The never-ending pursuit of improved fuel economy has now hit the 3-row midsize SUV segment, with a slew of new plug-in hybrid versions (PHEV) of favorites flooding the market. Many automakers are revising their previous offerings to meet the demand for premium PHEVs. For example, the Mazda CX-9 has been discontinued and replaced by the 2024 Mazda CX-90, which has a plug-in hybrid option. It goes head-to-head with stalwarts in this segment, like the 2024 Ford Explorer, one of America’s best-selling midsize SUVs.
Here’s how these two midsize 3-row SUVs match up.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda is in the midst of a makeover of its lineup of SUVs. The flagship, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, has finally arrived — and it’s worth the wait. The CX-90 replaces the outgoing CX-9 as the brand’s biggest SUV. It’s a handsome upgrade, featuring a brawnier exterior with a serious presence.
Mazda is known for providing good value while offering a premium product. The CX-90 PHEV aims to take on the premium segment of the SUV market without necessarily having a premium price. Pricing starts at $51,320, including the destination charge.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Highlights
Ample power: The CX-90 PHEV puts out a combined 323 horsepower. That’s 23 more horses than the base engine in the Explorer.
Plug-in capability: If you don’t want to use gasoline, the CX-90 has enough electric-only range for errands around town. You can travel up to 26 miles on just the battery, which is more than enough to get most folks to the store and back with a run to pick up a child from practice or an extracurricular activity.
Standard AWD: While all-wheel drive is pretty typical in this segment, getting it as standard equipment is one less thing to fuss with. It costs extra in the Ford Explorer.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you.
2024 Ford Explorer
Often, when people think of a midsize SUV, the vehicle that comes to mind is the Ford Explorer. The brand’s midsize SUV accelerated the shift of buyers moving from sedans to SUVs in the early 1990s. Alongside a few other popular SUVs that endure today, like the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Explorer changed how Americans drive.
Fast forward a few decades, and the Explorer is still slugging it out for sales in the midsize arena. It seats up to seven and offers plenty of power and towing capability. When equipped correctly, it’s even a fine off-roader. However, unlike its Mazda counterpart, it no longer offers a hybrid variant for the 2024 model year. Pricing starts at $38,455, including destination charge.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Big power: The Explorer has long been known for its powerful engines, and the current version maintains that reputation. A 300-horsepower EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine is standard, but more muscle is available under the hood. Certain trim levels offer a 400-horsepower turbo V6, putting the Explorer on the sportier side of this segment.
Easy to read: The new Explorer offers a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. It’s customizable to meet the driver’s needs and features a “Mindful Mode,” which skinnies down the information display to prevent driver distraction.
Parking prowess: Ford was among the first automakers to offer automatic parking technology as an option in its vehicles. It works for parallel parking as well as more conventional perpendicular parking. It’ll also help you get out of those parking spaces.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you.
Similarities
The similarly sized Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Ford Explorer have standard 3-row seating, the latest tech and safety features, and plenty of power.
Conclusion
There are some very striking differences between the two models, which should make it pretty simple to choose. Let’s start with the most significant difference: A nearly $13,000 differential on the window sticker. Plug-in hybrid technology adds a lot to a vehicle’s bottom line; that reality is clearly on display here. The Mazda has lower fuel costs than the Ford, but that’s at least partially canceled out by the higher sticker price. Further, you can’t even upgrade the current version of the Explorer to a hybrid, neither plug-in nor conventional.
The roomier Ford Explorer remains a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, reasonably priced midsize SUV. You’ll need some extra cash if you want a leading-edge, premium PHEV. Its seating capacity also maxes out at seven, whereas the Mazda accommodates up to eight.
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2024 Ford Explorer | |
| Starting Price | $51,320 | $38,455 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg combined; 56 MPGe electric plus gas | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg |
| Max Towing | 3,500 pounds | 5,300 pounds |
| Also Available | Turbo inline 6-cylinder | Twin-turbo 6-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 198.8 inches |
| Width | 84.9 inches | 89.3 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 68.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 39.7 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.7 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 57.2 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9/74.2 cubic feet | 18.2/87.8 cubic feet |
