DRIVERS hoping to get into a luxury SUV have a new entrant into the sub-six-figure market.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV stands out against the pricier SUV underpinnings. I spent four days driving the agile, luxurious seven-passenger plug-in hybrid.
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The vehicle is the largest SUV in Mazda history. It replaced the three-row CX-9 SUV in 2024.
“The CX-90 is an all-new design,” a Mazda representative told The US Sun.
“The CX-90 benefits from Mazda’s latest Big Platform architecture, enabling the use of powerful, electrified engines and numerous packaging advantages that result in a dynamic exterior design with ample interior space for all three rows.”
- This story is part of a series of tests carried out by Ben Shimkus, engine reporter for The US Sun.
Mazda filled the large space with a truly gorgeous interior.
Each seat has a brown line stitched down the center that matches the natural wood details. The touch of dark brown combined beautifully with our white Nappa leather seats.
Somehow, the black steering wheel and silver metal accents fit the cozy atmosphere inside the spacious vehicle.
And the seats — especially in the first and second rows — are plush but supportive.
My tester came with the lighter-colored interior package, perfect for a driver who expects well-mannered adults in the back seat.
For families concerned about the practicality of white seats, Mazda offers more forgiving options in black, beige and dark gray.
The interior is also packed with important comfort options and useful tech tools.
The first and second row seats have heated and ventilated options.
Behind the wheel, a gigantic infotainment system displays Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity.
A heads-up display also projects the car’s speed, navigation guidance and traffic sign warnings without obstructing the driver’s view of the road.
Our tester had an MSRP of $59,500, including destination charges and a $595 surcharge for premium white body paint.
Similar-sized SUVs from luxury brands — like Land-Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus — will cost about double our tester’s MSRP for their base models.
A Range Rover, for example, has a base price of US$107,000.
The CX-90’s base price starts below $40,000, but in this lower price range, drivers will miss out on the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
WITHIN DRIVING MODES
I found the CX-90’s drive to be efficient, but with ample power.
The suspension easily dampened the pothole-ridden sidewalk near my New York City apartment.
Mazda CX-90 review
Ben Shimkus, automotive journalist for The US Sun, tested the CX-90. Here are his thoughts:
The CX-90 is a flexible, luxurious SUV with a not-so-premium price tag.
My tester was efficient, very powerful and extremely beautiful.
From the outside, the CX-90 is aggressive yet elegant.
There are very few carving lines on the side, minus a bulge above the rear wheels.
A raised rear end and an elongated, sloping hood give the large car the appearance of a cat ready to pounce.
But inside, the warm colors combine with an opulence that feels more luxurious than the sub-$60,000 as-tested price.
A plug-in hybrid drivetrain powers the car — but Mazda offers an internal combustion-only version for less money.
I averaged 27 mpg, which is pretty good for a car this size.
I would recommend spending on the paired battery version. The car is more exciting when the battery is charged.
Mazda replaced the popular three-row CX-9 with this even larger platform in early 2024.
To me, this looks like a winning substitute.
The CX-90’s engine was efficient throughout the trip, getting 27 mpg while combining premium fuel with plug-in electric power.
It also made the car quite powerful on the road, quickly reaching high speeds without much effort.
Mazda recommends filling your car with premium fuel. Gives the engine a power boost.
I found the ride to be refined and dignified—especially compared to my last plug-in hybrid tester, the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus.
SINGLE ELECTRICAL ACCEPTANCE
Drivers should be prepared for the CX-90’s unique electric drivetrain.
Most partially electrified vehicles do not pair the battery directly with the transmission. Mazda took a different approach.
In almost all battery electric cars, power is evenly distributed at low and high speeds, providing a seamless driving experience.
However, the CX-90 excels at shifting gears even if the car is in all-electric mode.
The difference offers a more traditional driving feel.
This distinct approach to electric power sets the CX-90 apart from nearly every other battery-powered vehicle on the U.S. market.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
