The 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV will be Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid in Canada, the automaker confirmed mid-December, explaining the large sport-ute would be fitted with a new e-SkyActiv powertrain tuned just for North America and meant to “maintain the responsiveness, performance, and driving dynamics that define Mazda vehicles.” Yes, even in a three-row people-hauler.
We’ve basically known the CX-90 – Mazda’s replacement for its CX-9 – would be available as a rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid since we first heard tell of the new model in March of this year, but the confirmation from Mazda Canada banishes any lingering doubt.
We expect a non-hybrid variant, of course, too, but we’re sure all of those details will shake out when the CX-90 gets its global reveal next month. In the meantime, you can check out our driving impressions of the car’s sibling CX-60—we won’t be getting that model in Canada, but it shares a lot in common with the -90 and so gave us a little preview of what to expect.
Mazda Vision Study Model concept Photo by Mazda
What was a lot less certain than a PHEV CX-90 was an electrified MX-5 (neé Miata) but now that’s been pinned down as in the works by none other than CEO Akira Marumoto, in a recent interview with Automotive News. Prodded on exactly how intended-for-production Mazda’s recent MX-5-ish Vision Study Model concept was, the chief exec basically said “very.” “To achieve carbon neutrality, we will proceed with electrification of those [MX-5] models,” he said. “And we want to keep the joy of driving that is the essence of the Mazda brand.
While he referred to the Study as “the future MX-5,” Marumoto wasn’t clear on whether it’d be the next-gen model we expect to see in 2024, or the generation after that. Sources inside Mazda have leaked to various outlets that the upcoming car, likely codenamed either “NE” or “NG,” will feature a hybridized powertrain. A full-electric is probably still a ways out.
Nicholas Maronese
I’ve been part of the Driving.ca team for five years, but have been writing about cars for more than twice that. Classics – like my first and currently only car, my 1971 Plymouth Valiant Scamp – are my favourite, but I love learning and writing about vehicular history, automotive design, and car culture.
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