2024 MAZDA CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID REVIEW | THIS OR THE TURBO SIX?

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid Premium Plus offers a compelling, albeit complex, driving experience. While the reviewer initially expected to prefer the inline-six, the PHEV variant proved surprisingly fun, especially in Sport mode, delivering its full 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The reviewer praised the smooth transitions between EV and hybrid modes, the refined transmission, and the overall polished feel, noting it feels more planted than the inline-six. However, the primary drawback is the limited EV range, which, in cold weather, dropped significantly from the rated 26 miles to a mere 15-18 miles, making pure EV operation economically questionable. Fuel economy in hybrid mode was only marginally better than the non-hybrid inline-six. Despite the impressive performance in Sport mode and the premium interior features, the reviewer suggests the best value in the CX-90 lineup might lie in lower trims, primarily due to the battery range limitations of the PHEV.