2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Long-Term Test

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV represents a significant shift for the Japanese automaker. It is not just a replacement for the CX-9; it is a deliberate move toward the luxury segment. For families considering a three-row SUV, the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain offers a tempting proposition: local electric commuting paired with unrestricted road-trip range. This long-term assessment focuses on whether the real-world efficiency matches the EPA estimates and if the upscale experience justifies the price tag.

The Powertrain: Specs vs. Reality

Before diving into observed fuel economy, it is essential to understand what powers this massive SUV. The CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 68-kW electric motor.

Together, they generate a robust 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, provided you fill the tank with premium fuel. Energy is stored in a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission rather than the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) found in many competitors like the Toyota Highlander.

Official EPA Ratings

Electric-Only Range: 26 miles
Combined MPGe: 56 MPGe
Gas-Only Combined: 25 MPG

Real-World Electric Range Assessment

During long-term testing, the most critical metric for a PHEV owner is the electric-only range. This determines if you can complete your daily school runs and grocery trips without burning a drop of gasoline.

In mixed driving conditions involving suburban streets and short highway stints, the CX-90 PHEV is surprisingly honest. Tests consistently show the vehicle achieving its 26-mile EPA rating. In ideal weather conditions (temperatures between 60°F and 75°F) with conservative climate control settings, it is possible to stretch this to 28 or 29 miles.

However, drivers in colder climates must manage expectations. When temperatures drop below freezing, the effective electric range can decrease to approximately 18 to 20 miles. Additionally, the gasoline engine may engage automatically to generate heat for the cabin or warm up the fluids, even if the battery is fully charged.

Fuel Economy When the Battery is Empty

Once the 17.8-kWh battery is depleted, the CX-90 operates as a standard hybrid. This is where the vehicle’s weight (roughly 5,200 pounds) becomes apparent.

While the EPA estimates a combined 25 MPG on gas only, real-world long-term observations paint a more nuanced picture:

City Driving: In stop-and-go traffic with a depleted battery, the efficiency often hovers between 22 and 24 MPG. The regenerative braking helps, but moving two and a half tons requires significant energy.
Highway Cruising: On long highway loops at 70 MPH, the CX-90 performs slightly better than expected, often returning 26 to 28 MPG. This is competitive for the segment and matches or slightly exceeds the standard inline-six turbo version of the CX-90.

The Verdict: If you cannot charge at home every night, the fuel economy benefits of the PHEV diminish rapidly. Without daily charging, you are essentially driving a heavy four-cylinder SUV that gets average mileage.

Driving Dynamics and Transmission Quirks

Mazda built its reputation on driving dynamics, and the CX-90 aims to keep that spirit alive. The steering is heavy and communicative, offering a sense of stability that feels more German than Japanese. The suspension is tuned for control; it minimizes body roll in corners, though this results in a ride that is firmer than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

However, long-term exposure reveals a specific quirk with the drivetrain. The transition between electric and gas power is not always seamless. Because Mazda uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission (with a wet clutch instead of a torque converter), there can be occasional shuddering or indecision at low speeds.

For example, rolling through a stop sign or accelerating abruptly from a crawl can confuse the system, resulting in a jerky shift. It is not a dealbreaker for most, but it lacks the buttery smoothness of the Toyota Grand Highlander’s hybrid system.

Charging and Practicality

Living with the CX-90 PHEV requires understanding its charging capabilities. It does not support DC Fast Charging, which is standard for most PHEVs. You are limited to Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging.

Level 2 (240V): Using a dedicated home charger or public station, the CX-90 can recharge from 0% to 100% in roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes. This is fast enough to recharge between morning and evening errands.
Level 1 (120V): Plugging into a standard wall outlet takes significantly longer, usually overnight (10 to 12 hours) to get a full battery.

A useful feature discovered during testing is the “Charge Mode.” By holding a button on the console, you can force the gas engine to recharge the battery while driving. While this hurts immediate fuel economy, it is useful if you are driving on the highway toward a city where you want to operate in silent, emissions-free EV mode upon arrival.

Interior Quality and Trim Levels

The “upscale” descriptor in the title is well-earned. The top-tier Premium Plus trim, priced around $58,000, features Nappa leather, hanging stitches on the dashboard (Kakenui stitching), and genuine maple wood trim. It feels legitimately luxurious, rivaling entry-level models from BMW or Volvo.

Even the mid-range Preferred trim (starting around $50,000) comes well-equipped with leather seats and a power liftgate. However, the infotainment system is controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. While this keeps fingerprints off the screen, it has a steep learning curve compared to the direct touch interfaces found in most other family SUVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV qualify for tax credits? Because the CX-90 is assembled in Japan, it does not qualify for the federal tax credit if purchased. However, if you choose to lease the vehicle, the $7,500 credit is often passed on to the consumer as a capital cost reduction (lease cash) by the lender.

Does the CX-90 PHEV require premium gas? Mazda recommends premium 93-octane fuel to achieve the rated 323 horsepower. You can safely run the vehicle on regular 87-octane gas, but the power output drops to 319 horsepower. The torque figure remains the same.

What is the towing capacity of the hybrid model? The CX-90 PHEV is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. If you need to tow heavier loads, you should look at the high-output inline-six Turbo S model, which is rated for 5,000 pounds.

Is the third row usable for adults? The third row is best suited for children. While Mazda markets this as an 8-seater (or 7-seater with captain’s chairs), legroom in the far back is tight for adults on trips longer than 30 minutes. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander offer more generous third-row space.