Plug-in hybrid cars and crossovers are steadily increasing in popularity in the U.S. market. 2024 saw a dramatic shift in interest from fully electric vehicles to
gasoline-electric hybrid products
. PHEVs sit directly as a halfway point between these two drivetrain configurations, as they combine the best of both worlds. With a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, you get to enjoy the benefits of a fully electric drivetrain over short distances and eliminate the worry of range anxiety thanks to the added benefit of an efficient ICE. Despite a surge in interest from both consumers and manufacturers, PHEVs remain a niche proposition. They are typically substantially more expensive
than their standard HEV counterparts
because of the more technical electrical system and larger battery pack. This results in a very steep entry point, which is a turn-off for a lot of potential first-time buyers.
Naturally, the most important reason why you would consider PHEV ownership is to cut down on your monthly spending, particularly when it comes to fuel costs. Plug-in hybrid vehicles do benefit from a comprehensive electrical system with moderately sized battery packs, but you still have to put fuel in them, especially if you plan on covering more than about 30 miles a day. While operating via the ICE, the system still gets support from the electric motor, alleviating the load from the engine and resultantly lowering your fuel costs. There are a lot of luxury and premium PHEV options, with expectedly high starting prices, but one Japanese-made option stands out from the crowd by offering an impressively high level of luxury, despite not bearing a premium badge on the hood.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda’s websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power and the EPA.
Related
The Mazda CX-90 Is A Good CUV, But Here’s Why I’m Not Completely Sold On The Pricier Versions
The new CX-90 picks up where the previous CX-9 last left off, but more expensive trims start to push Mazda out of its league.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Is An Affordable Premium SUV
Pricing Starts At $49,945
With prices starting at $49,945, the
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
is undoubtedly the best option you can consider if you want a plug-in hybrid vehicle with luxurious touches, despite not having a conventionally prestigious badge on the hood. Mazda offers the models in three trims, starting with the Preferred, which includes 19-inch silver alloy wheels, LED lighting at the front and rear, a power sliding glass sunroof, an electronic liftgate, rear privacy glass, and black exterior trimmings. The cabin lays host to eight seats upholstered in black or greige leather, three-zone climate control, and electronic adjustments and heating for the front row. You also get to enjoy a dual-combination 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger. Second-row captain’s chairs are a no-cost option.
Upgrading to the Premium Sport for $54,900 adds 21-inch alloy wheels, piano black exterior trimmings, an active driving heads-up display, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, memory functions for the front seats, and the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround sound system with AudioPilot. You also get rear door courtesy illumination, additional interior lighting, and a 1,500-watt accessory outlet.
The flagship Premium Plus costs $57,950, which gets you a windshield wiper de-icer, automatic power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, Nappa leather seat upholstery, ventilation for the front seats, heating for the second row, an additional 150-volt accessory outlet, and front footwell ambient lighting. You also get a 360-view monitor, smart reverse brake support, and front cross traffic alert and intervention.
Where reception is concerned, J.D. Power hands the entire range a 75/100 overall score, which consists of a 65/100 quality and reliability and a 79/100 driving experience score.
Preferred Key Features
- 12.3-inch center display with eight speakers
- Front-seat heating
- Wireless phone charger
Premium Key Features
- Bose 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot
- Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display
Premium Plus Key Features
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Nappa leather-trimmed seats
Related
10 Reasons Why The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Is A Threat To Other Premium Plug-in SUVs
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has all bases covered well and should serve as a threat to the competitive three-row PHEV segment.
The Mazda CX-90 Produces 323 Horsepower
The
CX-90
is the first plug-in hybrid option from the Japanese manufacturer, which has mastered the art of efficient naturally aspirated engines via its Skyactiv-G technology. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine boasts a 13.0:1 compression ratio, which is one of the highest achieved by a non-force-induction unit. The result is 189 horsepower and 192-pound-feet of torque output when operating independently.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Performance Specifications
|
Starting Price |
$49,945 |
|
Powertrain |
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And Three Permanent-Magnet-Synchronous Motors |
|
Horsepower |
323 HP |
|
Torque |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Eight-Speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
Battery |
17.8 kWh |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
|
Towing Capacity |
3,500 Pounds |
A 68 kW compact electric motor supports the powertrain with an additional 173 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, but the system maxes out at a combined 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. Joining this is an all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission. Mazda claims a 6.2-second 0-60 MPH acceleration time and limits top speed to 130 MPH. Tests prove this to be conservative, as some independent reviewers have scored times as fast as 5.9 seconds. The brand also claims a reasonably impressive 3,500 towing capacity.
The CX-90 PHEV Returns 56 MPGe
While it is a PHEV, the CX-90 does not exactly excel at returning the most preferable EPA fuel consumption estimates. When using electricity and gas, you can expect the three-row SUV to return a 56 MPGe or 58 kWh per 100 miles consumption average. The gasoline engine alone returns 25 MPG and covers 490 miles. Using the 17.8 kWh battery pack independently, you can expect to cover 26 miles.
2025 Mazda CX-90 EPA Estimates
|
Elec+Gas Consumption (City) |
56 MPGe/58 kWh/100 Miles |
|
Gas Consumption (Combined) |
25 MPG |
|
Range |
490 Miles |
|
EV Range |
26 Miles |
|
Five-Year Fuel Spending |
$750 |
|
Annual Fuel+Elec Cost |
$1,850 |
|
Cost To Drive 25 Miles (EV/Gas) |
$2.23/$4.09 |
|
Cost To Fill The Tank |
$75 |
|
Tank Capacity |
18.4 Gallons |
In total, you will find yourself spending $750 more on fuel compared to the average vehicle currently traversing American roads. This means that you can expect to spend $1,850 on electricity and gas, every year. The gasoline system will cost you $4.09 to drive 25 miles, but the electrical system reduces this to $2.23. You’ll find yourself spending about $75 to fill up the 18.4-gallon tank.
Related
2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid: Everything Confirmed So Far
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV arrives with updated tech, exceptional efficiency, and performance that makes it stand out from other plug-in SUVs.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Takes Six Hours To Charge
The CX-90 PHEV features a 7.2 kW onboard charger, meaning it’ll take six hours and 40 minutes to recover 20 to 80 percent of the battery’s charge via a 120-volt Level One household plug point. 240-volt Level Two charging cuts this down to one hour and 30 minutes. The CX-90’s compact battery design prohibits Level Three DC fast charging.
Mazda CX-90 Range And Charging Time
| Battery | 14.8 kWh |
| Range | 26 Miles |
| Level 1 AC 120V Charging time (20-80%) | 6 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Level 2 AC 240V Charging time (20-80%) | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| Level 3 DC 440V Charging time | N/A |
All trims feature a portable charging cable limited to 120 volts. Mazda doesn’t manufacture a Level Two cable, but it suggests sourcing one from ChargePoint. ChargePoint is Mazda’s official charging partner and sells its Level Two Home Flex Hardwire box for $549, excluding installation costs, which can range between $800 and $2,000, depending on your location.
