Mazda CX-90 PHEV Named 2025 Best Plug In Hybrid SUV

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, the best plug in hybrid SUV for 2025

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown.

 

The Mazda CX-90 Plug In Hybrid SUV (PHEV SUV) has set a benchmark for new hybrid vehicles. It was named the 2025 Best Plug In Hybrid SUV by U.S. News and World Report. The publication notes that this is a “three-row SUV that boasts an outstanding powertrain, athletic handling, and a well-appointed interior”.

“Mazda’s focus has always been on engineering vehicles that are safe and efficient, while not sacrificing the joy of driving,” Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Tom Donnelly said in a press release. “With the CX-90 PHEV, we’ve struck a strong balance between performance and value, and this recognition by U.S. News & World Report is both an honor and an affirmation of our efforts. We sincerely thank them for this award and remain dedicated to delivering innovation that meets our customers’ needs.”

Learn more about what makes the Mazda CX-90 PHEV the best plug in hybrid SUV and find out if it’s a good fit for your next vehicle purchase from Whitten Brothers Mazda in Richmond.

Highlights of the Best Plug In Hybrid SUV

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV excellently balances “all-electric capability with the flexibility of a gas-powered engine”. It delivers an impressive electric-only driving range and features a stylish exterior. Inside, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV interior is all luxury with high-end finishes and plenty of space for everyone to ride comfortably in all three rows.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV SUV Trim Levels and Price

There are three Mazda CX-90 PHEV trim levels that range from $49,945 to $54,900 MSRP.

  • PHEV Preferred starts at $49,945 MSRP
  • PHEV Premium Sport starts at $37,845 MSRP
  • PHEV Premium Plus starts at $54,900 MSRP
Man charging the Mazda CX-90 PHEV

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown. Optional charging equipment shown.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV Performance

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV SUV is powered by an electric motor with a 17.8kWh battery and an e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV 2.5-liter engine. It generates up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This plug in hybrid SUV can be driven solely on electric power or via a combination of electricity and gas power. It has an EPA-estimated 26-mile all-electric driving range and a 490-mile total driving range. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg/combined and 56 mpge/combined.

U.S. News and World Report said that the Mazda CX-90 PHEV “showcases impressive agility and a smooth demeanor on the road. Its sporty handling allows it to navigate tight corners with minimal body roll, while its precise and responsive steering makes everyday driving a breeze”.

The battery charges while driving via regenerative braking, but as a plug in hybrid, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV needs be plugged into a Level 1 or Level 2 charger to charge the battery fully. With a Level 1 charger, you can plug this Mazda SUV into a traditional outlet and it will reach 80% charge in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. For faster charging, a Level 2 charger can be installed, which allows the Mazda CX-90 PHEV to reach 80% charge in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

One of the reasons this Mazda SUV is the best plug in hybrid SUV is that all trim levels are equipped with standard i-ACTIV AWD® (all-wheel drive). This system provides the right amount of power and traction for every type of weather and road. All trim levels also have Mi-Drive with EV, off-road, and sport driving modes. When you choose EV mode, you can drive the Mazda CX-90 PHEV on electric power only for as long as possible.

This Mazda SUV tows up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The two higher trim levels add towing mode to Mi-Drive to provide additional stability.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV towing capacity can tow motorcyles

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV SUV Interior

“The CX-90 PHEV’s interior is handsomely styled with top-quality materials that feel almost as luxurious as higher-end SUVs”, the U.S. News and World Report review noted.

As a three row SUV, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV SUV can seat seven or eight people, depending on the seating configuration and trim level. There’s plenty of space for everyone without feeling cramped, which is one of the reasons it was named the best plug in hybrid SUV. The seats feature leather-trimmed or Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats are standard for extra comfort in the cold.

The Mazda Connect™ infotainment system keeps you both entertained and connected with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation when available, access to music, and more. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV interior also features a 12V outlet, USB-C outlets, and steering wheel-mounted controls.

This PHEV SUV has an available 360° monitor that allows you to see typically obstructed views in front of and next to the vehicle.

When it comes to storage, there are 14.9 cubic feet with all seats up. With the third row folded, storage space increased to 74.2 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, you get a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet of cargo room.

If the Mazda CX-90 PHEV will be a family vehicle, the interior offers three sets of LATCH connectors. There are two in the second row and one in the third. The third row also has tether anchors for the other two seats. The U.S. News and World Report review noted that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives this PHEV SUV’s LATCH system a Good+ rating.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV interior

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown.

Shop for the Best Plug In Hybrid SUV in Richmond, VA

Do you agree that the Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the best plug in hybrid SUV on the market? If you want to learn more about what this Mazda SUV offers to experience for yourself, contact Whitten Brothers Mazda to schedule a visit to our showroom. As a top Richmond Mazda dealership, we’re proud to offer a great selection of new PHEV SUVs including the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. Before your visit, get your trade-in value online and get pre-approved for your auto loan or lease!

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900 Jonhnston Willis Drive, Richmond, VA, 23236
Whitten Brothers Mazda 37.505121, -77.594012.