The Mazda CX-90 PHEV impresses with its sporty performance and upscale cabin. And because it's a plug-in hybrid, frequently charging at home can potentially help save on gas or reduce your carbon footprint. A high starting price and below-average utility are potential drawbacks, but overall it's a recommended pick if you want a fuel-efficient three-row SUV.Read full review
The 2025 CX-90 is the largest SUV in Mazda's stable, with a bumper-to-bumper length 15 inches longer than the CX-50. The three-row CX-90 shares its size with the new CX-70, which is essentially a two-row variant. With plentiful power, sharper-than average handling and a luxurious interior, it fits well into the Mazda lineup. Like other Mazda SUVs, though, it's less practical overall than rivals, as pointed out in our Expert Rating below.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Edmunds spotlight: Big on performance, but not practicality
With 340 horsepower available from the Turbo S models and the kind of sporty cornering abilities that Mazda is known for, the CX-90 is easily one of the more enjoyable three-row SUVs to drive. The problem is, most shoppers in this class prioritize practicality, and it comes up short in terms of both cargo capacity and third-row passenger space. As a result, we suggest paying close attention to both during a test drive to ensure it will meet your needs.
Competitors to consider
In the midsize three-row SUV class, the Kia Telluride has ruled supreme since its debut in 2020. It simply overdelivers for the price when it comes to features and space. Along the same lines, the related Hyundai Palisade is a very close second-place finisher. There's also the recent introduction of the Toyota Grand Highlander, which addresses some of the smaller Highlander's shortcomings and is available in an efficient hybrid model that would likely outperform the CX-90 PHEV in real-world efficiency.
What’s it like to live with?
Edmunds added a 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid to its long-term test fleet, and we aim to log 20,000 miles over a year of ownership. Our car experts are documenting everything they like and what needs improvement, along with fuel economy and maintenance costs. Read our one-year ownership test of our CX-90 to learn more.
We drove the 2025 Mazda CX-90 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid drive? The CX-90 PHEV accelerates just as strongly as the regular CX-90. At the Edmunds test track, our test vehicle sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is about a second quicker than a Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride. But note that time is with the gas engine fired up and a charged battery. It's not nearly as quick when you're driving on pure electric power, taking a very slow 14.8 seconds to get to 60 mph.
Out in the real world in hybrid mode, the PHEV feels as potent as the non-PHEV CX-90, with brisk acceleration from a standstill and enough in reserve on the highway to make passing slower traffic a snap. In EV mode, the electric motor is fine at low speeds, such as zipping away from a stoplight, but overall the sluggish performance makes it hard to avoid the temptation to floor the throttle to engage the gas engine. Additionally, the electric motor works through the eight-speed automatic, and the shifts at low speed are notably more abrupt than when the gas engine is running.
Of course, one of the reasons you'd pick the CX-90 is for its handling, and even in PHEV form it's a cut above most others in its class. The steering feels nicely weighted and accurate, and this big SUV stays planted and secure when cornering. It's fun for what it is, and the sole dynamic slipup is the brake pedal feel. There's no problem with stopping power, but it feels too touchy and takes a while to learn to stop smoothly.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid? The CX-90 PHEV weighs a few hundred pounds more than its non-hybrid counterpart, but it still has a composed ride that's especially well suited to highway driving. Compared to others in its class, it skews a little toward the stiffer side, and our test vehicle's 21-inch wheels and skinny sidewall tires shoulder part of the blame for the rough ride over broken pavement. Still, we'll accept the added stiffness since the CX-90 generally handles better than other vehicles in its class.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, at least for short and moderate-duration drives. For the long haul, some of our drivers thought the seats were too narrow, requiring them to shift around and fidget to try to stay comfortable. There's a minimal amount of wind noise on the highway, but road and tire noise is higher than expected. The four-cylinder engine in the PHEV doesn't sound as nice as the inline-six used in the rest of the CX-90 lineup, but luckily you'll only really hear it at wide open throttle.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The CX-90 PHEV's cabin is pleasing to the eye with rich-looking and -feeling surfaces everywhere. It's also perfectly functional. We like the use of physical buttons for major controls such as the audio system and climate controls, and they're clearly labeled and easy to find. The driving position has a cockpit-like feel, but the front passenger has easy access to various controls if needed. We also like that the CX-90 is easy to see out of, though the long hood can make it a little hard to place the CX-90's nose when you're parking.
