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2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV: Specs, Range, Price, Features and Complete Review
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is one of the most interesting choices for drivers who want a three-row SUV without giving up the benefits of plug-in hybrid technology. Mazda designed the CX-90 around its larger vehicle platform, combining a premium-looking cabin, standard all-wheel drive, three-row seating and an electrified powertrain that can operate using electric power for shorter trips before relying on its gasoline engine. For 2025, Mazda continued to offer the CX-90 PHEV with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery, with total output reaching 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended 91-octane fuel.
What makes the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV especially appealing is its ability to occupy the space between a traditional gasoline SUV and a fully electric vehicle. Drivers can charge the battery at home and use EV mode for many everyday trips, while the gasoline engine provides additional range for longer journeys. Mazda says the CX-90 PHEV can operate purely on electric power in a variety of driving conditions, including freeway cruising, while its total driving range using both electric and gasoline power can reach about 490 miles according to Mazda’s published information.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Powertrain and Performance
At the center of the CX-90 PHEV is Mazda’s e-Skyactiv PHEV system. The powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh high-capacity battery. Mazda lists total system output at 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when the vehicle is operated with the recommended premium fuel. The powertrain is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, giving the CX-90 PHEV a combination of electric responsiveness, gasoline-powered flexibility and all-weather traction.
The driving experience is one of the areas where the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV separates itself from many conventional three-row SUVs. Electric motors deliver torque quickly, which can make acceleration feel immediate when pulling away from a stop. When the battery’s available electric energy is reduced, the gasoline engine can automatically become part of the propulsion system, so drivers do not have to stop and recharge simply because the electric portion of the journey has been used. Mazda describes the system as combining EV driving with engine-and-motor operation to balance efficiency and performance.
Independent testing also demonstrates that the CX-90 PHEV is not simply focused on efficiency. Car and Driver recorded a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds during its testing, making the plug-in hybrid version notably quick for a three-row family SUV. The publication also praised its athletic handling and responsive powertrain, although it noted areas such as the third-row space and infotainment interface that may not appeal equally to every buyer.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Electric Range
Electric range is one of the most important reasons to consider the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV instead of the conventional gasoline versions of the CX-90. The vehicle uses a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, and published EPA figures put its electric-only range at approximately 25 miles per charge. Car and Driver achieved 26 miles in its own testing, while Mazda’s current informational material lists up to 26 miles of EPA-estimated electric range. The exact real-world distance can vary depending on weather, driving speed, temperature, traffic, passenger load and other conditions.
Although roughly 25 to 26 miles may seem modest compared with the range of a fully electric SUV, the purpose of a PHEV is different. The CX-90 does not need to depend entirely on its battery for long-distance travel. A driver might use electric power for local commuting, errands or school runs and then allow the gasoline engine to take over when a longer journey is required. For households that can charge regularly, this arrangement can make the PHEV format particularly convenient because it provides an electric-driving option without requiring the planning associated with a long-distance battery-electric vehicle.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Charging
Charging the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is designed to work with both ordinary household charging and faster Level 2 equipment. Mazda says the vehicle comes with a portable Level 1 charging cable for home charging, while a Level 2 charger can substantially reduce charging time. Mazda’s charging information indicates that the CX-90 PHEV can reach approximately 80 percent charge in about 1.5 hours using Level 2 charging under the stated conditions.
The owner’s manual specifies normal charging through AC power, with charging input supporting 110–240 volts and a maximum normal charging current of 32 amps. This means the charging setup should be considered when planning ownership, particularly for drivers who want to make frequent use of the vehicle’s EV capability.
For many owners, the biggest benefit of a plug-in hybrid is not necessarily achieving the longest possible electric range but making charging part of an ordinary daily routine. If the vehicle is plugged in at home regularly, short journeys can often make significant use of the battery. Longer trips remain practical because the gasoline engine provides a backup power source rather than requiring the driver to locate a charging station whenever the battery becomes depleted.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another major reason buyers may consider the CX-90 PHEV. Unlike a traditional gasoline SUV, the vehicle can complete part of a journey using electricity from its battery, which changes the way its overall efficiency should be evaluated. Mazda lists an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe for the CX-90 PHEV and approximately 26 miles of electric range, while Mazda also gives a total range figure of about 490 miles when gasoline and electric power are combined.
Car and Driver’s testing illustrates why real-world efficiency can vary. During its 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the publication drove 26 miles on electricity before the gasoline engine became necessary and recorded 57 MPGe over the test. It also reported gasoline-only estimates of 24 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. These figures demonstrate that charging habits can have a meaningful effect on how efficiently a PHEV performs in everyday use.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Interior and Seating
Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV focuses on combining family practicality with a more upscale atmosphere. Depending on configuration, the SUV can accommodate seven or eight passengers. The PHEV Preferred model, for example, offers an eight-passenger configuration with second- and third-row bench seating, while a seven-passenger configuration is available with second-row captain’s chairs and a center walk-through.
