Good review! We have owned this vehicle for about a month now. My wife drives it to work for her 6 mile back roads commute. Even without a proper level 2 charger in use yet we got over 1000 miles on the first tank of gas so that's about 55 mpg combined. One of the best things about this car that most reviews don't highlight enough is the Mdrive mode that allows you to switch drive modes from EV to Normal to Sport. Having the ability to cater it to what you need at the time is great. Full EV for short trips, normal for longer casual trips, and Sport mode for when you want to have a FUN drive or need maximum responsiveness and power.
We've had our Premium model over a month. With a level 2 charger it goes 0%-100% in about 2 hours. My wife drives less than 25 miles round trip to work. She does it on all electric and we've yet to put any gas in it. Still showing 380 miles to empty. The only issue with smoothness would be if youre constantly putting your foot down in Normal mode to the point it needs to kick in the gas motor. If you want to drive fast, put it in Sport. If you want to drive normally you can do that in Normal or EV mode and never even engage the gas motor unless you're in trouble or merging. We've had no issues with wireless Carplay/AA. It's probably your phone or your tester. If you're reading this, lease it. You get $7,500 off and Mazda set a high residual.
@@LucidButler If you all ready got it, is it a tax credit or a Mazda rebate as some are saying? How do you get a tax credit before you even do your 2023 taxes? In order to get the U.S. tax credit, 1- you have to actually owe at least $7,500 in taxes for 2023 2- There are income limitations 3- You have to submit your 2023 tax forms to the IRS 4- It has to meet the requirements in the law
I’m amazed at how good the ice engine sounds when it kicks in when you were revving it! Man, I can’t wait to see what the CX 50 hybrid turns out to be because that little extra kick from the electric motor would really help with acceleration. I have a nonturbo CX 50, so while it’s adequate it can use a little bit more oomph!😁
I just leased a premium 6 days ago for $433 a month tax included with $4100 down for 24 months. So far I like the vehicle. Its way smoother than my 2016 CX5, way quieter than my moms 2020 cx5 and very spacious interior. I like the engine sound, it sounds nice and its quick for a large vehicle. Also nice digital gauges. Now, the negatives. 1. Charging with a level 1 at 120 sucks!!! Mine gets plug in at 9 and stops at 6 because of the my high rates and only gets like 16 miles. I would love a level two, but i cant justify the cost. Hopefully ill get some rebates, so im currently looking into it. 2. Public EV could be like 3 times what a gallon of gas cost. At a local charge point during peak hours it would cost me $15 dollar to get maybe 26 miles, totally not worth it. On my way to work, I stop at a Starbucks where charging is free, so i stay there for 30 min and get like 7 miles. 3. rear seat middle hump. I onow is a rear wheel drive, but still, is huge. 4. Front console space is lacking. Cup holders are shallow. I wished it was lime full size trucks with lots of space on the console. 5. Stupid seat belt alarms way too sensitive. I would say is the tbing i hate the most. When my kids move to the back seat, the alarmas stays on like for a whole minute and clearly theres no one in the second row. 6. 45 series tires are way too skinny. I hate big wheel and skinny tires. Even though i like the cx90, I would not get it again as i like the toyota grand highlander alot more. Hopefully im two years mark ups are easier to take off and thetes more inventory
I appreciate your review, I also decided that i liked the PHEV better than the i6. FYI in the EV settings sub menu you can set it to default to all electric mode at vehicle start up. However, even in normal mode it still defaults to using the electric motor anyway. I have never experienced any type of rattle.
Nice video. Your instincts are right on target. Car and Driver testing has shown the PHEV to be quicker than the inline 6 Turbo S in every test and it even stops 11 feet shorter at 70-0 braking. The PHEV also has a lower center of gravity and better F/R weight distribution (lighter engine and battery under the floor). So, the true performance version is the PHEV.
It's not too bad, it's just that most of this video was filmed on noisy highways unfortunately due to my tight schedule this day. It's one of the quietest in the segment.
My wife and I are considering this for her daily. It's really nice, but I am spooked after reading all the issues in the forums, which most journalists fail to discuss, unfortunately. I did come across two journalists who had hybrid failure and were given turbo I6 replacements, which again is not a good sign. We brought a brand spanking new demo home last night, to try out for a day. Sure enough, we noticed bad sounds and feelings from the drivetrain several times. We love so many aspects of the vehicle, but it seems that it really needs to be refined and issues properly ironed out ... maybe next gen? Although I read that they are looking at dropping the CX-90 and merging it into the CX-9.