The CX-90 PHEV offers seating configurations for seven or eight passengers across its three trim levels, but none offers the second- and third-row passenger space of the class leaders. It's not uncomfortable, but if your priorities are for your rear seaters to stretch out, the Hyundai Palisade and Volkswagen Atlas both feel more spacious.
How’s the tech? Adding to the sleek look and feel of the CX-90's interior is a low-profile center display screen and, on higher trims, a crisp-looking digital instrument panel. Both have crisp graphics, and we like the cool perspective view Sport mode gives the instruments. Our test vehicle had the available 12-speaker Bose audio system. It sounds OK for an upgraded system but requires a bit of fiddling with the settings to get crisp audio quality.
The center screen's native interface looks dated and is only accessible through the rotary control knob. The knob itself is nicely weighted and feels expensive, but some will pine for a touchscreen, even though the CX-90's screen is a bit far away. (Oddly, touch functionality does work when you're using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration.)
Advanced driver aids are plentiful, and all CX-90s come standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and other systems. It's a competitive collection for the class, and we found the adaptive cruise more responsive and consistent than some competitors' systems.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? Since there isn't a lot of cargo space to begin with, it's a good thing the CX-90 PHEV doesn't sacrifice any for its battery. At its best, there's only a max of 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 40.1 cubes behind the second, and 75.2 cubes when all seats are dropped. That's less than what's available from bigger rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas — not by a huge amount, but many buyers are drawn to this segment for the practicality.
Inside, the CX-90's style limits the amount of usable storage space available for front passengers. There's enough room for most odds and ends, but vehicles like the Telluride and Honda Pilot offer more storage options. The center console in particular is oddly shallow considering how wide and large the console is between the seats.
Got small children? You'll like that the CX-90's rear doors open wide and make it fairly easy to install bulky child safety seats. If you plan on towing with the CX-90, you'll want to skip the PHEV. Its tow rating maxes out at 3,500 pounds, which is no better than what you get from a Mazda CX-50.
How economical is the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid? The EPA gives the CX-90 PHEV an estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving when operating in hybrid mode. That's a few mpg better than what most other three-row SUVs get. And based on extensive real-world driving, we've found the EPA estimate to be pretty accurate. But note that the regular CX-90 also gets 25 mpg combined. To make the most of the PHEV's fuel economy, you'll need to frequently charge up and take advantage of its estimated 25 miles of all-electric range.
Value
7.5/10
Is the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid a good value? One of the reasons we like the regular CX-90 so much is because it gives you a luxury experience at a reasonable price. The problem is that the CX-90 PHEV carries a luxury price as well. Its pricing is similar to that of an Acura MDX or Lincoln Aviator, and although neither is a PHEV, both are a little more luxurious and have badges with more cachet than Mazda.
On the flip side, if you need a large-ish three-row SUV and it's just got to be a PHEV, the CX-90 is the only game in town since the Kia Sorento PHEV is notably smaller and others like the Volvo XC90 PHEV are considerably more expensive. Just make sure you plug it in frequently to maximize that battery-driven value.
Warranties are fairly standard but don't hold a candle to those offered by Hyundai and Kia. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles, but free maintenance is not offered.
Wildcard
8.5/10
We're already fans of the CX-90 thanks to its upscale look and fun-to-drive nature. The CX-90 PHEV simply builds on that appeal with its ability to save you at the pump, as long as you remember to plug in regularly. We wish it cost a bit less, but it's still a neat trick, and the fact that it compromises so little over the regular CX-90 is icing on the cake.
2025 Mazda CX-90 trim level differences
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a three-row midsize SUV with seating for a maximum of eight passengers. The Plug-in Hybrid version uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid system. Combined output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, and Mazda estimates you can travel up to 25 miles on a full charge. It also has an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Charging the battery from zero to 100% when using a 240-volt power source takes about two hours and 20 minutes, Mazda says. It comes in three trim levels: Preferred, PremiumSport and Premium Plus.
Which CX-90 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The plug-in hybrid variant could make sense for those with shorter commutes and regular access to chargers. The midrange Premium Sport trim adds plenty of convenience, tech and safety features to justify its price over the Preferred trim.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Reliability
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
24V814000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
7124J
Manufactured from:
2023-12-05 to 2024-07-08
Number of vehicles affected:
80915
Defect Description:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360� view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.
