2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD - Bottom Line Review

USEFULLY PLEASING EQUILIBRIUM : Nature juggles a panoply of relations to maintain a self sustaining balance. Automaker Mazda, has become expert at juggling Japanese paradigms of Wabi-Sabi, Shizen, Kodo and Kaizen in its vehicles. The flagship CX-90 sport utility vehicle, unveiled in 2023, integrated those virtues to accomplish a harmony between lofty style, natural sensations, and operational responsiveness.

FIRST CORDABLE CREW ZOOM -ZOOM: Better late than never, the erstwhile cork-maker from Hiroshima has since introduced class elusive plug-in battery hybrid technology and an estimated twenty-six miles of juice only driving to their flagship SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD.

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WHAT: 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus AWD plug-in hybrid 3- Row full size family crossover sports activity vehicle. Introduced in the 2024 model year, it is a Skyactiv Multi Solutions Scalable Architecture Large Product Group to the non-hybrid CX-90 3.3 Turbo.

Powertrain:

Arguably, the e-Skyactiv PHEV^TM plug-in gas battery electric hybrid system, is the better of both petrol & electric worlds, with an ample size, naturally aspirated, longitudinal in-line four cylinder petrol engine, combined with and a potent permanent synchronous magnet electric motor. The regenerative slowing charged e-motor can either supplement the gas engine, run alone for up to 26 miles, or step aside, clutching petrol power onwards. A saddle 17.8 kWh lithium ion battery, capable of up to 7.2 kW/ hr corded charging, supplies the juice to the electric motor.

Mazda's in-house 8-speed planetary automatic transmission is wet clutched from the output side of the motor. A viscous clutch center differential variably splits combined output torque rear-to-front, through open axles, with side-to-side ABS torque vectoring.

• RATED POWER - Net hybrid: 323 horsepower*, 369 pound-feet @ 4000 r.p.m. (319 hp @ 87 AKI unleaded fuel)
• PY-VPH-UL longitudinal 2.5L DOHC 16V DI gas I-4 engine
• 1 x Permanent synchronous magnet electric motor generator
• 17.8 kW Li-Ion battery
• 8-speed automatic wet-clutch planetary transmission
• All-Wheel Drive - viscous clutch center differential
• Mi-Drive^TM modes x 4: Normal, Sport, Electric, Off-road

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: As a member of Mazda's flagship SUV line, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV makes an athletic statement with its long dash to axle ratio, granted by its longitudinal power and drivetrain orientation. Differing from the CX-90 3.3 Turbo S trim only by graphite wheel arch claddign, the profile celebrates a long, low slung hood, a swept back windshield, a slab sized, tall beltline body, slimmer greenhouse, with tall wheel arches, with obtuse arched rear quarter panels.

The wide Mako shark nose, with darkened grille latticing and splashes of mirror chrome accents, sprouts upper inboard wings containing the "angel eyes" headlamps, cascades down, with subtle vertical corner folds.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Kammback rear liftgate bumps out prominently. Darkened side buttresses support the roof spoiler. Wrap-around lateral lollipop taillamps feature dainty outboard directional similar to a Mazda MX-5. A fold at the center mid lower liftgate creates a license plate bowl and grab pocket. The smooth bumper cover descends to a lower wide bowtie fascia, containing a chrome band with extending descending arms encased in black. Pursuing the latest trend of hiding the exhaust outlets, the tailpipes are recessed below.

WHY: Six can travel by twenty-six range-anxiety free electric miles.

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Autumn 2024

WHERE: Mazda new vehicle dealers

WHERE MADE: Hiroshima, Japan

WHERE TO: center viscous multi-clutch differential all-wheel drive varies front/ rear traction from 10:90% to 50:50%. The available Off-road Mi-Drive mode uses ABS low traction wheel slippage lock-out for climbing, while Hill Descent Assist uses ABS to slow things down on the decline. √ Surround camera view helpful in light trail maneuvers.

HOW ROADWORTHY: At the purely accelerative level, the jumble of ample electric motor clutching a four cylinder naturally aspirated gas engine in the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV comes mighty close to duplicating the mild-hybrid CX-90 Turbo S. Much of that is owing to the engine being naturally aspirated, and the electric motor as part of the engine to transmission clutching system. It ensures the torquey electric power supplement is but a throttle nudge away. Not having to wait for turbochargers to spool up it is likely quicker off the line.