The refinement has been improved for 2025! Check out my CX-70 review for more thoughts on it, but I’d look for a 2025 CX-90 and try one of those if you can.
Great review. I would definitely get this over the regular engine. Most of what I would do would be via electric mode. I just wish they still had the Mazda 6 with this powertrain!
Great review Matt! Is the suspension really stiff and drive hard on rough surfaces compared to grand highlander as some other reviewers claim? Also cabin noise comparison as well?
The long wheelbase and tight steering and suspension make it feel more planted and less floaty than the other cars in the segment. It is a good blend but there will obviously be softer and floaties competitors with looser steering. The CX-90 PHEV with the 21's is softer and less harsh than the CX-5 Turbo with the 19's. The CX-90 Preferred PHEV has 19's with thicker sidewalls and probably has an even softer ride.
Thanks! I definitely wouldn’t consider it “really stiff”. It’s a little firmer than the Grand Highlander for sure, and if you want maximum comfort it’s hard to beat the Grand Highlander, and for that reason I think it’s the better family cruiser, in addition to its smoother transmission. Cabin noise I’d say is maybe slightly quieter in this.
I'm really close to buying one of these when I decide what color combo I want, but I have a question that I've heard different answers to (even from the Mazda salesman): When the battery charge is depleted, what is the horsepower? Mazda says gasoline engine is 185/189 (regular/premium fuel) and the electric motor is 173 (total for the vehicle is 319/323). But does that mean you only get 185/189 when the battery is depleted? That doesn't seem right to me.
Well I test drove the phev and it was sluggish as hell. Probably because the battery was depleted. Regardless the in line 6 was more responsive and faster overall. Though somehow both didn’t feel as responsive as the Highlander hybrid even though the 0-60 would tell you otherwise. People calling it a budget b58 is overblowing way too much. The steering wheel is also extremely heavy for such a giant car that you will need to maneuver a lot when you try to park. Imo the car has an identity crisis and I can see why it’s not selling as well as people predicted.
Can anyone help me with this question... i have to rely on level 2 public charging by my apartment. I cant charge at home. My commute is 25 miles a day total. Do i have to charge every night to save on gas? I'm wondering how much the battery will be depelted after 25 miles in normal mode.
On several different brands of cars I’ve noticed the even Apple Car play with the wire connection can be flakey. I prefer embedded navigation and infotainment.
This one only had 500 miles on it when I got it, so it's not like it had much time to be beaten. I was actually the first reviewer to get this vehicle.
@@MattMaranMotoring and this one by far is better then the inline 6 in terms of smoothness and acceleration?? No squeaks or rattles? The suspension isn’t harsh ? Is this an air suspension??
Mazda cx90 i bought iscreally smooth. I have the turbo cx90 turbo premium plus and i dont have any of the problems you speak of. How much did toyota pay you
Most reviewers were getting 25 EV miles on a battery charge and 25 mpg on gasoline. You got 30 miles of EV range and 30 mpg on gasoline. In any case, that means one battery charge is equal to one gallon of gas as far as range is concerned. Take your last electric bill (tax and fees included) and divide by the Kwh used and that is your cost per Kwh. That battery charge is 15 Kwh and if you multiply that by your electric cost you have the cost to charge that battery. In my area, the cost to charge that battery is only slightly less than the cost of one gallon of gasoline and it would take years of charging and just running in EV mode to just break even on the cost of that $4,000 PHEV option. There are a lot of reasons for buying an EV, PHEV, or hybrid but in the case of the CX-90 PHEV, saving money is not one of them.
You again? Lol I don't know where you live that charging a battery is as expensive as gas but in most of America this is not the case. A full charge in our Mach-E comes out to about 8 bucks for a battery over 4 times larger. Even putting that aside, for the PHEV it makes more financial sense if you lease it since that gets you the $7,500 tax credit, helping improve your cost saving equation. But like I believe we debated about before, this gives you almost the same power as the Turbo S version for about the same price as that Turbo S, making it essentially a no-cost option if you're looking for the extra power. If you're comparing it with a regular Turbo trim, of course it's going to make about as much sense as paying extra for the Turbo S, which many non-enthusiast shoppers won't see the point of either. It really seems like you have an axe to grind with the PHEV CX-90 for some reason, but I never said in this video that the PHEV is about saving money.
