Planning on buying one of these in the fall. Surprised you didn't even mention that some people would buy one because they want an electric car for day-to-day life, but want to go on road trips without without dealing w charging. It makes no sense to spend many thousands more just to save on gas, but there are plenty of people who drive less than 20 miles per day and would greatly prefer to do that in an EV. Plus, millions of people would pay slightly more if they thought the car was polluting less.
This review undercounts the benefits of the PHEV aspect in terms of convenience and overly criticizes the driving experience. For certain buyers, the benefit of having the PHEV and not using any gas to get the kids to school, pick them up from school, get groceries, and/or do other short distance driving tasks is worth the additional cost. Having the piece of mind that you can always do these short trips without having to worry about not having enough gas is worth the additional cost. Getting 800-900+ miles per tank and the time saved of not going to a gas station often is worth the premium.
I was attracted to this vehicle because of the PHEV capability (we live in a small town so 90% of our driving time would be less than 26 miles). Our trailer is 2600 lbs so this vehicle should tow it well. We need at least 85" behind the front seats to put in our recumbent trikes (unfolded) which this vehicle has. Most do not including our BMW X5. We're in our 70's with no grandchildren so the rear seat will never be used.
Just picked one up a week ago. The only reason I got it was because of the plug in. Don’t do more than 20 miles a day dropping off and picking up kids from school. It’s all I really care about. Oddly, had a deposit on the Grand Highlander but Toyota can’t get them off the manufacturing line and Mazda gave me insane discounts. I did the math however and at .15/kwh and gas at $3.00/gal, the break even is roughly 36 mpg, ironically exactly what the Highlander gets. If gas gets more expensive then I’m ahead, electric rates seem to stay stable in my area, so I don’t worry too much about that. I hate going to the gas station too so that’s a plus. The Mazda looks so much better in my opinion. Truth be told, if Toyota actually had a car for me I would have likely gone with the Highlander simply because of quality. I’ll have to wait and see about Mazda. Happy so far.
Wrangler 4xe is my favorite horrifically inefficient PHEV SUV. Had one for a few weeks, I really liked it. The rental company I use a lot is beginning to add CX-90s to their fleet, so I'm excited to try one in the coming months. Will be interesting to compare how they drive in EV mode.
Really could not afford the PHEV but did get the preferred plus at around 48K all in. Really happy with it. Just saw crash testing and scored highest. Rarely use 3rd row but there when needed. BTW, own my cars for 10-13 years and never replaced a timing chain. Have had to replace timing belts though (Honda). So I just don’t see the issue with the placement of the chain. Again, all personal and other good choices just comes down to what your main priorities are. Transmission can be a little jerky at low speed but it just doesn’t bother me in the overall dynamics. If I had a grip that would be it. Oh, getting 30-31 mpg highway every time. 23-25 straight city. I test drove the higher tuned horse power and really did not notice much of a difference plenty of giddy up with seamless highway passing. Hope this helps someone.
Hi, Right now I got two temping offers for a lease on a Santa Fe PHEV and CX90. I mostly drive city and do one long 2.5k mile trip a year (our current 2016 CX5 get only 18-19 average). Your city MPG seems low, is that with the battery depleted? I do like that 3rd row, so when wife and my parents come to vist I can send my kids to the 3rd row, but the Santa overall gets better mpg and EV range.
@andrewheckman394 that's not bad at all for that V6 which i heard is fun. For the PHEV in my area I'm getting a $8550 discount, so the vehicle is $41,233 (plus fees). Hopefully, city gas is good once the battery drains, but I shouldn't drive more than 25 miles a day.
I totally disagree about how you discussed the driving dynamics. Compare it on its own merits. This vehicle, just like the inline 6 versions, handles GREAT and it is FUN to drive. It is also just as quick (if not quicker) than the Turbo S model AND you get the superior gas mileage if you plug in daily.