In pure electric mode, requiring at least 30% charge state to engage, forward movement is linear, with the transmission managing the power band. However, with just 173 horsepower pushing over 5200 pounds, it is by no means pure EV vehicle quick, and pinning the throttle will fire up the engine. Toggle sport mode, and besides the gauge cluster backlit in red, with bolder white font, its whoa, get out of the way, to all the other soccer camp conveyances. Tugging on the steering wheel paddle shifters will engage some credible throttle braking.

• -1 For all the touting of the CX-90 entry prestige qualities, the powertrain sounds are numerous and dissonant. Under load the engine sounds more strained mechanical than mellow. The e-motor is buzzy when it clutches or de-clutches. The shift lever pattern, rowed up to Reverse and then left to Park is unnatural.
• -1 Funky joystick type center console transmission drive position lever

Bearing the 275 pounds of battery weight under the floor pan, bestows the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV with improve sway control over the gas CX-90 Turbo S. Despite wearing the same rubber, turn in seems a bit more deft. The Retained G-Vectoring, which cuts engine power to lowest grip traction wheels, and Kinematic posture control, which brakes inside traction wheels to limit understeer, also work their "Jinba Ittai" ("Rider in unison with Steed") magic in the CX-90 PHEV.

Ample & variable regenerative slowing, from the electric motor, diminishes brake pad wear. However, in urgent stops, the regenerative to physical braking transition is more apparent and requires some getting used to.

Where the CX-90 PHEV misses the mark is in ride compliance that is not as forgiving as genuine true luxury brand extants. Damper action is not up to the spring rates. Compression can be abrupt, magnifying imperfections, reverberating as jolts, despite a such a solid foundation.

As a luxury aspirant the cabin is nearly too well insulated to listen to the growl of the engine so the audio system provides enhancement.

HOW FAR: 25 combined miles per gallon. 490 miles highway range, 18.5 gallons unleaded fuel

• Electric driving range: 26 miles
• 2.2 hours minimum 7.2 kW 220VAC charging time - 0-80%
• 11 hours minimum 110 VAC charging time - 0-80%

-1 Driving target battery charge hold is not a true EV lockout mode

HOW BIG/ LITTLE:  While the dimensions are full-size, the usable capacity of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is "Mid Size" three-row family crossover SAV. Available 2nd Row captain's chairs^*, however, pale by comparison to family van Barcaloungers. Under-floor battery packaging on the PHEV swaps out the 3.3 Turbo S fixed 2nd Row storage console^* with a left captain's chair seat attached fold-up dual cup holder, preserving an aisle to Row 3. The aft-most seats are strictly for two adults who won't mind a slight squeeze. ^{(* Standard on Premium Plus)}

-1 Row 3 ingress/ egress could benefit from a "C" pillar grab handle.

HOW USEFUL: √ Flat folding 2nd Row tilting captain's chairs seatbacks w/ tilt and slide 3rd Row access; √ 50/50% split tilting and flat folding 3rd Row seat backs; √ Sub cargo floor storage; √ Mini-spare load floor cover hooked tether; √ Proximity activating, adjustable height power liftgate; √ 2nd Row doors open to nearly 90^o arc; √ Clamshell armrest 1st Row center console bin; √ Mouse fur lined soft-open glove-box.

Not So Useful: -1 No power 2nd or 3rd Row seat recline / incline; Blind spots from shorter backlight + tall beltline; Exposed lower center stack wireless device shelf.

HOW SAFE: √ 9 airbags; √ IIHS - 2025 Top Safety Pick Plus; √ Rear camera, fixed park grid lines; √ Blind Spot warning;  √ Rear cross traffic alert;

• i-Activesense Level 1.5 driver autonomy: Full Adaptive cruise control, stop & go; Full, Forward collision warning; Lane departure warning, road departure prevention; Smart City braking for Pedestrian & Bicycle, √ Auto high beam headlamps; √ Rain sensing, windshield wipers;
  • included w/ PHEV Premium Plus trim: Level 2.o driver autonomy
    • √ Cruising ^{(lane trace > 40 mph)} & Traffic Support ^{(lane + vehicle trace < 40 mph)} ; √ Surround camera + dynamic grid lines; √ Smart rear cross traffic & pedestrian braking; √ Emergency Lane Keeping √ Blind Spot Assist braking; √ Front + rear sonar park warning; √ Traffic sign recognition (Instrument cluster + HUD = Speed limits, stop signs, school zone); √ HUD - 10 x 3" inches

HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:   In the Mazda CX-90 hierarchy not all CX-90 Premium Plus are equal. The 3.3 Turbo S is the truly bespoke trim, with genuine wood, aluminum, and microsuede cabin finish as well as some exclusive features. Notwithstanding the ersatz embellishments in the tested CX-90 PP PHEV, it still manages to favor the optical and tactile senses with rather plush Japanese artistry. Instrumentation and media displays are modernized Euro traditional. For now, a prestige aping remote command knob, has been retained. Switchgear placement is smart and action silenced. Seating is about the most supportive in the class, padded in all the right places.

√ Nappa leather seating, heated 1st & 2nd Rows, ventilated 1st Row; √ 8-way driver / 8-way power seats w/ 2 driver memory settings; √ Driver seating position optimization (using driver attention sensors); √ Manual tilt/ telescoping heated leather steering wheel with spoke integrated tactile redundant controls; √ 12.3"-inch TFT virtual gauge cluster; √ Power folding side mirrors.

-1 Driver's seat to pedals offset

Amenities changed from the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus

• +1 Fold away 2nd Row left captain's chair dual cup holder, with aisle to 3rd Row, instead of fixed storage bin center console
• -1 No 2nd Row seat cooling, No footwell lighting
• -1 Manually adjusting mono-tone instead of power adjusting two-tone steering wheel, No seat quilting, No microsuede accents, No genuine woodgrain

Cool Gizmo(s): √ 12.3" inch Variable color drive mode influenced TFT gauge cluster; √ Color Heads-Up Display includes lane array, traffic signage; √ Precision-machined, knurled center console Command infotainment dial-joystick w/ dedicated function switches; √ Illuminated front grille borders

Details Done Right: √ Leatherette dashboard accents, w/ Kumihimo bookbinder contrast hanging stitching; √ Simulated hammered metallic dash, door card & center console accents; √ Matching leatherette center console padded saddle; √ Precision cut, tactile intuitive switchgear, including knurled infotainment knobs;

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Metallic cabin accents are all plastic; Hard plastic cabin B & C pillars & cargo bay walls; Counter-intuitive 1st Row climate down-toggle to raise cabin heat.

HOW CONNECTED: "APP" -LICABLE: √ Mid dash shelf 12.3" landscape capacitive touch LCD infotainment pod screen w/ remote Command rotary toggle dial; √ Touch controls for Android Auto / Apple CarPlay projection; √ Native HDD GPS voice command / guidance Navigation; √ Voice command hands-free communications;  √ SMS with stored contacts photos; √ 8-speaker, 320 W streaming audio, HD radio; √ USB-C x 6, 12V x 3 (including cargo area); 120 V, 1500W AC outlets x 2 (cargo bay walls); √ Qi^TM inductive wireless device charging tray.

Audibly Speaking: √ 555 W, 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2.0 audio = punchy without low frequency boom, pleasing staging

• + Mazda Connect menus don't overwhelm and flow logically with useful images
• -1 Media screen brightness and contrast too dim; Wireless charging tray makes phone excessively hot, frequently shutting phone down.

HOW C"APP" -LICABLE: √ Wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay projection, touch media display operation; √ Native HDD GPS voice command / guidance Navigation; √ Voice command hands-free communications;  √ SMS with stored contacts photos; ; √ USB-C x 6, 12V x 3 (including cargo area); √ Qi^TM inductive wireless device charging tray.

By Subscription: Sirius XM - 30 day trial; TravelLink - 3 yrs. trial; Mazda Connected apps - free (including Amazon Alexa voice query and infotainment commands, Pandora); Mazda Connected Services - 3 yrs. trial (including digital key)

• -1 No configurable widgets or open platform sideloading apps.

HOW MUCH: $59,405 = 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus AWD price as tested

WHAT'S MISSING: Fewer hybrid noises; Battery charge preserve lock-out mode; EV off-road capability; 2nd & 3rd Row cargo bay remote power seat back fold / raise; Active parking assist; Cabin ambient lighting; More natural shifter pattern.

ANY COMPETITION: Lexus TX 550h+:  more amenities, greater power, greater price; Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 35 miles EV range, available 50 kW on-board charging, an even tighter third row.