2026 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has arguably the most attractive, upscale interior in its class. Even though Mazda is best known for its driver-centric models, here, luxurious elegance takes the main stage. Thanks to the cabin materials and the graceful interior and exterior design, the CX-90 deserves to be in the same conversation as brands like Acura and Infiniti. And because it’s a plug-in hybrid, this midsize SUV can go up to 26 miles on all-electric power – great for errands around town – while the engine offers plenty of power for road trips and regular family life. There’s ample room for people and cargo, and this SUV boasts excellent safety ratings.

The regular, non-plug-in 2026 Mazda CX-90 SUV is reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of PHEV SUVs, including the Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Alexa Built-in and wireless smartphone connectivity are standard on all trims, as are driver-seat memory, an 8-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and 21-inch wheels. The topline trim, Premium Plus, is now available with bench seating, and it adds more standard safety features. Polymetal Gray Metallic is a new color. And all CX-90 PHEVs seat seven passengers, regardless of trim or options.

The most affordable Preferred trim is a very well-equipped one, so we believe most shoppers will be happy with it. You can always go up the trim ladder if the budget allows. And if you don’t need a 3-row vehicle but still want an upscale Mazda plug-in hybrid, you can consider the 2-row Mazda CX-70 PHEV. The CX-90 PHEV is a tad larger than the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid and is a little more expensive. On the other end of the spectrum, the Mazda is slightly smaller than the Lexus TX 550 h+ and significantly less expensive.

Before buying a new CX-90 PHEV SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. We expect resale values to be at least average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The CX-90 PHEV pairs an electric motor and a 4-cylinder engine to create 323 total horsepower. That’s plenty of muscle for a midsize SUV, and makes it feel fairly quick. When it’s running on all-electric power, it also has plenty of oomph for around-town jaunts. However, the transitions between the two modes could use a bit of smoothing, as could the transmission’s shifts.

This is a Mazda, and as such, it is agile for its size, with cornering that is pleasantly predictable thanks to Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control technology, which reduces body roll. Some editors found the CX-90’s ride was a little firm yet still plenty comfortable.

Fuel Economy

When factoring in the 26 miles you can drive on battery power alone, the CX-90 PHEV is rated at 56 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. After that, when operating as a regular hybrid, the vehicle achieves 26 mpg combined. Its total range is 500 miles on a tank. Mazda recommends premium fuel for the CX-90 PHEV.

Mazda has established a reputation for designing attractive interiors, and the pinnacle of the entire lineup is the CX-90’s cabin. It is gorgeous. The interior uses tasteful color combinations, terrific, high-quality materials, and a tidy, elegant control center for temperature controls below the large 12.3-inch infotainment screen. We like that there are still plenty of buttons in easy reach of the driver and front passenger, but the rotary dial that controls infotainment while the vehicle is in motion was somewhat polarizing among the editors.

The interior offers seating for seven, with the option of a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row. The CX-90 PHEV comes standard with a 60/40-split reclining second-row bench seat, and it slides and tilts for easy access to the third row. If the second row uses the bench seat, the third row seats two people. If there are captain’s chairs in the second row, the third row seats three.

The second row offers 39.4 inches of legroom, and the third row has 30.4 inches. For comparison, the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid enjoys 40.3 and 29.6 inches, respectively. The CX-90 PHEV’s third row isn’t as big as in other 3-row vehicles, but it’s more than adequate for smaller family members. Cargo space in the CX-90 PHEV goes from 14.9 cubic feet with all three rows up to 74.2 cubic feet behind the front row with the rear two rows folded. That’s only a negligible difference compared with the non-PHEV CX-90.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV’s smooth lines and long hood give this vehicle an upscale look that is a perfect fit for its elegant interior. It’s a design that would make this SUV fit in quite nicely with the luxury vehicle segment. If someone didn’t know this was a Mazda, this could easily be mistaken for a Jaguar, or perhaps an Audi. For 2026, all three trim levels of the CX-90 PHEV ride on 21-inch wheels, and each trim level gets its own finish: silver, black, or machine-cut. All trims have LED lighting at all points. The Premium Plus adds adaptive front lighting. The grille and side mirrors vary based on trim level, and Polymetal Gray Metallic is a new color for 2026, available on the Premium Sport and Premium Plus.

Digital driver information display
Every new CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV features a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the cabin’s luxury/tech feel.

Powered tailgate
Another standard feature that we’re always happy to see in SUVs. This one includes programmable heights, while hands-free operation comes in the two higher trims.

Mazda Connect
This standard array includes voice control for the infotainment system, Alexa Built-in, Pandora integration, and automatic emergency notifications.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard in the 2026 CX-90 plug-in hybrid. We love the convenience.

Head-up display
Standard in the second trim (Premium Sport), projecting vital information on the windshield directly ahead of the driver.

Standard heated second-row seats
All CX-90 PHEVs come standard with heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.

The CX-90 PHEV uses a naturally aspirated (no turbochargers) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. An electric motor slots between this engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission. The system’s combined output is 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, while the hybrid battery and related hardware have an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is fairly typical for mainstream manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The 2026 CX-90 has taken the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ (based on the 2025 testing protocol) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.