2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid - The Biggest Mazda Gets NICE Upgrades! 
If you think a hybrid SUV must be small, battery-powered and boring think again. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is here to prove that you can have size, power, comfort, and a greener footprint all at once. In short: it’s like ordering the “XL pepperoni-extra cheese-supersize” of SUVs. But as with all big meals, there are pros and cons. So buckle up, and let’s take a ride through what makes the CX-90 PHEV awesome and where it might leave you shaking your head.
Under the Hood: Power on Demand (And a Battery for Everyday Life)
- The CX-90 PHEV uses Mazda’s e-SKYACTIV® PHEV system: a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine + electric motor + battery pack. Combined output: 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (on recommended premium fuel). mazdausa.com
- Drivetrain: i-Activ AWD (all-wheel-drive) standard on PHEV trims, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- The hybrid system allows all-electric driving for short trips useful for city commuting or errands.
Why this rocks: You get the grunt and AWD traction of a full-size SUV, while also having the flexibility of a hybrid / electric-assist ideal for varied driving needs.
Watch out for: Because it’s a full-size SUV with hybrid hardware, if you never plug in or only make long hauls, you might never really benefit from the “electric” part then it’ll behave like a heavy conventional SUV.
Space & Practicality: Big Car, Family Capacity + Load Flexibility
- Seating: 7 passengers standard (2nd-row bench + 3rd-row), though some configurations may use 2nd-row “captain’s chairs” → still 7 seats.
- Cargo space: With all seats up (2nd & 3rd row in use), the cargo volume behind the third row is 15.9 cu ft (~450 liter).
- If you fold down the 2nd and 3rd rows, you get a much larger cargo area ideal for long trips, bulky items, luggage, etc. Beaver Mazda
Watch out for: If you often ride with 7 full-size adults and lots of gear, the cargo space gets tight. Full load + full seats = limited trunk for bags.
Features & Comfort: Not “Bare-Bones SUV”, but Well-Equipped Mazda Style
Depending on trim/package, the CX-90 PHEV can come loaded with amenities:
- Alloy wheels, power liftgate, panoramic / sliding glass moonroof, heated/ventilated seats, Nappa-leather upholstery (on higher trims), premium sound system, 12.3-inch infotainment display, modern safety aids (blind-spot monitoring, lane-assist, parking sensors), etc.
- With proper equipment, towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs (~1,588 kg) decent for a hybrid SUV, enough for small trailer, boat, etc. Edmunds
Why this rocks: For a hybrid SUV it doesn’t feel like you compromised you still get many comforts and capabilities typical of full-size SUVs.
Possible compromise: All the practicality + hybrid system + luxury extras add up in purchase price, maintenance, and possibly running costs.
Where This Car Might Not Be Ideal - Reality Check
- Modest pure-electric range: As with most PHEVs, the electric-only portion is mostly useful for daily commuting/short trips not for long-distance mileage unless frequently recharged. Mazda USA
- Compromise between cargo and seats: With 7 seats up, cargo space is limited (≈ 15.9 cu ft). If you need both passengers and luggage often kompromisszum lehet.
- Size can be a burden: Maneuvering, parking or narrow city streets full-size SUV bulk + hybrid complexity can make everyday life a bit trickier.
- Hybrid benefit depends on usage: If you rarely plug in or mostly drive long distances, the hybrid advantages shrink; then you’re driving something heavy and complex without enjoying EV/eco benefits.
Who Is the CX-90 PHEV For (and Who Not)
Good match for:
- Families or groups needing 3-row seating and flexible cargo space.
- Drivers who mostly do short trips or commuting so they can regularly recharge and benefit from EV mode.
- People who want a versatile SUV that’s more eco-conscious than a regular full-size gasoline SUV, but still practical for long trips, cargo, and varied use.
- Those who value comfort, AWD, SUV capabilities and occasional towing or long-distance drives but want to reduce emissions or fuel use when possible.
- Those who regularly drive long distances without opportunity to recharge hybrid benefits shrink.
- People who mostly drive alone or with few passengers and rarely need big cargo space a smaller hybrid or even a fully electric vehicle could be more efficient.
- Drivers requiring maximum cargo + passenger capacity simultaneously the trade-off between seating and storage may be limiting.
- Those on tight budgets buying a large PHEV SUV with features + maintenance + fuel + insurance may cost more than a simple car.
Quick Spec Summary (with real data)
| Spec / Feature | Value / Comment |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.5 L e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV (gas + electric) |
| Combined power / torque | 323 hp / 369 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain / Transmission | AWD (i-Activ), 8-speed auto |
| Seating capacity | 7 passengers |
| Cargo volume (all seats up) | 15.9 cu ft (~450 liter) |
| Towing capacity (when equipped) | up to 3,500 lbs (~1,588 kg) |
| Typical trims (2026) | PHEV Preferred, Premium Sport, Premium Plus |
Final Verdict — Big Mazda That Tries to Do It All (And Mostly Succeeds)
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid is like a multitool of SUVs: big enough for family or cargo, refined enough for daily commuting, and eco-aware enough for short EV-powered trips. It doesn’t do one thing to perfection you won’t get the electric range of a full EV or the minimal size of a compact car but it delivers a balanced, versatile package that works surprisingly well for many use-cases.
If you plug in regularly and alternate between city commutes and long drives or if you often carry passengers and stuff the CX-90 PHEV could be the “do-it-all” SUV. On the other hand, if you mostly drive alone, rarely need big space, and care more about simplicity a smaller hybrid or EV might suit you better.