The interior also benefits from Mazda’s emphasis on materials, comfort and technology. For 2025, all CX-90 PHEV models received a 12.3-inch center display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and front and rear parking sensors. Depending on trim, buyers can also find features such as leather seating, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, Bose audio and additional driver-assistance technology.
The third row makes the CX-90 useful for families who occasionally or regularly need additional seating, although shoppers should remember that three-row SUVs differ considerably in how comfortable their rear seats are for adults. Car and Driver specifically identified the third row as one of the vehicle’s weaker areas. As a result, families should evaluate the actual seating position and access before making a purchase, particularly if adults will frequently use the third row.
Technology and Safety Features
Technology is an important part of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV experience. Standard features include a large 12.3-inch center display, wireless smartphone integration and wireless phone charging. Higher trims add equipment designed to improve convenience and the overall premium feel of the cabin. Mazda also equips the PHEV with a broad collection of i-Activsense driver-assistance systems.
Depending on trim level, safety and driver-assistance equipment can include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert and Rear Seat Alert. Higher grades add systems such as Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Road Keep Assist and additional collision-avoidance technologies.
For buyers considering a family SUV, these systems are important because the CX-90 is designed to carry multiple passengers and potentially cover long distances. However, driver-assistance technology should be viewed as an aid rather than a replacement for attentive driving. Features can also vary by trim, so shoppers should verify the equipment included on the specific vehicle they are considering.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Exterior Design
The exterior styling of the CX-90 follows Mazda’s strategy of creating a larger SUV that looks more sophisticated and athletic than many conventional family crossovers. The vehicle’s proportions are noticeably larger than Mazda’s smaller CX models, and its design incorporates a long hood, sculpted bodywork and a broad stance. The larger platform also supports the vehicle’s longitudinal powertrain layout and standard all-wheel-drive architecture.
The CX-90 PHEV Premium Sport trim gives buyers a particularly distinctive appearance. For 2025, Mazda introduced this version with black exterior details, including a gloss-black grille, black chrome signature wing, black lower bumper elements, black door garnish and black roof rails. It also features 21-inch black metallic wheels and a PHEV badge, giving the plug-in hybrid SUV a sportier visual identity.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Towing Capacity
A major advantage of the CX-90 PHEV is that it remains useful for more than simply carrying passengers. Mazda states that CX-90 PHEV models can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. That capacity gives the vehicle additional versatility for owners who need to pull a small trailer, recreational equipment or other appropriately sized loads.
The towing capability also helps distinguish the CX-90 PHEV from some smaller plug-in hybrid crossovers that prioritize efficiency over utility. Nevertheless, anyone planning to tow should pay close attention to the vehicle’s equipment, trailer weight, tongue weight and applicable safety requirements rather than assuming that every CX-90 configuration has identical towing equipment.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Trims and Features
The PHEV lineup provides several equipment levels, allowing buyers to choose between value-oriented specifications and a more luxurious experience. The PHEV Preferred includes features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a sunroof, power liftgate, three-zone climate control with third-row vents, heated front seats and multiple USB-C charging ports. This trim is particularly attractive to families that want a strong mixture of comfort and practicality without necessarily moving to the most expensive version.
The PHEV Premium Sport takes a more aggressive approach with black exterior details, 21-inch wheels, upgraded lighting and interior equipment. It also adds features such as a head-up display, Bose 12-speaker audio system, navigation with off-road functionality, enhanced interior lighting and additional safety technologies. Meanwhile, the PHEV Premium Plus moves further into premium territory with features including Nappa leather, heated second-row seating, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and additional camera and braking technologies.
Because equipment and pricing can vary according to market, incentives and dealer inventory, shoppers should confirm the exact specifications of the particular 2025 CX-90 PHEV being considered rather than assuming that every example has the same features.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Good for Families?
For families seeking a three-row SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has several compelling advantages. It offers seating for up to eight people, standard all-wheel drive, a substantial list of safety features, useful cargo and passenger flexibility, and the ability to drive using electricity for shorter trips. Its plug-in hybrid design can be particularly attractive for households with a predictable daily routine because regular charging allows the owner to make greater use of the battery while still retaining gasoline-powered flexibility for road trips.
The SUV is also more performance-oriented than its family-focused mission might suggest. With 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel, the PHEV has enough power for confident acceleration, while independent testing has shown that it can reach 60 mph in under six seconds. This combination of practicality and performance is one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points.
Advantages of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
One of the biggest strengths of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is its balanced approach to electrification. Buyers do not have to choose between a traditional gasoline SUV and a fully electric vehicle. Instead, the CX-90 can use electricity for local driving and gasoline for longer journeys. Its 323-horsepower powertrain also provides performance that goes beyond what many efficiency-focused hybrid SUVs offer.
