 and CX-70, but alas, no.
On the plus side, you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus HD radio and Bluetooth along with Voice Command. The touchscreen displays a high-quality backup camera, too. The premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system is among this trim's highlights thanks to its excellent audio quality.
On the center stack, you'll find traditional climate controls along with easy to use toggles to adjust the temp. The wide center console on the minimalist side looks upscale with a tiny-patterned trim. It hosts the short gear shift knob, Command Control for Mazda Connect, as well as Mi Drive select, automatic brake hold, an electric parking brake and cupholders.
With its 2nd-row captain's chairs, the Premium Plus seats seven. The spacious second row features comfy leather and heated seats, digital a/c controls, soft-touch seat backs, and manual window shades. You lose a little headroom compared to the front row.
A walk through space provides access to a reclining 60/40 split third-row. It's not the roomiest third row on the market, but I still say it will fit adults. Passengers get their own USB-C ports and A/C vents.
Cargo space under the hands-free power liftgate is ample and the liftgate operates at a nice pace. There is also under storage space.
Other standard features on the Premium Plus include a great power panoramic moonroof, 3-zone climate, a wireless phone charger, an advanced keyless system, a 1500 AC rear power outlet, 12-volt, and more. Connectivity wise, the CX-90 is outfitted with six USB-C ports - two in each row.
Ride and Drive
The CX-90 delivers a wonderful ride and drive. Power feels great and the suspension gives you a smooth ride. The ride is comfortable, quiet and there is great visibility out the front and rear.
Handling is impressive, too, and the CX-90 delivers engaging driving dynamics for a 3-row SUV. Mi Drive modes include Sport, Normal, EV and Off Road.
Safety
Mazda i-Activsense - a suite of driver assistance features - includes 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. Rear Seat Alert and Driver Attention Alert are also standard.
Premium Plus adds Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support Rear, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Rear View Monitor with dynamic guidelines when parking, and 360° View Monitor with See-Through View.
Features
The Premium Plus includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, heated 2nd row captain's chairs, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, dual 12.3 inch digital displays, Smart Brake Support Rear, Front Cross Traffic Alert/Braking and a 360-degree view camera.
Verdict
The CX-90 PHEV's style, luxury, driving dynamics and plug-in hybrid technology are a winning combination if you can get past its infotainment system.
- What I Liked Most: High end exterior looks, interior quality, ride and drive.
- What I would change: Infotainment system needs an overhaul.
- MSRP: Base Price: $57,950; As equipped: $59,405 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 56 MPGE electric + gasoline; 25 MPG combined city/highway.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,500 miles.
- Official Color: Platinum Quartz Metallic.
- Weight: 5,423 pounds.
- Spare tire: Temporary spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 201.6” long/84.9” wide/68.7” high
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV in a few words: A beautiful SUV with a wonderful interior and fantastic driving dynamics.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty with roadside assistance; 96-months/100,000 miles High Voltage Battery Limited Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Hofu, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Mazda
