The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid presents the advantages (and disadvantages) of the turbocharged inline-six variant, but with sufficient electric driving range to likely avoid using gasoline for school runs. Plus, following multiple enhancements, it no longer feels as though it rolled off the assembly line in prototype mode.
The Essentials
Primarily, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid remains largely the same model we are familiar with and some cherish. The standard inclusion of the 12.3-inch digital gauge display and the infotainment screen is a new feature. The trim options have been adjusted, with the Preferred model now featuring ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Moreover, 21-inch wheels are now standard, so hopefully, you didn’t prefer the smaller 19-inch ones with a higher sidewall. Minor changes, yet possibly significant for some.
In terms of appearance, it still requires a discerning eye to distinguish that the CX-90 you are observing is the plug-in hybrid variant. It’s, as the youth say, subtle. There’s an extra fuel-filler door on each side concealing the charging port on the rear passenger-side fender, a PHEV insignia in the fender embellishments, and a small badge on the lower right part of the tailgate. Subtle details. On the whole, this remains the stunning, curvy, and most upscale-looking standard three-row SUV available. Acura is still dreaming about the dash-to-axle ratio of this vehicle.
Within the cabin, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid mirrors the gasoline-only variant. In fact, some packaging compromises across the board are a result of the plug-in hybrid model’s battery. The second-row seats are positioned stadium-style, with back row passengers overlooking those in front. It is noticeably more cramped in the second row compared to a Honda Pilot or Hyundai Palisade. The third row’s foot space is similarly affected by the elevated floor due to that battery pack. Worse still, the fold-flat third row in all models, both gas and plug-in hybrid, doesn’t actually lay flat. The load floor inclines towards the rear hatch because of the packaging, which enables round objects to roll toward the tailgate. Soccer balls become quite the challenge with this vehicle. Quick reflexes, folks.
The dashboard is an attractive setup with actual buttons, knobs, toggles, and switches that provide a pleasing click. The idiosyncrasies of the infotainment system (though many disgruntled Mazda owners pointed out it could be viewed as a feature) have been covered. In brief, the touchscreen isn’t functional unless you turn it on, and even then, it only operates as such with Apple CarPlay. Yes, that is confusing and absurd. Navigation for the infotainment system is primarily limited to the console-mounted round click wheel and quick-access buttons. As for the materials? They’re significantly better than any Honda and substantially superior to any Toyota. You won’t find suede or linen in those vehicles.
Experiencing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid integrates a 2.5-liter inline-four with an electric motor, positioned between the eight-speed automatic transmission and the rear axle, which distributes power to all four wheels. The total system output registers at an impressive 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, based on 87 octane fuel. Mazda indicates that using the higher-quality 93 octane will yield an additional 4 hp. However, this increase may not be significantly noticeable.
This electric motor operates with a 17.8-kWh battery pack. The electric motor alone produces 173 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, which is the power available during electric-only driving.
In urban settings, and even on highways, there’s substantial responsiveness off the line thanks to the immediate torque from the electric motor. When both the gasoline engine and electric motor are engaged, this vehicle can likely accelerate to 60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds. Passing power remains adequate at highway speeds. However, when relying solely on electric power, the dynamics change. The 173 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque can be classified as sufficient while accelerating. It performs adequately, but that’s where the excitement ends. This is not an EV, and if you require additional power, pressing beyond a detent on the accelerator will activate the gasoline engine. I found the electric-only capability sufficient to avoid starting the gasoline engine during school runs in mixed suburban driving.
Following numerous technical service bulletins—five just for the transmission and 12 for the powertrain—the plug-in hybrid system no longer presents itself as a prototype that was mistakenly released to consumers. The design to have the eight-speed automatic transmission still function even when under electric-only power was a decision made by someone, and it wasn’t a sound one. The TSBs are the evidence. However, now the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts while in electric-only mode occur smoothly, and power transitions between electric-only and hybrid modes are no longer jarring. The overall system is no longer described as uncertain. Refined? Perhaps that’s pushing it, but acceptable is a fair descriptor at this point.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid is estimated to deliver 27 miles of electric-only range. Based on my experience, that’s fairly accurate in real-world conditions, even with external temperatures in the 20s. The 26 mpg combined rating is less noteworthy.
I utilized a Level 2 240-volt charger whenever the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid was parked in my garage. The battery required just over 2 hours to fully recharge once depleted. Mazda noted that a Level 1 110-volt outlet would take 11 hours to charge from 0% to 100%.
During 477 miles of mixed suburban driving, the onboard trip computer somehow employed an unclear calculation based on the fuel consumed and electricity used to display a somewhat meaningless average of 49.3 mpg, which is a significant figure for a three-row crossover SUV. However, the electric-only average of 1.7 mi/kWh is less impressive and comparable to a Hummer EV.
Conclusion
Priced at $52,025, including a $1,530 destination fee, the 2026 CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid is not inexpensive, yet it is well-equipped with leather-trimmed seating, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and actual buttons and dials! The top-tier Premium Plus trim tested came to $60,625, which added a Bose audio system, a heads-up display, 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive front lighting, and even a windshield wiper de-icing system.
In reality, there are no other competitive choices for this size of a three-row crossover SUV with a mainstream non-luxury badge and a plug-in hybrid powertrain at any price point. To enter the realm of Volvo XC90, which offers a superior interior and a more refined plug-in hybrid powertrain, you will have to pay significantly more.
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid stands as the sole offering in this category, and after numerous updates, it finally provides an option for families in search of a mainstream three-row plug-in hybrid. The stunning design conceals its understated, yet now acceptable, plug-in hybrid powertrain. Nonetheless, the turbo-six variant continues to feel and sound more refined.
Mazda provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid Premium Plus Specifications
| Base Price (Premium Plus) | 52,025 ($60,625) |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter inline-four | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 319 |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 |
| Curb Weight | 5,243 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 15.9 cubic feet behind third row | 40.8 cubic feet behind second row | 75.2 cubic feet behind first row |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 27 miles electric-only range | 26 combined |
| Score | 7.5/10 |
● Quick Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid is refined and prepared for the spotlight.