Today’s midsize SUVs are supremely versatile, boasting the ability to ferry occupants near and far effortlessly, carry all manner of cargo, and keep drivers comfortable and connected. Some of the most innovative ones take that versatility further to their powertrain with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. A PHEV is like having both an electric car and a traditional one. This best-of-both-worlds approach allows a driver to travel shorter distances on electric power alone, then hundreds of miles farther, thanks to the vehicle’s gasoline engine.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is an all-new model and Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid. Jeep’s venerable Grand Cherokee 4xe marries the brand’s adventurous attitude with a PHEV system of its own. Let’s see how these two compare.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda’s CX-90 PHEV is living up to expectations after replacing the capable but overwhelmed CX-9 in the portfolio last year. It’s handsome boasting the boxier exterior that is currently all the rage.
The big change for 2025 is new trim level: Premium Sport, which is an upgrade of last year’s midrange Premium trim, distinguished mainly by black exterior details. Additionally, all CX-90 PHEV variants gain a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless phone integration, wireless phone charging, and parking sensors at both ends.
Mazda is known for providing great value, and the CX-90 PHEV takes on the SUV market’s premium segment without a premium price. Pricing starts at $51,400, including destination charges.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV Highlights
3-row seating: The Mazda CX-90 PHEV comes standard with three rows and seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. The Grand Cherokee 4xe can only be had with two rows. With the Grand Cherokee you can have three rows — in the form of the Grand Cherokee L — or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but not both.
Lower price: The Mazda CX-90 begins at about $12,000 less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Even a top-line CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus is still several thousand below the starting price of the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Mazda handling: If you’ve ever driven a Mazda, you know. Whether it’s the fabled Miata sports car or a family-friendly SUV like the CX-90, Mazda vehicles have a spry, athletic feel that makes driving them a pleasure.
Read our Mazda CX-90 PHEV Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV for sale near you
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is the most efficient and arguably most cutting-edge version of the Grand Cherokee and remains so despite no real changes for the new model year. The ute’s leading-edge mix of style, performance, and economy is one of the reasons it’s one of the top-selling hybrids in the U.S.
Like the Mazda, this Jeep PHEV marries a 4-cylinder engine with an electric powertrain. But in this case, the engine is turbocharged, and the powertrain makes a combined 375 hp and prodigious 470 lb-ft of torque. It comes with 4-wheel drive as standard and uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric-only driving range is 25 miles. Pricing starts at $62,285 including destination fee.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Highlights
Off-road prowess: It wouldn’t be a Jeep if it didn’t have off-pavement chops, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe lives up to the reputation. It comes with 4-wheel drive as standard and can be had with serious hardware like air suspension and a disconnecting front sway bar.
More trim choices: Whereas Mazda offers the CX-90 PHEV in a trio of trims, there are twice that many for the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Towing capacity: The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can pull up to 6,000 pounds, roundly beating the Mazda’s 3,500-pound capacity.
Read our Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Expert Review or see 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe sale near you
Similarities
These midsize SUVs have plug-in hybrid powertrains, can travel nearly the same distance on electricity alone, have 8-speed transmissions, and put their power to all four wheels as standard.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has three rows of seats and room for up to eight, boasts polished on-road manners and striking design, and costs far less. The 5-passenger Grand Cherokee 4xe boasts Jeep’s adventurous attitude, has off-road-ready hardware, and is more capable of towing. The traits that are important to you can help you decide which of these PHEV SUVs is right for your situation.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,500 |
$37,991 |
|||
$42,600 |
$41,019 |
|||
$48,055 |
$46,363 |
|||
$51,055 |
$49,155 |
|||
$54,605 |
$52,770 |
|||
$58,105 |
$55,879 |
New 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$62,485 |
$59,523 |
|||
$65,480 |
$62,376 |
|||
$68,180 |
$64,948 |
|||
$75,475 |
$72,418 |
|||
$76,665 |
$72,877 |
|||
$81,145 |
$77,136 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plus electric motor |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 375 hp @ 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 470 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 56 MPGe (gas/electric) / 25 mpg (gas) | 56 MPGe (gas/electric) / 23 mpg (gas) |
| Also Available | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 116.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 193.5 inches |
| Width | 84.9 inches | 77.5 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 70.8 – 70.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.2 inches | 59.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | N/A |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 14.9/40.0/74.2 cubic feet | 37.7/70.8 cubic feet |
