The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV impresses with sporty performance and an upscale cabin. Because it's a plug-in hybrid, frequently charging at home can save on gas. A high starting price and below-average utility are drawbacks, but overall it's a solid fuel-efficient three-row SUV.Read full review
MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees and $1,530 destination charge (Alaska $1,575). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
Pros
Quick acceleration and sporty handling
Comfortable ride quality
Refined luxury-leaning interior
PHEV powertrain is a rarity for a three-row SUV
Cons
Below-average cargo capacity
Non-electric fuel economy isn't any better than a standard CX-90's
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.
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.
Driving experience
6.9/10
How does the Mazda CX-90 drive? This PHEV accelerates just as strongly as the regular CX-90. Our test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, about a second quicker than V6 rivals. On pure electric power, it takes a slow 14.8 seconds to get to 60 mph.
In hybrid mode, the PHEV has enough power to easily pass slower traffic. In EV mode, drivability is fine at low speeds, but the sluggish performance makes it hard to avoid flooring the throttle to engage the engine. Low-speed shifts are also more abrupt than when the engine is running.
Even in PHEV form, the CX-90 boasts handling that's a cut above most in its class. The steering is nicely weighted and accurate, and this big SUV stays planted when cornering. There's no problem with stopping power, but the brake pedal is too touchy. Despite weighing more than its non-hybrid counterpart, the PHEV has a composed ride.
We like that the CX-90 is easy to see out of, though the long hood can make it a little hard to park. All CX-90s come standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and other systems. It's a competitive collection, and we found the adaptive cruise more responsive and consistent than some rivals' systems.
Comfort
6.9/10
How comfortable is the Mazda CX-90? The front seats are comfortable and supportive, at least for shorter drives. For the long haul, some of our drivers thought the seats were too narrow, requiring them to shift around 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 you'll only really hear it at wide open throttle.
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 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 VW Atlas feel more spacious.
Parents will like that the CX-90's rear doors open wide and make it fairly easy to install child seats.
In-cabin tech
7.8/10
How’s the tech? Adding to the sleekness of the CX-90's interior is a low-profile center display screen and, on higher trims, a crisp-looking digital instrument panel. 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.)
Storage & cargo
5/10
How’s storage and cargo? It's a good thing the CX-90 PHEV doesn't sacrifice any cargo space for its battery. There's only a max of 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.1 cubes behind the second, and 75.2 cubes with all seats dropped. That's less than what bigger rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and VW Atlas offer.
The CX-90's style limits the amount of usable storage space for front passengers. There's enough room for most odds and ends, but vehicles like the Telluride and Pilot offer more options. The center console is oddly shallow considering the space between the 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.
Value
5.7/10
Is the Mazda CX-90 a good value? One reason we like the regular CX-90 so much is its luxury experience at a reasonable price. The problem is that the CX-90 PHEV carries a luxury price. It's priced similarly to an Acura MDX or Lincoln Aviator, and although neither is a PHEV, both are more luxurious and have badges with more cachet.
But if you need a large-ish three-row SUV and it has to be a PHEV, the CX-90 is the only game in town since 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.
Electric range/MPG
2.9/10
How’s the fuel economy? 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.
X factor
7/10
The CX-90 has inherent strengths — including a world-class interior design and dynamic handling — that shine through, regardless of powertrain choice. But this plug-in hybrid version isn't as refined as the standard gas engine, and it's not any more efficient once the electricity runs out. Unless you plan to diligently keep the battery topped off to minimize your fuel consumption, the gas-only engine lineup is a better choice.
Save as much as $6,166 with Edmunds
2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA
MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees and $1,530 destination charge (Alaska $1,575). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a three-row midsize SUV with seating for a maximum of eight passengers. The lineup can be a little confusing because there are three powertrain choices and five trim levels. Starting things out is what Mazda calls the 3.3 Turbo, which has a turbocharged 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine (280 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque). It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. The 3.3 Turbo S increases output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Compare the 2025 Mazda CX-90 trim levels in-depth.
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.
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.
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.
What’s it like to live with?
Edmunds tested a 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid for more than a year and over 20,000 miles. We documented everything, including real-world fuel economy and electricity usage. Our opinions about the powertrain also migrated toward the negative as our time with it went on. Read more about that and everything else discovered during our ownership of a CX-90 here.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
I am a car guy. After years of owning most high line brands, this time I decided not to pay the ultra premium price, but to get a near premium product. One of my previous favorite brands was Lexus, which similarly overdelivered vs BMW, Volvo, Jaguar, etc.
Other than the CX90, my semi finalist was a three row Lexus TX hybrid (a version of Toyota Grand Highlander). At almost $80K, it had … some disappointing aspects, particularly interior quality and handling. Plus ho hum styling.
My CX90 aced those details, was better on fit and finish, and cost $25K less! And drives like a German performance SUV.
If the CX90 reliability is up to par, this car may be, dollar for dollar, one of the smartest car decisions I’ve ever made.
Premature Tire Wear – Major Ownership Concern
1 out of 5 stars
Gleber, 02/24/2026
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
Premature Tire Wear – Major Ownership Concern
I purchased a new 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid and currently have about 16,500 miles on the vehicle. Despite normal daily driving, proper maintenance, and all scheduled services completed at authorized Mazda dealerships, all four original tires were completely worn out and required full replacement far earlier than expected.
This level … of tire wear is abnormal for a vehicle in this class and price range, especially one used primarily as a family vehicle. I was verbally informed that premature tire wear is a known concern with this model, possibly related to the vehicle’s weight and design, yet no meaningful assistance or corrective solution was offered.
At this rate, the vehicle may require tire replacement on a yearly basis, creating an ongoing and unreasonable cost of ownership. In addition to the financial burden, this also raises safety concerns for a family car used daily to transport children.
I hope Mazda acknowledges and addresses the root cause of this issue for current and future owners.
EV Range will go down to from 26 to 16 Miles as soon as temperature outside drops to 35F !
A 40% Drop in range for such a small range to begin with, is False and misleading advertisement, the drop to 16 Miles significantly limits the car's practicality for everyday commutes and errands on EV. Drivers may need to charge more frequently, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
P.S. … While most major car companies with EV drop, even Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Bolt EV only drop 30%.
In conclusion, this car is pretty much a gas in cold winter.
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.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 CX-90 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.9 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
Is the Mazda CX-90 reliable?
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 5.9 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