Defect Consequence:
An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7124J.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 receives a mixed sentiment from owners. Owners appreciate its sporty feel, luxurious interior, and good performance, particularly the handling and design. However, there are concerns about serious issues including frequent recalls, transmission problems, and technical glitches, especially with the hybrid model. Many feel the vehicle was rushed to market, resulting in unreliable performance and numerous defects.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
This is one vehicle that showcases greater at a dealership but falls down when owned, mostly to do with the powertrain. The real draw for me was the value pitch of saving a ton on gas while maintaining the power of the standard gas engine. Sadly what I found was the abysmal return on that promise during cold weather months, coupled with a thousand small cuts that detract from the … enjoyment of the vehicle.
One area that could theoretically be improved via updates would be to drive modes. The normal mode bears almost no difference to the EV mode in practice. What the car needs is a Boost or Battery Hold mode so that you are not losing battery when driving on very cold days. You may find yourself getting as little as 1 mpkwh if it very cold outside (sub 15 degrees) and you would be better off relying on the gas engine and just utilizing the battery for boost. Sport mode would get you most of the way there but that will maintain higher RPMs than desired. You can achieve this manually by using the shifters which will engage the ICE but you are then stuck manually shifting to maintain that status. Also on cold days it will not let the battery get much below 20% and will automatically start to charge the car off the ICE which then hampers performance even more and you find yourself in an aggravating position of having a start stop system that is constantly coming on and off around that 20% range in city.
Charging is another annoyance that I assumed would be less annoying in practice than it actually is. I found myself becoming hyper aware of my battery status and the constant need to plug in and unplug was painful. Charging all night to try to maintain a battery level that wouldn’t push me into start/stop purgatory is not pleasant and I longed for the simple 10 day refueling cycle I was used to.
The final nail in the coffin of the powertrain is the actual cost of power vs gas. It seems the inline six cylinder gets pretty comparable mileage in the winter from what I have seen. If you are in a location where electricity is inexpensive it may be worth the hassle but if you are anywhere else on a good day you might be getting double the fuel efficiency on electric but even then the micro managing of the battery and headaches that come with it doesn’t seem worth it. On the bad days you will be wishing for an ICE only mode to preserve your expensive electricity. I came from a CX9 that died in a collision and I miss it everyday. In that vehicle I averaged 19.5 mpg. When compared to the cost of electricity in my area ($.18/kwh) you are actually paying more to run the battery in cold conditions if gas is around $3/gallon.
With the weather getting warmer the PHEV issues are beginning to become less apparent but they still exist.
As for the rest of the car it really is a gem. Fit and finish is delightful and the car itself is a real beauty. The only area that seems like an easy change to improve would be the center console is huge but the layout of the buttons/shifter/cup holders leaves a lot of wasted space. They should also add a manual gear shift to that shift lever as the paddles are hard to operate when turning.
In the end I am glad we leased instead of purchased this CX90. At the end of the lease I will not be buying this but would love to find an inline 6 version to replace it. I would be far more upset at the investment if the EV rebates didn’t basically bring the cost down to the same price as the inline 6. Pass on the PHEV unless you have very cheap electricity that would make the value proposition more enticing.
Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Mazda CX-90 | 3-Row SUV Comparison Test
The midsize 3-row SUV game continues to get more and more competitive, and there’s a new challenger on the block: the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade. How does Hyundai’s flagship SUV stack up against other 3-row competitors? In this video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong puts the Palisade up against the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 to find out.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
15.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Good
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-90 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 CX-90 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the CX-90 ranges from 14.9 to 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda CX-90. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Mazda CX-90:
Premium Sport trim added
Part of the first CX-90 generation introduced for 2024
To determine whether the Mazda CX-90 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CX-90. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CX-90's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 CX-90 and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 CX-90 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Mazda CX-90?
The least-expensive 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,945.
Other versions include:
PHEV Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $49,945
PHEV Premium Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $54,900
PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $57,950
If you're interested in the Mazda CX-90, the next question is, which CX-90 model is right for you? CX-90 variants include PHEV Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), PHEV Premium Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), and PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of CX-90 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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