The 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV crossover is a trailblazer for its on-road charging capability
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuts the new nameplate and a completely re-engineered and redesigned large SUV crossover. (Photos by Mark Maynard)
Table of Contents
Charging While Driving
CX-90 Overview
Pricing
3 CX-90 Powertrains
Ride and Handling
Safety Technologies
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Why Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV?
Specifications
The girlfriend-wife and I just returned from a 1,109-mile round-trip road trip from San Diego to Sacramento in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. The three-row SUV crossover performed without a hiccup, returning on average 27.8 to 29.8 mpg; I tried but couldn’t get it to 30 mpg. However, the consistent 28-plus mpg at 70 mph-plus was acceptable to me for the CX-90’s all-wheel drive and curb weight of 5,243 pounds. And our return trip was laden with weighty vintage items.
Along Interstate 5 South, the nine-hour return trip traversed toasty temperatures of 104 degrees through the expansive agricultural fields and row after row of fruit and nut orchards. In the heat of the day, two 18-wheel semis adjacent to our lane had blowouts on trailers, and there was evidence of many more blowouts from the frequent scatterings of tire chunks.
From the onboard vehicle data pages, I kept an eye on the engine temperature, which never budged past a couple of hash marks below normal. And that was with the AC at a constant 66 degrees and continual use of the seat ventilators.
The 21-inch Falken ZIEX CT60 all-season tires (275/45R21) have a substantial footprint and uttered no complaints about speed or load.
I tested a top-line 2024 CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus that was $58,920, with one option for Rhodium White metallic paint, $595. The PHEV has three trims, which start at $48,820, including the $1,395 freight charge from Japan.
The interior has a hand-crafted appearance and refined materials.
Charging While Driving
An MSRP near $60,000 is a lot for a mainstream, family-class, three-row SUV crossover, but this plug-in hybrid goes where few competitors can. The 2024 Mazda plug-in hybrid system has a unique feature that allows the hybrid battery to recharge while driving. That technological advancement converts a dutiful PHEV for mainly around-town use to a prime road-trip cruiser.
The CX-90’s EV range of 26 miles seems insignificant, but it has the considerable time benefit of not having to be “refilled” — for 90 minutes — at a public charging station while on a trip.
Creeping along in clogged commuter traffic in EV mode is rewarding. And if I were to run out of fuel, 26 miles would surely get me to a filling station.
All hybrids and electric vehicles have regenerative capabilities to capture lost energy while braking and during engine deceleration or coasting. But the captured energy is incremental and does not “refill” the battery.
There are more than a dozen choices of plug-in hybrids in many price ranges. From my research, only Volvo offers a charging mode while driving its XC60 T8 Recharge and XC40 Recharge SUVs. Volvo’s “Hold and Charge” function can charge and bank electric power for later use or charge the battery while driving.
The panoramic power moonroof.
2024 Mazda CX-90 Overview
Mazda went boldly with its redesigned and larger 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV. It is Mazda’s largest vehicle, and it replaces the previous-generation CX-9.
The CX-90 has an ambitious lineup of 11 trim levels with seating configurations for eight, seven, or six. There are three choices of electrified powertrains, two of which feature a new mild-hybrid 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine.
Compared to the outgoing Mazda CX-9, the 2024 CX-90 is 2.2 inches longer, about an inch narrower, on a wheelbase that is longer by 7.5 inches.
Mazda has been surprised by the early sales of the 2024 CX-90 PHEV. Initially, the product planners expected the gasoline versions to outsell the plug-in two to one. “What we are seeing is a huge demand for the plug-in, and we are ramping up production,” the spokesman said.
And there will be more plug-in innovators to come. Europe and Japan have hybrid versions of the smaller CX-60 and CX-80 SUVs. But a CX-70 is on the way for the U.S., and a CX-50 hybrid.
The CX-90 hybrid battery is positioned in the center of the floor structure.
2024 Mazda CX-90 Pricing
Gasoline models:
- CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select $40,970;
- 3.3 Turbo Preferred $44,820;
- 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus $47,275;
- 3.3 Turbo Premium $50,275;
- 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus $54,325;
- 3.3 Turbo S $53,125;
- 3.3 Turbo S Premium $57,825;
- 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus $61,325.