Very good review. One thing though is that in Europe and Japan the PHEV is the most sold. It has to do that you can't drive anymore trough many cities without an electrified vehicle and the smaller CX-60 can make 39 miles with no charge. Those 39 miles will cost 1/3 of the petrol charging at home. Also the consumption with deleted battery is 32 MPG (smaller car) that is not bad for this type of vehicle.
I like the idea of a PHEV more than an EV for my use case. However, I am not confident in buying them since I am unsure if they are reliable, like an EV, gasoline, or even a traditional hybrid. Like the hybrid malfunction error in Maxda CX90 PHEV is taking me back.
Saw one the other day, it is beautiful, also does not look big. This is one of the most beautiful crossover family haulers. But I still love my wrangler more. The location of the EV plug is an issue, unlike my 4xe, with the plug in close proximity to the standard wall socket in a standard garage setup.
25:00 That's only true for enthusiasts, most people buying Mazdas these days are just regular joes or janes. That being said starting at 50k is a fair bit more than it's nearest regular shopping this with (grand highlander hybrid) but good luck finding one of those anytime soon, especially without a hefty markup, and right now you can get a CX-90 with a discount so I'd say go for it.
I would prefer a Grand highlander, but none are to be found at MSRP. My local dealer is giving a fair deal for a base trim in a lease for 24 months for $430 with tax included. I'm getting like $11k discount. Tempted to pulled the trigger since is only 24 months.
I wish it had a second-row bench on higher trims to fit 7 passengers with some car seats. My choice would be between the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX only because of passenger capacity. Otherwise, would go with CX-90.
Thanks for taking the engine cover off. . It just made up my mind not to buy it . I would possibly lease it. But with the timing chains sandwiched between the transmission, means service costs after the warranty, will be enormous . I love the look was considering. I am certainly put off by their decision to do that. .
We just looked at the non-Hybrid CX-90 as our car was totaled when someone blew through a light. I liked it...but...too many new things crammed into this to risk buying a 1st year (or 2) model year. New Engine, New Trans...coupled with some 'aggressively high' pricing...we ended up with a 4Runner Limited...simply b/c we know what we're getting.
Agressively high pricing, i.e. $7500 off lease on a new CX-90 PHEV? Versus Toyota dealer's added dealer markup? :-) These CX-90s can be had for MSRP, or lower with manufacturer discount... I am not sure what you are talking about. With 4Runner is not really a competitor for CX-90, it's for a different buyer / use offroad etc.
Does Mazda really have a history of botching first-year vehicles though? I rarely have the chance to drive it anymore, but I have an early Mazda 6. Just shy of 200k. Interior is a total bust, but mechanically has never required anything other than routine maintenance.
@@David_Journey The Limited 4Runner isn't really the offroad model...its tuned for on road comfort. They're both $53k and change, no rebates available. And no, not spending $53k hoping a brand new Engine & Trans are perfect out of the gate...they never are...doesn't matter who makes it.
I am considering this as they're offering a $7,500 discount on a lease. Any thoughts? That would bring the price down a little below the Turbo. Lease then buy would make more sense.... maybe... not sure yet.
I'm on the same boat. Since there's no federal incentive, Mazda is giving that on their own. My concern is that MPG when battery is depleted, is kind of low.
@@davidzavala337 I noticed that, buy looks like 6 hours on a regular 110v outlet will replenish the battery, plus the hybrid regeneration via braking. That seems easy enough to keep decent charge.
Didn’t notice at first but one thing design wise about the CX90 I don’t think looks great or how it should is the hood shape how the front edges are kinda cut off at the corners. Maybe should’ve been more tapered into the shape of the nose. I just really notice details. 🤔
New 6 cyl engine. They put the timing chain in the rear of the engine. Must pull engine to do timing chain maintenence. High pressure fuel pump, again pull the engine. Mazda made a big fail for anyone wanting longevity..
I hope they build a bunch of these but we all know they wont build enough of the phev model lol. Then your stuck with the biggest boat anchor that mazda has made in the last few decades! You bet, mazda is gonna push the 6 cyl model!