Not sure how those numbers could be. In my area I feel like we pay through the nose for electric but it's still cheaper than gas. In my case I have solar installed so it helps offset costs further. Either way one thing most people are failing to recognize is the fact that if you are comparing the premium plus models the PHEV version actually costs less than the top inline 6 model.
@@MattMaranMotoring WHY do you think people buy a PHEV over an ICE if not to save money? Yes it is me again because most people do not even consider that electricity is NOT free and there is an increased cost they will see monthly. And as a professional reviewer don't you think that is important to tell people how much they would actually save when buying a PHEV to save money??? It all depends where you live and what you pay for electricity and for gasoline. The Pacific Northwest has very cheap electricity and high gasoline prices. Where I live that is not true. With fees and taxes, I pay $0.19 per Kwh. That is $2.85 to charge THAT battery. Costco gas is $3.30 for a savings if $0.45, lets round that up to $0.50 for simplicity. If you charge that battery AND only run on EV until the battery is discharged before you recharge you save $0.50. Five days a week is a $2.50 and at 50 weeks a year you save $125. The AVERAGE electricity cost in the U.S. is $0.14 per Kwh NOT including tax and fees which vary widely. Unless you actually do the calculation, just claiming something is cheaper is simply intentionally misleading people. The math is simple. So you don't think that informing your viewers that are most likely buying a PHEV to save money should be told that it only saves them money is they lease now that Mazda is getting the tax credit?
@@d.j.cantelli8074 The math is so simple. 15 Kwh times your per Kwh cost compare to cost of one gallon of gasoline. Why assume? Most likely charging that battery will be cheaper. But you have to charge that battery, then only run on EV till the vehicle switched to ICE and that will save you very little. Do that 5 times a week and 50 weeks a year and it will take many years to just break even on a $4,000 PHEV option.
@@clarkkent9080 see second part of my comment....also we got over 1000 miles on our first tank of gas. That's 55 mpg combined. That's looking pretty good. I will see what the impact to our electric bill is but with solar power I'm not thinking it will be huge.
4 cylinder hybrid gets the same mileage as the turbo 6 for thousands of dollars more. If you assume 30mpg over the turbo 6 with 25 for 100k miles you still haven’t paid off half the difference even before electricity costs. Mazda screwed up on this one
PHEV 0-60 is a half second faster. Also, I get around the equivalent of 40 MPG in my PHEV if you add up electricity and gas costs and divide by miles. I wouldn't buy the PHEV anywhere where electricity was expensive and gas was cheap though.
Good review! We have owned this vehicle for about a month now. My wife drives it to work for her 6 mile back roads commute. Even without a proper level 2 charger in use yet we got over 1000 miles on the first tank of gas so that's about 55 mpg combined. One of the best things about this car that most reviews don't highlight enough is the Mdrive mode that allows you to switch drive modes from EV to Normal to Sport. Having the ability to cater it to what you need at the time is great. Full EV for short trips, normal for longer casual trips, and Sport mode for when you want to have a FUN drive or need maximum responsiveness and power.
Thank you for sharing your ownership experience! Glad you’re loving yours!
We've had our Premium model over a month. With a level 2 charger it goes 0%-100% in about 2 hours. My wife drives less than 25 miles round trip to work. She does it on all electric and we've yet to put any gas in it. Still showing 380 miles to empty.
The only issue with smoothness would be if youre constantly putting your foot down in Normal mode to the point it needs to kick in the gas motor. If you want to drive fast, put it in Sport. If you want to drive normally you can do that in Normal or EV mode and never even engage the gas motor unless you're in trouble or merging.
We've had no issues with wireless Carplay/AA. It's probably your phone or your tester.
If you're reading this, lease it. You get $7,500 off and Mazda set a high residual.
Thanks for sharing your ownership experience! Glad you’re CarPlay is flawless, it was fine in the last CX-90 I had as well.
The $7,500 tax credit does not apply in the U.S.
