If you’re among the legions trying to decide between an all-electric, hybrid, hybrid electric, or gasoline powered vehicle, join the club.
Having driven them all, my personal choice would be a combination of them all. A gasoline-powered engine that works in conjunction with electric motor/battery hybrid technology with the option of a plug-in electric driver over short distances.
That choice delivers the practicality of greater gas mileage over long distances, with the all-electric option around town. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus full-size SUV offers exactly that.
Powered by an inline four-cylinder engine accompanied by an electric motor and 17.8kW battery pack, the CX-90 delivers 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel drivers is paired with a Skyactiv-drive, eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is rated with a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity. It receives a 25 mile per gallon rating by the EPA with a range of almost 440 miles. All-electric mileage is limited to around 26 miles.
The gas engine delivers a surprisingly rambunctious exhaust note while the electric drive has more than enough power to cruise along silently without wishing for additional motivation. The CX-90 hybrid comes with refined road manners and the athleticism Mazdas are known for.
The three-row (front and middle captain’s chairs) and third-row bench provides seating for up to seven adults, perfect for families. Of course the third-row folds flat to supply an abundance of storage space when that attribute overrides passenger occupancy.
Features specific to the PHEV Premium Plus include 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels with machine cut finish, automatic folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, Nappa leather first- and second-row heated seats, ventilated front seats, and a 150-watt accessory power outlet.
Other features include blackout exterior elements including a gloss black honeycomb front grille, black chrome signature wing and “PHEV” fender badge, black front and rear lower bumper, front and rear black door garnish, and piano black side mirrors and roof rails.
Added i-Activsense safety features for this model include Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support Rear, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear View Monitor with dynamic guidelines when parking, and 360° View Monitor with See-Through View.
Other standard features are highlighted by a hands-free power rear lift gate, three-zone climate control, power panoramic moonroof, Bose audio system with 12 speakers, navigation, hands-free phone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, high beam control, 12.3-inch color center display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
CX-90 is built upon Mazda’s electrified large platform. This gives CX-90 incredible dynamic prowess thanks to features like a double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear suspension and standard i-Activ AWD.
The CX-90 was put through its paces on a solo seven-hour, I-5 day trip to Battle Ground to pick up a fused glass treasure. It kept me both entertained, ensconced in a luxurious setting, and safe. All that was needed was a little caffeine.
To help ensure a safe and secure journey for all occupants, this model includes additional i-Activsense safety features such as Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Secondary Collision Reduction, and Cruising and Traffic Support.
Base Price: $59,440
Price As Driven: $60,000
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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