Jump LinksDifferences Between The CX-90 And The CX-90 PHEVCX-90 vs. CX-90 PHEV Fuel Economy2026 CX-90 Interior Dimensions2026 Mazda CX-90 Pricing2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV PricingDoes the Plug-in Hybrid Model Justify its Price?Mazda toes the line between a luxury brand and one that more buyers can actually afford. We appreciate its ability to include such high-end interiors and engaging driving dynamics in relatively low-cost packages. Even the automaker's popular three-row SUV, the CX-90, starts at a somewhat reasonable price for its segment.The Mazda CX-90 PHEV might be more expensive than its gas-only counterpart, but it returns your investment with more power, three premium trim levels, better fuel economy, and even some all-electric range to get you to work and back without ever turning the engine on. In this article, we'll focus on the CX90 PHEV, and compare it to its non-hybrid variant to see which delivers the best bang for your buck. Here's everything you need to know about the plug-in hybrid version of Mazda's largest SUV.Specifications are sourced directly from the manufacturer, and fuel economy figures are sourced from the EPA. Pricing is correct at the time of writing, and excludes destination, options, taxes, and other potential fees set by dealers. Automakers reserve the right to change prices at any time without notice. Mazda CX-90 Overview Differences Between The CX-90 And The CX-90 PHEV MazdaThis Mazda 3-row SUV is a popular choice among those who want more features and a nicer interior at a lower cost than true luxury brands. There are two versions of the CX-90, though; the standard model has an inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, while the PHEV has a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain. We'll go into each powertrain's specific details next. Firstly, we feel as though we should explain the difference between mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid tech. It's a topic best explained in an entire separate article, but here are the highlights.To start, essentially every modern car has a 12-volt battery to power the starter and get the engine running; mild hybrids usually have additional 24- or 48-volt electric systems that are used to operate functions like air conditioning, lighting, active suspension systems, and more. That way, the gas engine has less strain, and can direct more of its power to the wheels rather than powering other systems. Mild hybrids can have small electric motors to help start the car and perform other functions, but these small motors do not turn the wheels.Plug-in hybrids are a bit more complicated.These have larger high-voltage battery systems in addition to the typical 12-volt battery, which need to be charged between cycles - hence the name "plug-in" hybrid. These models can usually pair smaller engines with bigger electric motors that help turn the wheels. Having a larger battery also means PHEVs have some amount of all-electric range. Since these electric motors can power the wheels directly with power sourced from the battery, these models can be driven on electric power alone. Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid vs. Gas-only Powertrains MazdaAs the largest Mazda SUV, the CX-90 needs a relatively powerful engine to haul its weight around. Mazda keeps it simple, though, by only offering a single powertrain for each variant. All six trim levels of the standard CX-90 get a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid assistance, while the PHEV's three trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four plug-in hybrid system.There is some variation among the standard variant's outputs, though. Although every trim uses the same engine, the first four trims are tuned for 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. The top two trims, the 3.3 Turbo S trims, get a hotter tune for 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. No matter which model or trim you choose, all CX-90 SUVs use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and they all have standard rear-biased i-Activ all-wheel drive. CX-90 vs. CX-90 PHEV Fuel Economy The standard CX-90 has decent fuel economy that keeps in line with its competitors. As far as three-row SUVs go, this Mazda 7-seater with standard all-wheel drive is relatively efficient. Of course, competitors with two-wheel-drive models could achieve better fuel economy, but the CX-90's standard AWD is safer and makes for a nice selling point. That said, the plug-in hybrid model's 56 MPGe combined is pretty good. Again, it's not quite as good as some rivals; for example, the Kia Sorento PHEV is a three-row, AWD model that reaches 74 MPGe combined. Nevertheless, the plug-in CX-90 is better than its non-hybrid counterpart, especially when factoring in this version's electric range. Mazda CX-90 PHEV Interior Specs Compared 2026 CX-90 Interior Dimensions MazdaAs you can see in the table above, buyers need not compromise by choosing one variant over the other in terms of interior space. Higher trim levels will always have more features and nicer materials, but every version has the same dimensions. The PHEV's larger battery does not intrude on its cargo space or passenger space; both models can fit up to 75.2 cubic feet of cargo when equipped with a two-person third row. The biggest difference is in seating capacity. Most non-hybrid trims can seat up to eight people, while all three PHEV trims have a maximum of seven seats."The interior of the CX-90 is where it really throws in with the luxury car crowd. Take off the badging, and you won’t know that you're in a Mazda. This isn’t an inexpensive vehicle... but it looks like it should cost more. As a bonus, the seating doesn’t just look good, it also feels good, even on longer drives. If you want a luxury car interior without the luxury car price, the CX-90 delivers."- Nicole Wakelin, Former Road Tester, CarBuzz Mazda CX-90 & CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Pricing Compared MazdaSince there are so many trims to choose from, we decided to break up each variant's prices into two subsections. That said, here are the base prices (prior to destination, options, taxes, and other fees) for each variant and their trim levels. 2026 Mazda CX-90 Pricing Without a doubt, the non-hybrid CX-90 is always the cheaper option when compared to its PHEV counterpart. This version's base model starts at $38,800. Some of this SUV's rivals include the Ford Explorer ($38,465), Honda Pilot ($42,195), and the Toyota Highlander ($45,570), which all have comparable or higher starting prices as seen in parentheses after each model name. Mazda offers a premium product that reaches near-luxury levels in its higher trim levels for less than its competitors. 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Pricing The PHEV, on the other hand, isn't quite as affordable. It's only available in three trims, which all start over $50,000 before destination. Even so, this mode's fuel efficiency and electric range might make up for it by helping to reduce fuel costs over time. Summary: Is One CX-90 Really Better Than The Other? Does the Plug-in Hybrid Model Justify its Price? MazdaDespite the plug-in hybrid's higher starting price, we feel as though this version of the CX-90 is a great option. All three trims are packed full of comfort features, have enough room for the whole family and the kitchen sink, and it even returns great fuel economy and all-electric range. That said, the non-hybrid model isn't a bad choice either. It's cheaper, but its higher trim levels are just as nice as the plug-in models'. No matter which CX-90 model you choose, Mazda ensures you'll enjoy your drive in one way or another.