All retail pricing includes the $1,375 freight charge from Japan.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- PHEV Preferred $48,820;
- PHEV Premium $54,275;
- PHEV Premium Plus $58,325.
Hybrid components, including the battery, have a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Check here for current Mazda USA pricing and offers.
CX-90 Gas and Hybrid Powertrains
All Turbo models feature M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with stop-start at idle.
The uplevel e-SKYACTIV G 3.3-liter turbocharged Turbo S engine has 340 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm on the recommended premium fuel, or 319 hp on 87 octane. It has fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The entry Turbo engine has 280 hp and 332 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000 rpm using the recommended 87 octane. Its mileage ratings are nearly identical, with 24 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined.
There is a myriad of reasons why Mazda moved away from a V-6 engine to an inline 6. (The six-cylinder is used in non-hybrid models).
Among the reasons, an inline-6 keeps the engine nice and narrow, a spokesman said. And the design creates a slight efficiency of the powertrain. Also, with the CX-90’s double-wishbone front suspension, the inline engine benefits steering feel and stability, he said. But it is also a wider suspension compared to more economical suspensions. And that also benefits the tighter turning circle because the turn angle was increased. That bit of engineering trimmed about a half foot from the turning circle, now a manageable 38.1 feet.
The CX-90 PHEV powertrain is comprised of an inline four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery pack.
The Plug-In Choice
Mazda has a unique tuning technology to allow the CX-90 PHEV to recharge the battery while driving.
The CX-90’s hybrid powertrain is comprised of an inline four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. The direct-injected e-Skyactiv 2.5-liter engine makes 189 hp with premium fuel or 185 hp with regular unleaded. The engine is paired with a 68-kW electric motor, which adds 173 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque at a very low 400 rpm.
Combined system power adds up to 323 hp when using premium fuel or 319 hp with regular unleaded. Peak torque of 369 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm is the same with regular or unleaded fuel.
The CX-90 PHEV has an estimated driving range of 26 miles battery electric and a combined driving range of 490 miles. That peak range, however, depends on the use of air conditioning, seat heaters, and other electronic features. According to the onboard computer, I could charge while driving to 30 and 32 miles of range while on the road.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV Charging
Electric vehicle charging times, from 20 percent to 80 percent:
- Level 1 (household 120-volt AC): 6 hours and 40 minutes
- Level 2 (240V AC): 1 hour and 30 minutes
Charging cable storage below the cargo floor.
e-Skyactiv PHEV
In Normal mode, when there is sufficient battery charge, the hybrid system will prioritize EV propulsion depending on the situation and conditions.
When the battery’s state of charge is below 20 percent, the system will keep the gas engine fired to charge the battery to make EV assist available.
EV mode is engaged through the Mi-Drive controller on the shift console.
The gas engine can turn on in EV mode when the accelerator pedal reaches the kick-down switch; this puts CX-90 back into Normal mode for quicker acceleration.
Electronic climate controls for the second row.
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Power flow to the axles is rear-biased and channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift. There are driving modes of Normal, Sport, EV, and Off-Road.
I experienced several rough transmission shifts, sometimes on deceleration or electric mode as I rolled on power. Could that be a problem down the road?
Mazda says its plug-in hybrid has a comparable level of performance to the inline-6 models.
I sampled Sport mode in several situations but was satisfied with the performance in Normal. Get on the gas hard, and acceleration can be swift. However, passing power takes a heavy foot at speed on the Interstate.
The CX-90 PHEV has 21-inch Falken ZIEX CT60 all season tires.
CX-90 PHEV Ride and Handling
I wouldn’t say the CX-90 PHEV is sporty to drive, but it is engineered for confident handling under pressure and in evasive maneuvers.
For handling control, Mazda’s so-called Kinematic Posture Control applies a bit of brake force to the inside rear wheel during cornering. Because the CX-90 is a rear-drive-based platform, KPC minimizes the tippy feel for more natural poise through corners.
Mazda does not use adaptive dampers to help smooth the ride. The steel spring suspension underpinning the CX-90 lays down a luxuriously compliant — almost carpeted — ride on smooth surfaces. But the attitude swiftly changes over rough road with jarring impacts. There is much trucky head toss over speed bumps and driveway entrances.
