2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV vs. 2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge

If you want a three-row midsize SUV, the world is your oyster. However, if you want one that is great looking with a spacious cabin covered in premium materials and offers impressive fuel economy, the choices get whittled down in a hurry.

Fortunately, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV and 2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge provide those “basics” and more. These two make the grade for performance, looks, and space.

Let’s take a closer look at the CX-90 PHEV and XC90 Recharge to see which is a better fit for you and your family.

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Mazda introduced this near-luxury SUV for the 2024 model year, giving the brand a new flagship model. For 2025, it gets just a few changes, including a Premium Sport trim level as well as more standard technology across the lineup.

The CX-90 offers a premium driving experience, including plenty of power — 323 horsepower — and excellent fuel economy. If you want more ponies and don’t mind paying more for gas, the CX-90 can be had as a gas-only model. The CX-90 PHEV comes in three trim levels: Preferred, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus. Pricing begins at $51,400, including destination charge.

CX-90 PHEV Highlights

Just juice: Just looking to run errands? You can likely skip the gas station using the 26 miles of electric-only range available on the CX-90 PHEV.

Hot stuff: One reason for getting a nicer midsize SUV is to ensure your passengers are comfortable, too. If you move up to the Premium Plus package, second-row riders can keep their bottoms warm on cold winter days with seat warmers just like the front-seat passengers.

Plenty of tech: Depending on the trim level, you can enjoy a head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, and a powered tailgate. On all versions, Mazda Connect offers voice control for the infotainment system, Pandora integration, and automatic emergency notifications.

2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Few brands are as identifiable as Volvo. The XC90 Recharge exemplifies that ethos with its simple yet elegant exterior styling, which is matched by a similarly uncluttered but upscale cabin.

For 2025, the XC90 is largely unchanged except for a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen that gives you access to the infotainment system. The XC90 Recharge is a powerful machine boasting 455 hp while posting 58 MPGe. It can be had in one of three trim levels: Core, Plus, or Ultra. Pricing starts at $74,295, including destination fee.

XC90 Recharge Highlights

Search it up: The XC90 comes with Google built-in, allowing you to access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play as you tool down the road.

Stay focused: The available head-up display gives you all the needed information as you navigate to your final destination, including updates on how far before your next turn and the speed limit for the road you’re traveling.

Power: It’s nice to get where you’re going in style, but the XC90 Recharge also gets you there quickly with a 455 hp powertrain boasting a zero-to-60 time of five seconds — and if you want to do so quietly and save gas, you get 32 miles of electric-only range.

Similarities

Both are stylish midsize hybrids capable of seating up to seven people, depending upon the vehicle’s configuration. They feature spacious cabins with a premium look and feel and loads of technology.

Pricing

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 Volvo XC90 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 PHEV	2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder PHEV	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder PHEV
Horsepower	323 hp @ 6,000 rpm	455 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm	523 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic with AWD	8-speed automatic with AWD
Fuel Economy	25 combined/56 MPGe	27 combined/58 MPGe
Also Available	3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 stars	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	8	7
Wheelbase	122.8 inches	117.5 inches
Overall Length	200.8 inches	195 inches
Width	78.5 inches	79.1 inches
Height	68.2 inches	69.9 inches
Turning Diameter	38.1 feet	39.7 feet
Headroom, 1st Row	39.7 inches	38.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row	39.3 inches	38.5 inches
Headroom, 3rd Row	36.9 inches	36.3 inches
Legroom, 1st Row	41.7 inches	40.9 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row	39.4 inches	37 inches
Legroom, 3rd Row	30.4 inches	31.9 inches
Shoulder Room, 1st Row	59.2 inches	57.7 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row	58.1 inches	56.5 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row	53.3 inches	46.9 inches
Cargo Volume	14.9/40/74.2 cubic feet	21.8/49.6/85.1 cubic feet

Conclusion

Mazda hit it out of the park with the CX-90 PHEV. It’s stylish, powerful, and tech-forward. The problem is the XC90 is all that and just a bit more. However, it also costs a bit more: $20,000 more, in fact. This decision is made with your checkbook.