Why does it matter if the timing chain and fuel pump might not ever need to be replaced. I’ve never had to get either one done and I keep cars for a long time. That one video that guy did on the CX90 keeps getting mentioned in these YT comments but I don’t think it’s relevant. Chances are timing chain will last 200,000 miles. PS I currently drive a Mazda3. 130,00 miles and runs like it’s brand new. No timing chain or fuel pump problems.
@@Redhawk24 Rav4 Prime is not obtainable, with 6+ month wait times and above MSRP added dealer markups, plus one row of seats missing for comparable layout.
@@naveenthemachine I don't think so. First Rav4 prime is a cuv while the cx90 is a throw suv so its comparing apple to oranges. A fairer comaprison is between the GH and that one is a lot more practical than the cx90 granted its a lot more boaty. I actually test drive these and conclude it just has an identity crisis. The PHEV model I test drove didn't have any charge so its quite sluggish while the inline 6 isn't anything too incredible tbh. Remember its still a 3 throw SUV. The steering is really heavy so trying to parallel park this thing will give you an arm workout. Overall it has a nice interior but start thinking and it just doesn't make any sense (a sporty 3 row in a segment that people wants comfort) when compared to the GH, Pilot and Palisade/Telluride. Probably why these are pilling up on the lot (granted besides the GH and Pilot everything else is pilling up on lot around me)
If you have to plug it in then it's not a family car. It's an expensive, low range, lithium battery on wheels. The family car burns fossil fuels that can take the family on vacation or rapidly get away from danger or natural disasters.
But people commute to work and school every day. They road trip maybe a few times per year. Imagine using a PHEV for a full week of dropping kids off at school and activities (plugging it in each night) and using no gas at all. Is that not a good family vehicle?
Planning on buying one of these in the fall. Surprised you didn't even mention that some people would buy one because they want an electric car for day-to-day life, but want to go on road trips without without dealing w charging. It makes no sense to spend many thousands more just to save on gas, but there are plenty of people who drive less than 20 miles per day and would greatly prefer to do that in an EV. Plus, millions of people would pay slightly more if they thought the car was polluting less.
Real buttons are a deciding factor. Touch screen climate and other controls are crap in cold weather areas.
Currently Mazda has a better build quality than Toyota and Honda.
Yes, indeed ❤
That's very true. I just bought my very first mazda vehicle cx 90 made in Japan.
This review undercounts the benefits of the PHEV aspect in terms of convenience and overly criticizes the driving experience. For certain buyers, the benefit of having the PHEV and not using any gas to get the kids to school, pick them up from school, get groceries, and/or do other short distance driving tasks is worth the additional cost. Having the piece of mind that you can always do these short trips without having to worry about not having enough gas is worth the additional cost. Getting 800-900+ miles per tank and the time saved of not going to a gas station often is worth the premium.
Nathan's the best car reviewer. His references to the TFL staff are gold!
I was attracted to this vehicle because of the PHEV capability (we live in a small town so 90% of our driving time would be less than 26 miles). Our trailer is 2600 lbs so this vehicle should tow it well. We need at least 85" behind the front seats to put in our recumbent trikes (unfolded) which this vehicle has. Most do not including our BMW X5. We're in our 70's with no grandchildren so the rear seat will never be used.
Wish Mazda would make a pickup with the straight 6 drive train.
And build it in the Mazda-Toyota plant in Alabama for bonus cred
Just picked one up a week ago. The only reason I got it was because of the plug in. Don’t do more than 20 miles a day dropping off and picking up kids from school. It’s all I really care about. Oddly, had a deposit on the Grand Highlander but Toyota can’t get them off the manufacturing line and Mazda gave me insane discounts. I did the math however and at .15/kwh and gas at $3.00/gal, the break even is roughly 36 mpg, ironically exactly what the Highlander gets. If gas gets more expensive then I’m ahead, electric rates seem to stay stable in my area, so I don’t worry too much about that. I hate going to the gas station too so that’s a plus. The Mazda looks so much better in my opinion. Truth be told, if Toyota actually had a car for me I would have likely gone with the Highlander simply because of quality. I’ll have to wait and see about Mazda. Happy so far.
