- The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV represents the best of the brand’s offerings
- Pricing starts at $51,400 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Mazda CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you
So often, automakers are stuffed into one of two categories: mainstream and luxury. However, a few, like Mazda, successfully straddle the line between the two. Mazda builds “premium” vehicles, which are more affordable than the luxury offerings but too upscale to count as mainstream.
This dichotomy is never more true than inside the cabin of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Mazda also sells a conventional gas-powered version, which is covered separately. Although it’s the most expensive Mazda on the lot, looking at its features could convince you it’s a bargain. The 3-row SUV travels up to 26 miles on electric power before its gasoline engine starts. And that powertrain puts out 323 horsepower from the combination of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) gives it a planted feel.
However, the CX-90’s best feature might be its cabin design. Let’s take a look inside.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The CX-90 PHEV seats seven or eight, depending on the configuration, but the driver is almost always the focus. At every trim level, the driver gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat. The front passenger also gets a 4-way power seat in the base Preferred model and an 8-way version in the Premium Sport and Premium Plus trims.
Heated front seats are standard even at the lowest price point; Mazda treats the CX-90 PHEV as its standard-bearer. In the Premium Plus model, they’re ventilated, too. In the base model, the second row can be a bench or a pair of captain’s chairs suitable for adults. Both higher trims get the captain’s chairs as standard equipment. In top-end Premium Plus versions, they’re heated as well. Second-row passengers also get retractable window shades.
The third row is a 3-person bench. It’s a bit tight for adults, but that’s normal in this class of vehicle. All three rows get USB charging points.
Features and Tech
The CX-90 PHEV’s cabin offers an impressive array of new technology. Again, starting with the driver, who faces a display screen in place of old-fashioned gauges. A 12.3-inch central screen handles entertainment and information functions as part of the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Its operation is a little curious. Most functions are controlled through what Mazda calls the “multifunction commander controller” on the center console. However, you can also use voice commands to handle several functions.
The CX-90 PHEV features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and smartphone charging can be done wirelessly on models. Climate controls, thankfully, get old-fashioned tactile buttons. There’s no need to look away from the road to make adjustments. The base model receives an 8-speaker audio system, but upper trims get a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system. Each row of seats gets climate control vents — a nice luxury at an affordable price.
Materials and Design
The difference between an adequate and a great car interior is a matter of style and material choices. The cabin of the CX-90 PHEV looks like Mazda designers want to be remembered for their work on this one. The ergonomics make sense. The screen is placed high, so the driver can see it without looking away from the road. Designers didn’t try to get cute with the shifter; they just built a nice, conventional one where you expect to find it.
Even the base Preferred trim level gets leather-trimmed seats in the first and second rows. The high-end Premium Plus model gets supple Nappa leather, subject to additional softening steps in the tanning process. There are no unusual color choices, just black and beige. However, light-stained, straight-grain wood trim looks contemporary and elegant, whereas most wood trim is forgettable. A horizontal stitch elegantly divides the dashboard covered in the style of kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Automakers often have to steal cargo space to accommodate the large batteries of a PHEV. Mazda has done that with the CX-90 PHEV but hasn’t stolen much. The CX-90’s measurements are almost identical to those of the non-hybrid CX-90. They’re on the small end of typical for 3-row midsize SUVs.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV offers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. Fold them down; you’ll find 40.0 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold those as well, and the space measures 74.2 cubic feet.
Build and price your 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you.