The variable assist steering force feels overly firm at low speeds, at least too stiff for two-finger tooling through mall-garage parking.
At speed on the interstate, I had to make minor but continual steering adjustments. I wanted the CX-90 to settle down and track, but the effect was a slow ping-pong between the white lines. However, the steering control was more straight-line direct on smooth blacktop.
In constant, hands-on control situations, I have grown to appreciate (and somewhat trust) Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist. These systems keep watch on the lanes and will work with navigation to speed up and slow the vehicle, usually to a stop in heavy traffic. But Mazda does not believe in semi-autonomous driving aids. The brand of zoom-zoom wants the driver to maintain control all the time.
While I appreciate the philosophy, navigating five lanes of constricted downtown freeway under construction at 65 mph can be nerve-racking.
The shift console is broad but with limited storage space.
CX-90 Safety Technologies
Mazda might not prioritize semi-autonomous driving, but it has armed the CX-90 with layers of safety features and advanced technologies.
Among the features are eight air bags, hill start and hill descent assist, off-road traction assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
Driver-assist technologies are thorough, including:
- Radar cruise control with stop-and-go and automatic speed limit adjustment;
- Blind-spot assist;
- Emergency lane keeping;
- Traffic sign recognition (which does not require a data plan);
- Secondary collision-reduction system;
- Smart brake support reverse;
- Front cross-traffic alert with front cross traffic braking.
• Neither National Highway Traffic Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) https://www.iihs.org/ have rated the 2024 Mazda CX-90. Check their websites for the latest ratings: NHTSA and IIHS.
Interior Function
There is full-bodied cabin space in the first and second rows. The CX-90 PHEV’s battery pack is situated in the center of the floor structure, where it does not compromise interior space.
Front headroom of 39.2 inches with the panoramic sunroof should suit most adults 6-foot-plus. With shoulder room of 59.2 inches (door to door), there is room to spread out while resting elbows on nicely padded armrests at the doors and center console.
Sightlines are unobstructed across the hood and out the back glass. Side mirrors are on the doors, not the windshield pillars, eliminating sightline issues while cornering.
Cabin soundproofing is traffic-calmed around town, but there is modest wind or tire noise on the highway.
Check the list of CX-90 PHEV features and advanced safety technologies in the specifications box below.
Door panel storage.
Crafted Appearance
Contemporary materials and harmonious colors and textures are nicely crafted throughout the cabin. The perforated Nappa leather seating is supportive and comfortable for the hours between fuel stops. The driver gets eight-way power adjustments with a strong lumbar inflator. And in the Premium Plus package, the front passenger also gets eight-way power adjustment, up from the standard four-way power.
Most controls and readouts are ergonomically placed. The 12.3-inch digital gauge array changes configurations according to the drive mode, and some categories are confusing to page through and open for greater detail.
The 12.3-inch full-color center infotainment display is simple to access with the shift-console controller. It contains the usual lineup of phone connections, apps, navigation, connected services, audio, and other elements. The screen peeks above the center stack of AC and climate controls, but the display’s placement is not prone to glare.
The rearview camera is split for a broad view and the overhead. Mazda added a unique “See Through View” for a wide-angle rear or front view.
The shift console is large and broad but with constrained space. And there are too few areas for small-item storage. Especially annoying and insistent is the seatbelt reminder alert.
There are six charging USBs throughout the cabin, but all are Type C. Those of us still with the common iPhone Lightning cable are out of luck. And the wireless charging pad in a nook at the base of the instrument panel is narrow and won’t fit some of the larger phones. There is, however, a 12-volt plug at the charging e-bin that is still functional for some radar speed detectors, I suppose.
Back doors open wide to almost 90 degrees, an asset when buckling toddlers in child seats.
Back Seats and Cargo Space
The second row has tall headroom of 38.6 inches and max legroom of 39.4 inches, with fore-aft slide and recline. The captain’s chairs in the Premium Plus tester allowed step-through space to the third row. And there’s also a small flip-up cupholder on the seat side.
Back doors open wide to almost 90 degrees, an asset when buckling toddlers in child seats. The second-row seats tip and slide for third-row access, but the three-seat bench is strictly kid class (as are most in this midsize three-row crossovers).