Wrangler 4xe is my favorite horrifically inefficient PHEV SUV. Had one for a few weeks, I really liked it. The rental company I use a lot is beginning to add CX-90s to their fleet, so I'm excited to try one in the coming months. Will be interesting to compare how they drive in EV mode.
The efficiency of Wrangler 4xe is not that bad, I get about 25 to 28 miles on a full charge with AC on. I drive “gently” with no hard acceleration.
Really could not afford the PHEV but did get the preferred plus at around 48K all in. Really happy with it. Just saw crash testing and scored highest. Rarely use 3rd row but there when needed. BTW, own my cars for 10-13 years and never replaced a timing chain. Have had to replace timing belts though (Honda). So I just don’t see the issue with the placement of the chain. Again, all personal and other good choices just comes down to what your main priorities are. Transmission can be a little jerky at low speed but it just doesn’t bother me in the overall dynamics. If I had a grip that would be it. Oh, getting 30-31 mpg highway every time. 23-25 straight city. I test drove the higher tuned horse power and really did not notice much of a difference plenty of giddy up with seamless highway passing. Hope this helps someone.
Hi,
Right now I got two temping offers for a lease on a Santa Fe PHEV and CX90.
I mostly drive city and do one long 2.5k mile trip a year (our current 2016 CX5 get only 18-19 average).
Your city MPG seems low, is that with the battery depleted?
I do like that 3rd row, so when wife and my parents come to vist I can send my kids to the 3rd row, but the Santa overall gets better mpg and EV range.
Just what I get. But remember mine is just the gasoline/hybrid NOT the PHEV model.
@andrewheckman394 that's not bad at all for that V6 which i heard is fun.
For the PHEV in my area I'm getting a $8550 discount, so the vehicle is $41,233 (plus fees).
Hopefully, city gas is good once the battery drains, but I shouldn't drive more than 25 miles a day.
@@davidzavala337what dealer you bought it from? Looking to get a cx 90 as well.
@@thetruthyes Auto nation Carlsbad
I totally disagree about how you discussed the driving dynamics. Compare it on its own merits.
This vehicle, just like the inline 6 versions, handles GREAT and it is FUN to drive. It is also just as quick (if not quicker) than the Turbo S model AND you get the superior gas mileage if you plug in daily.
I just leased one of these yesterday, and I love this thing.
Just got a cx90 premium plus phev.its only been a few days but it drives so smooth and the interior is very nice.
Get the Preferred Phev with a 7500 lease tax credit. Can pay off car immediately if you want.
Very good review. One thing though is that in Europe and Japan the PHEV is the most sold. It has to do that you can't drive anymore trough many cities without an electrified vehicle and the smaller CX-60 can make 39 miles with no charge. Those 39 miles will cost 1/3 of the petrol charging at home. Also the consumption with deleted battery is 32 MPG (smaller car) that is not bad for this type of vehicle.
Our Mazda CX-90 replaced my wife's Volvo XC-90, and we will NEVER go back to Volvo . . .
Why would you not go back to the XC90 !? I'm Just wondering. my wife has a 23 XC90 recharge and loves it.
I like the idea of a PHEV more than an EV for my use case. However, I am not confident in buying them since I am unsure if they are reliable, like an EV, gasoline, or even a traditional hybrid. Like the hybrid malfunction error in Maxda CX90 PHEV is taking me back.
Well it should be safer than buy Korean. Those 1.6 hyundai and Kia apparently have oil dilution issues.
This is a really beautiful car with a luxurious interior with lots of great tech …. And a really crappy infotainment center.
Saw one the other day, it is beautiful, also does not look big. This is one of the most beautiful crossover family haulers. But I still love my wrangler more.
The location of the EV plug is an issue, unlike my 4xe, with the plug in close proximity to the standard wall socket in a standard garage setup.