Another advantage is the CX-90’s premium character. Mazda has put considerable attention into the cabin, available leather and Nappa leather seating, technology, design and driving dynamics. The vehicle also offers standard all-wheel drive and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the appropriate Mazda towing equipment, making it more versatile than a simple commuter vehicle.
Potential Drawbacks of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
No vehicle is perfect, and the CX-90 PHEV has several considerations that potential buyers should understand. Its electric-only range is useful for many short trips but is relatively limited compared with a fully electric SUV. Drivers who routinely travel long distances between charging opportunities may therefore find that the PHEV’s electric advantage is less significant.
The third row is another consideration. Although the CX-90 can seat seven or eight passengers depending on configuration, independent testing has criticized the third row for being tight. The infotainment system and certain cabin controls have also received criticism. These concerns do not necessarily make the CX-90 a poor choice, but they demonstrate why buyers should test the vehicle in person before committing to one.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV vs. a Traditional Hybrid SUV
The biggest difference between a plug-in hybrid and a conventional hybrid is the ability to charge the battery from an external power source. A conventional hybrid generally recharges through regenerative braking and its gasoline engine, while the CX-90 PHEV can be connected to an electrical supply to replenish its battery. Mazda’s e-Skyactiv PHEV system is specifically designed to combine externally rechargeable electric driving with gasoline-engine operation.
For someone with access to convenient home charging, the CX-90 PHEV can therefore offer a meaningful advantage over a conventional hybrid. However, someone who rarely charges the vehicle may not take full advantage of its plug-in capability. The ideal buyer is generally someone who can incorporate charging into their normal routine while still appreciating the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Worth Considering?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is worth serious consideration for buyers who want a large family SUV with premium styling, strong performance, all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid flexibility. Its approximately 25–26 miles of electric range will not replace the long-range capability of a full EV, but that is not the purpose of the vehicle. Instead, the CX-90 PHEV gives drivers the opportunity to complete many short journeys electrically while preserving the convenience of gasoline power for road trips.
Its strongest appeal comes from the combination of attributes rather than one individual specification. The 323-horsepower powertrain, 17.8-kWh battery, seven- or eight-passenger seating, standard AWD, available premium interior features and 3,500-pound towing capacity create a package that can serve several different roles. For drivers who value driving dynamics and want something more engaging than a typical three-row family crossover, the CX-90 PHEV is particularly interesting.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV represents an appealing middle ground between conventional gasoline SUVs and fully electric vehicles. Its 2.5-liter engine, electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery produce up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel, while its plug-in capability allows approximately 25 to 26 miles of electric-only driving under EPA and independent testing figures. Standard all-wheel drive, available seven- or eight-passenger seating and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds further increase its usefulness.
For the right buyer, the CX-90 PHEV can be an excellent choice because it does not force a compromise between electric commuting and long-distance flexibility. Regular charging can make the most of its electric capability, while the gasoline engine remains available when the battery’s usable charge is low or the journey extends beyond the vehicle’s electric range. Add Mazda’s premium interior, strong driving character and extensive safety technology, and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV becomes a compelling option in the three-row plug-in hybrid SUV market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV fully electric?
No. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, not a fully electric vehicle. It combines a gasoline engine, electric motor and rechargeable battery, allowing it to drive on electricity alone in certain situations before using gasoline power when necessary.
How many miles can the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV drive on electricity?
The 2025 CX-90 PHEV has an EPA-estimated electric range of about 25 miles, while independent testing by Car and Driver achieved 26 miles. Mazda’s current materials describe up to 26 miles of EPA-estimated electric range. Actual range varies with driving conditions and other factors.
How much horsepower does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV have?
The CX-90 PHEV produces up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended 91-octane premium fuel.
What size battery does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV have?
The 2025 CX-90 PHEV uses a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack as part of its plug-in hybrid system.
Does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The CX-90 PHEV comes with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, making AWD part of the core powertrain configuration rather than an optional upgrade.
How many people can the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV seat?
Depending on configuration, the CX-90 PHEV can seat seven or eight passengers. Certain configurations use second-row captain’s chairs, while others use a second-row bench.
How much can the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV tow?
The CX-90 PHEV can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories.
How long does it take to charge the Mazda CX-90 PHEV?
Charging time depends on the electrical supply and charging equipment. Mazda states that a Level 2 charger can bring the CX-90 PHEV to approximately 80 percent charge in about 1.5 hours under the specified conditions.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV good for long trips?
Yes. Unlike a fully electric SUV, the CX-90 PHEV can use its gasoline engine after the available electric driving energy is reduced. This makes it suitable for long-distance travel while still providing an electric-driving option for shorter journeys. Mazda lists a combined gasoline-and-electric total range of about 490 miles.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV worth buying?
It can be a strong choice for buyers who want a three-row SUV with AWD, strong performance, premium interior features and plug-in hybrid flexibility. Its relatively short electric-only range and tighter third row are important considerations, so buyers should compare their daily driving needs with the vehicle’s strengths and limitations.