Midsize SUV Crossover

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV vs. 2025 Ford Explorer Comparison

The never-ending pursuit of improved fuel economy has now hit the 3-row midsize SUV segment, with a slew of new plug-in hybrid versions (PHEV) of favorites flooding the market. Many automakers are revising their previous offerings to meet the demand for premium PHEVs. For example, the Mazda CX-9 has been discontinued and replaced by the 2025 Mazda CX-90, which has a plug-in hybrid option. It goes head-to-head with stalwarts in this segment, like the 2025 Ford Explorer, one of America’s best-selling midsize SUVs.

Here’s how these two midsize 3-row SUVs match up.

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

2025 Mazda CX-90 in Artisan Red Metallic on GMR.

Mazda just completed a major makeover of its SUV lineup. The flagship, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, has finally arrived — and it’s worth the wait. The CX-90 replaces the outgoing CX-9 as the brand’s biggest SUV. It’s a handsome upgrade, featuring a brawnier exterior with a serious presence.

Mazda is known for providing good value while offering a premium product. The CX-90 PHEV aims to take on the premium segment of the SUV market without necessarily having a premium price.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Highlights

Ample power: The CX-90 PHEV puts out a combined 323 horsepower. That’s 23 more horses than the base engine in the Explorer.

Plug-in capability: If you don’t want to use gasoline, the CX-90 has enough electric-only range for errands around town. You can travel up to 26 miles on just the battery, which is more than enough to get most folks to the store and back with a run to pick up a child from practice or an extracurricular activity.

Standard AWD: While all-wheel drive is pretty typical in this segment, getting it as standard equipment is one less thing to fuss with. It costs extra in the Ford Explorer.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you.

2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford Explorer Platinum

When people think of a midsize SUV, the vehicle that comes to mind is often the Ford Explorer. The brand’s midsize SUV accelerated the shift of buyers from sedans to SUVs in the early 1990s. Alongside a few other popular SUVs that endure today, like the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Explorer changed how Americans drive.

Fast forward a few decades, and the Explorer is still slugging it out for sales in the midsize arena. It seats up to seven and offers plenty of power and towing capability. When equipped correctly, it’s even a fine off-roader.

Ford Explorer Highlights

Big power: The Explorer has long been known for its powerful engines, and the current version maintains that reputation. A 300-hp EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine is standard, but more muscle is available under the hood. Certain trim levels offer a 400-hp turbo V6, putting the Explorer on the sportier side of this segment.

Easy to read: The new Explorer offers a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. It’s customizable to meet the driver’s needs and features a “Mindful Mode,” which skinnies down the information display to prevent driver distraction.

Parking prowess: Ford was among the first automakers to offer automatic parking technology as an option in its vehicles. It works for parallel parking as well as more conventional perpendicular parking. It’ll also help you get out of those parking spaces.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you.

Similarities

The similarly sized Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Ford Explorer have standard 3-row seating, the latest tech and safety features, and plenty of power.

Pricing

New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV Prices

Retail Price
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
$51,400
$49,277
$56,355
$54,252
$59,405
$57,088

New 2025 Ford Explorer Prices

Retail Price
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
$41,450
$38,507
$46,210
$42,869
$53,350
$49,530
ST
$56,465
$52,365

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV vehicles and New 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV2025 Ford Explorer
Popular Powertrains  
Engine2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower323 hp @ 6,000 rpm300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission8-speed automatic10-speed automatic
Fuel Economy25 mpg combined; 56 MPGe electric plus gas21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg
Max Towing3,500 pounds5,300 pounds
Also AvailableTurbo inline 6-cylinder3.0-liter Twin-turbo 6-cylinder, AWD
Specs  
Basic Warranty3 years/36,000 miles3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty5 years/60,000 miles5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall SafetyTBD5 stars
Max Seating Capacity87
Wheelbase122.8 inches119.1 inches
Overall Length201.6 inches198.7 inches
Width84.9 inches78.9 inches
Height68.2 inches69.6 inches
Turning Diameter38.1 feet38.7 feet
Headroom, 1st Row39.7 inches40.7 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row39.3 inches40.5 inches
Headroom, 3rd Row36.9 inches38.9 inches
Legroom, 1st Row41.7 inches43.0 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row39.4 inches39.0 inches
Legroom, 3rd Row30.4 inches32.2 inches
Shoulder Room, 1st Row59.2 inches62.1 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row58.1 inches61.0 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row53.3 inches54.6 inches
Cargo Volume14.9/74.2 cubic feet18.2/87.8 cubic feet

Conclusion

There are some very striking differences between the two models, which should make it pretty simple to choose. Let’s start with the most significant difference: A nearly $13,000 differential on the window sticker. Plug-in hybrid technology adds a lot to a vehicle’s bottom line; that reality is clearly on display here. The Mazda has lower fuel costs than the Ford, but that’s at least partially canceled out by the higher sticker price. Further, you can’t even upgrade the current version of the Explorer to a hybrid, neither plug-in nor conventional.

The roomier Ford Explorer remains a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, reasonably priced midsize SUV. You’ll need some extra cash if you want a leading-edge, premium PHEV. Its seating capacity also maxes out at seven, whereas the Mazda accommodates up to eight.