Review: 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Polished and peppy, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) offers a delightful driving experience. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
The CX-90 PHEV comes well equipped. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
The PHEV version of the CX-90 has a 42 km electric-only range. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
All CX-90 PHEV models come with all-wheel drive | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
The interior is decidedly upscale, with soft touch points throughout. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
The CX-90 PHEV has room for seven or eight, depending on whether you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
Mazda’s Mi-Drive system allows the driver to switch between a number of driving modes including Sport, Off-Road, Normal and EV. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
Most features are controlled via two dials that are conveniently located just in front of the armrest between the driver and front passenger. | CREDIT : Jack Kazmierski
Mazda delivers the Wow! factor.
Polished and peppy, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) offers a delightful driving experience, a posh interior, and decent fuel economy numbers. With room for as many as eight, and the ability to tow as much as 3,500 lbs., this eye-pleasing SUV was built to impress.
For the 2025 model year, Mazda offers the CX-90 as both a mild-hybrid (MHEV), and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The latter is the focus of our test drive, and is available this year in three well-equipped trims: GS, GS-L and GT.
While standard equipment varies from trim to trim, all CX-90 PHEV models come with all-wheel drive, a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, and a capable 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor for a combined output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is excellent. Mazda recommends using premium fuel, but you can get away with regular, if you don’t mind losing a bit of power. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) the gasoline engine of the CX-90 PHEV is rated at 9.9/8.7/9.4 L/100 km (city/hwy/combined). However, when you factor in the electric motor, that drops to 4.2 Le/100 km (combined). In our real-word testing, we were consuming about 5.2 Le/100 km, but your mileage will vary, depending on how often you plug in the CX-90 to charge so that you can take advantage of the 42 km electric-only range.
Refined road manners
On city streets, the CX-90 PHEV delivers a quiet and refined ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth, and under most circumstances, engine noise is minimal.
Although it can handle higher-speed maneuvers on the highway, the CX-90 PHEV wasn’t engineered for lane-hopping and more aggressive driving. That’s not its forte. Instead, it delivers a civilized driving experience, while keeping occupants comfortable in a quiet and welcoming passenger cabin.
Standard equipment
The CX-90 PHEV comes well equipped. Standard equipment includes a fully digital 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display, heated front seats, front row USB Type C ports, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio system, push-button start, front and second-row dual USB-A inputs, and three-zone automatic climate control with second row A/C display and third row A/C vents.
Every CX-90 PHEV trim also comes with complimentary Mazda Connected Services for the first two years, providing the ability for the driver to monitor and connect with the CX-90 PHEV remotely through the MyMazda app.
All PHEV models come with i-Activsense safety features, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support Front, Pedestrian Detection (front), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping with Road Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.
All CX-90 PHEV models are equipped with Mazda’s Mi-Drive system, which allows the driver to switch between a number of driving modes including Sport, Off-Road, Normal and EV.
Cozy comfort
The CX-90 PHEV has room for seven or eight, depending on whether you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior is decidedly upscale, with soft touch points throughout, and comfortable seating for all. Third-row seats, however, don’t offer as much legroom as the first two rows.
One of the new features Mazda added for the 2025 model year is a 12.3-inch centre display for Mazda Connect with touch screen capability, but only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and Cruise and Traffic Support. All other features are controlled via two dials that are conveniently located just in front of the armrest between the driver and front passenger. Once you get used to the function of both dials, it’s a pleasure to control all features with the flick of the wrist, without having to lift your arm off the armrest.
Our tester was equipped with the optional head-up display, which is a great feature that allows you to keep an eye on your speed and other critical data, without ever taking your eyes off the road.
With a striking exterior, a welcoming passenger cabin, a refined ride and excellent fuel economy, the CX-90 PHEV is worth a closer look.
Price and Specifications
Year Make Model Trim
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV GT
Base Price
$64,350
Notable Options
Pure White Nappa Leather Interior: $250
Artisan Red Matallic Paint: $500
Price as Tested
$67,295
Powertrain
2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motor
Transmission
Eight-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
323 hp (combined)
Torque
319 lb-ft. (Combined)
Fuel Economy (NRCan)
Gasoline Only: 9.9/8.7/9.4 L/100 km (city/hwy/combined)
Gasoline & Electric: 4.2 Le/100 km (combined)
Fuel Economy (observed)
5.2 Le/100 km (combined)
Electric Range
42 km
Good
Stylish exterior
Upscale interior
Comfortable ride
Bad
Prefers premium fuel
Infotainment system come with learning curve