If I never plugged it in, I wonder how long/how many miles of highway driving to fully charge it.
Probably never. Battery is too large and too little regen.
30-45 mins on the highway.
I always enjoy Nathan's reviews. Plus, the wiseguy cracks against Roman are priceless!
25:00 That's only true for enthusiasts, most people buying Mazdas these days are just regular joes or janes. That being said starting at 50k is a fair bit more than it's nearest regular shopping this with (grand highlander hybrid) but good luck finding one of those anytime soon, especially without a hefty markup, and right now you can get a CX-90 with a discount so I'd say go for it.
I would prefer a Grand highlander, but none are to be found at MSRP.
My local dealer is giving a fair deal for a base trim in a lease for 24 months for $430 with tax included.
I'm getting like $11k discount. Tempted to pulled the trigger since is only 24 months.
@@davidzavala337 I say go for it, in 24 months the highlander you'd rather have might be an option again if you don't love the Mazda.
@godofdun that's actually a good advice, thanks.
@@davidzavala337 You're very welcome!
I got S-Plan price and the $7500 incentive. $50k for a $60k car. I can't complain.
I wish it had a second-row bench on higher trims to fit 7 passengers with some car seats. My choice would be between the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX only because of passenger capacity. Otherwise, would go with CX-90.
yeah technically, the PHEV competes with the TX, since that offers one, where the regular inline 6 models compete with the GH
Mazda does no wrong!!
Thanks for taking the engine cover off. .
It just made up my mind not to buy it .
I would possibly lease it.
But with the timing chains sandwiched between the transmission, means service costs after the warranty, will be enormous .
I love the look was considering.
I am certainly put off by their decision to do that. .
We just looked at the non-Hybrid CX-90 as our car was totaled when someone blew through a light. I liked it...but...too many new things crammed into this to risk buying a 1st year (or 2) model year. New Engine, New Trans...coupled with some 'aggressively high' pricing...we ended up with a 4Runner Limited...simply b/c we know what we're getting.
Agressively high pricing, i.e. $7500 off lease on a new CX-90 PHEV? Versus Toyota dealer's added dealer markup? :-) These CX-90s can be had for MSRP, or lower with manufacturer discount... I am not sure what you are talking about.
With 4Runner is not really a competitor for CX-90, it's for a different buyer / use offroad etc.
Does Mazda really have a history of botching first-year vehicles though? I rarely have the chance to drive it anymore, but I have an early Mazda 6. Just shy of 200k. Interior is a total bust, but mechanically has never required anything other than routine maintenance.
@@David_Journey It is when they're the same price.
@@David_Journey The Limited 4Runner isn't really the offroad model...its tuned for on road comfort. They're both $53k and change, no rebates available. And no, not spending $53k hoping a brand new Engine & Trans are perfect out of the gate...they never are...doesn't matter who makes it.
@@allentoyokawa9068 That's hilarious.
Every SUV interior is better than Toyota I drive all my life Toyota but the new model interior is sucks 😞
the top trim 6cyl is 62k. you can get $7500 tax credit on this one.
didn't show the spare tire, a rarity these days especially in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Men it’s almost criminal to put a person as big as you in that 3 row in SUV you got to go for a mini van at least ..
Sitting in the car, the way you do reminds me of a lot of the guys I work with on executive protection details
Does the blocked off charge plug mean there will be something else coming in the future? Higher battery capacity?
Why can't you put your feet underneath the 2nd row seat? 22:52 Seems like a design error 😞
Sticker says 52mpg e, you only got 32???
Nathan is my favorite TFL reviewer. We love you Nathan!
Stupid beauty cover
I am considering this as they're offering a $7,500 discount on a lease. Any thoughts? That would bring the price down a little below the Turbo. Lease then buy would make more sense.... maybe... not sure yet.
I'm on the same boat. Since there's no federal incentive, Mazda is giving that on their own.
My concern is that MPG when battery is depleted, is kind of low.