Fold the second row for 4 feet in length or 7 feet with both rows folded.
Despite the longer wheelbase and slightly longer body length, the cargo space is comparable to the CX-9. Almost 15 cubic feet of space is behind the third row, ideal for slinging plastic grocery bags. Fold the second and third rows for 74.2 cu. ft., stacked floor to headliner.
The liftgate entry is 42 inches wide and 30 inches tall. Fold the second row for 4 feet in length or 7 feet with both rows folded.
It’s also convenient to have two 150-watt, 120-volt household plugs plus a 12-volt plug to power an air compressor, chargers, or other gadgets.
Third-row legroom is short at 30.4 inches.
Why Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV?
Mazda’s advanced-tech tuning to provide on-road battery recharging is trailblazing. It is easy enough to plug in at a public charging facility, but the state of those chargers is often dirty or non-functioning. And nobody wants to take the time from vacation travel to charge up.
I have a Level 2 home charger in my garage, but I didn’t need it for this test. While driving in town, the battery added charge incrementally to shift the load from the engine. And to me, the performance while on gasoline power felt the same as with the electric boost.
You do not have to buy the top-line CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus model, but the tester shows how Mazda is moving its design and interiors upscale.
Good things are en route for this still-independent carmaker.
The recharge function elevates the CX-90 PHEV from an efficient, electrified short-range family SUV to an all-around road-trip hero.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Specifications
Body style: midsize, 7-passenger plug-in hybrid SUV Crossover with standard AWD
Hybrid powertrain: 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and 68 kW electric motor;
Engine power: 189 hp at 6,000 rpm (185 hp with regular unleaded);
Engine torque: 192 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm with premium fuel, 184 lb.-ft. on regular unleaded;
Combined system power: 323 hp, using premium fuel; 319 hp with regular unleaded
Peak torque: 369 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm, with regular or unleaded fuel;
Electric motor: 68 kW e-Skyactiv PHEV; 173 hp at 5,500 rpm; 199 lb.-ft. torque at 400 rpm;
Battery: 17.8 kWh lithium-ion;
Estimated driving range: 26 miles battery electric; 490 miles combined power range;
Transmission: PHEV e-Skyactiv Drive 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift; Drive modes of Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and EV
Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined city/highway; premium fuel recommended for max power
0-60 mph acceleration: 6.2 seconds, per Edmunds.com
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
Cargo space: 14.9 to 40 cubic feet; 2nd and 3rd-row seats folded 74.2 cu. ft.
Front head/leg room: 39.2/41.7 inches
2nd-row head/leg room: 38.6/39.4 inches
3rd-row head/leg room: 36.9/30.4 inches
Length/wheelbase: 201.6/122.8 inches
Curb weight: 5,243 pounds
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
CX-90 PHEV CHASSIS HARDWARE
Braking: 4-wheel discs with brakeforce distribution and brake assist; 13.7-inch vented rotors front, 13.8-inch solid rotors rear;
Steering: Power rack-and-pinion with variable assist; 38.1 feet turning circle;
Suspension: 4-wheel independent with front double wishbone and rear multilink with stabilizer bar.
Tires and Wheels: 21-inch alloy wheels with machine-cut finish; 275/45 tires.
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: Keyless entry with push-button start, Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, rearview camera, power panoramic sunroof, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, 8-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated 2nd-row seats, hands-free power rear liftgate, electric parking brake, windshield wiper deicer, power-folding and dimming side mirrors (heated) with turn-signal indicators, LED exterior lighting, 12.3-inch full-color center display;
Safety features include: 8 air bags, hill start and hill descent assist, offroad traction assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors;
Driver-Assist Technologies: radar cruise control with stop and go and automatic speed limit adjustment; blind spot assist; emergency lane keeping; traffic sign recognition; secondary collision reduction system; smart brake support reverse; front cross-traffic alert with front cross-traffic braking; 360-degree monitor with see-through view;
PRICING
Base price: $58,325, including $1,375 freight charge; price as tested $58,920
Options on test vehicle: Rhodium White metallic paint $595
Where assembled: Hofu, Japan
Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24-hour roadside service; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain; hybrid components including battery 8-years/100,000-miles.