@@davidzavala337 I noticed that, buy looks like 6 hours on a regular 110v outlet will replenish the battery, plus the hybrid regeneration via braking. That seems easy enough to keep decent charge.
@@davidzavala337 The battery never fully depletes, there should always be about a 20% reserve for running in hybrid mode.
Interesting that there are no concerns with the ride; a lot of other journos have complained about it on rough roads
I did not like the ride on the test drive, and with the 280 HP base model, I found the feeling of the vehicle....Ponderous
NATHAN IS THE BEST
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is better and if you want a smaller SUV Rav4 Prime is better
CX-90 will be another great vehicle from Mazda. pHEV is the way to go.
Didn’t notice at first but one thing design wise about the CX90 I don’t think looks great or how it should is the hood shape how the front edges are kinda cut off at the corners. Maybe should’ve been more tapered into the shape of the nose. I just really notice details. 🤔
Looks more like a station wagon than suv.
This car is plagued with problems. Go look at the forums, people have issues with the car
New 6 cyl engine. They put the timing chain in the rear of the engine. Must pull engine to do timing chain maintenence. High pressure fuel pump, again pull the engine. Mazda made a big fail for anyone wanting longevity..
It’s not using a Straight 6.
@@allentoyokawa9068You clearly can’t read then… PHEV does not use a straight 6. Which is the model he is reviewing. 🤦🏼♂️
Doesnt matter the straight 6 is a problem in this rig. If you want a cx90 this is the only one you better buy.
I hope they build a bunch of these but we all know they wont build enough of the phev model lol. Then your stuck with the biggest boat anchor that mazda has made in the last few decades! You bet, mazda is gonna push the 6 cyl model!
Why does it matter if the timing chain and fuel pump might not ever need to be replaced. I’ve never had to get either one done and I keep cars for a long time. That one video that guy did on the CX90 keeps getting mentioned in these YT comments but I don’t think it’s relevant. Chances are timing chain will last 200,000 miles.
PS I currently drive a Mazda3. 130,00 miles and runs like it’s brand new. No timing chain or fuel pump problems.
It’s not as good as the xc90 but it’s the best Asian PHEV full stop
Rav4 prime…
@@Redhawk24 rav4 prime is overpriced and nowhere near as nice or as fun to drive as the cx90
@@Redhawk24 Rav4 Prime is not obtainable, with 6+ month wait times and above MSRP added dealer markups, plus one row of seats missing for comparable layout.
@@David_Journey because everyone wants one
@@naveenthemachine I don't think so. First Rav4 prime is a cuv while the cx90 is a throw suv so its comparing apple to oranges. A fairer comaprison is between the GH and that one is a lot more practical than the cx90 granted its a lot more boaty.
I actually test drive these and conclude it just has an identity crisis. The PHEV model I test drove didn't have any charge so its quite sluggish while the inline 6 isn't anything too incredible tbh. Remember its still a 3 throw SUV.
The steering is really heavy so trying to parallel park this thing will give you an arm workout. Overall it has a nice interior but start thinking and it just doesn't make any sense (a sporty 3 row in a segment that people wants comfort) when compared to the GH, Pilot and Palisade/Telluride. Probably why these are pilling up on the lot (granted besides the GH and Pilot everything else is pilling up on lot around me)
If you have to plug it in then it's not a family car. It's an expensive, low range, lithium battery on wheels. The family car burns fossil fuels that can take the family on vacation or rapidly get away from danger or natural disasters.
That’s a great thing about the PHEV… You can drive it all day on a gas engine, if need be
.... and it has real redwoods strapped to the side like a proper family truckster!
But people commute to work and school every day. They road trip maybe a few times per year. Imagine using a PHEV for a full week of dropping kids off at school and activities (plugging it in each night) and using no gas at all. Is that not a good family vehicle?
Nope. Many families like mine drive PHEVS or EVs. Have four kids, drive a lot. Happy not to burn unnecessary gas.
First time I have ever heard a family vehicle is for getting away from natural disasters. 😂
@12:10 what are the "other two" you mentioned?