@clarkkent9080 yes it does. Got it myself.
Yes it does. It's baked into the current Mazda phev lease.
@@LucidButler If you all ready got it, is it a tax credit or a Mazda rebate as some are saying? How do you get a tax credit before you even do your 2023 taxes?
In order to get the U.S. tax credit,
1- you have to actually owe at least $7,500 in taxes for 2023
2- There are income limitations
3- You have to submit your 2023 tax forms to the IRS
4- It has to meet the requirements in the law
I’m amazed at how good the ice engine sounds when it kicks in when you were revving it! Man, I can’t wait to see what the CX 50 hybrid turns out to be because that little extra kick from the electric motor would really help with acceleration. I have a nonturbo CX 50, so while it’s adequate it can use a little bit more oomph!😁
I just leased a premium 6 days ago for $433 a month tax included with $4100 down for 24 months.
So far I like the vehicle. Its way smoother than my 2016 CX5, way quieter than my moms 2020 cx5 and very spacious interior. I like the engine sound, it sounds nice and its quick for a large vehicle. Also nice digital gauges.
Now, the negatives.
1. Charging with a level 1 at 120 sucks!!! Mine gets plug in at 9 and stops at 6 because of the my high rates and only gets like 16 miles. I would love a level two, but i cant justify the cost. Hopefully ill get some rebates, so im currently looking into it.
2. Public EV could be like 3 times what a gallon of gas cost. At a local charge point during peak hours it would cost me $15 dollar to get maybe 26 miles, totally not worth it. On my way to work, I stop at a Starbucks where charging is free, so i stay there for 30 min and get like 7 miles.
3. rear seat middle hump. I onow is a rear wheel drive, but still, is huge.
4. Front console space is lacking. Cup holders are shallow. I wished it was lime full size trucks with lots of space on the console.
5. Stupid seat belt alarms way too sensitive. I would say is the tbing i hate the most. When my kids move to the back seat, the alarmas stays on like for a whole minute and clearly theres no one in the second row.
6. 45 series tires are way too skinny. I hate big wheel and skinny tires.
Even though i like the cx90, I would not get it again as i like the toyota grand highlander alot more. Hopefully im two years mark ups are easier to take off and thetes more inventory
I appreciate your review, I also decided that i liked the PHEV better than the i6.
FYI in the EV settings sub menu you can set it to default to all electric mode at vehicle start up. However, even in normal mode it still defaults to using the electric motor anyway.
I have never experienced any type of rattle.
Nice video. Your instincts are right on target. Car and Driver testing has shown the PHEV to be quicker than the inline 6 Turbo S in every test and it even stops 11 feet shorter at 70-0 braking. The PHEV also has a lower center of gravity and better F/R weight distribution (lighter engine and battery under the floor). So, the true performance version is the PHEV.
That ICE grunt coming in was such a surprise compared to how quiet the rest of the vehicle was. Great review as always!
Great review! I'm still deciding on this vs the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max or maybe the new Explorer ST depending on if it gets a refresh.
I was in the same boat; I’ll be picking up my CX-90 PHEV this weekend.
Solid stuff! Can’t wait for the cx70 I’m saving my coins. The road wind and tire noise seemed really loud. Did you experience that?
It's really quiet. Came from a 22 CX-5 Turbo which wasn't as insulated.
It's not too bad, it's just that most of this video was filmed on noisy highways unfortunately due to my tight schedule this day. It's one of the quietest in the segment.
@@MattMaranMotoring no it’s good to film in a louder environment at least it’s set in real world conditions
Great views are still trying to decide in six turbo or phev hybrid. They both are good. 😊
My wife and I are considering this for her daily. It's really nice, but I am spooked after reading all the issues in the forums, which most journalists fail to discuss, unfortunately. I did come across two journalists who had hybrid failure and were given turbo I6 replacements, which again is not a good sign. We brought a brand spanking new demo home last night, to try out for a day. Sure enough, we noticed bad sounds and feelings from the drivetrain several times. We love so many aspects of the vehicle, but it seems that it really needs to be refined and issues properly ironed out ... maybe next gen? Although I read that they are looking at dropping the CX-90 and merging it into the CX-9.
The refinement has been improved for 2025! Check out my CX-70 review for more thoughts on it, but I’d look for a 2025 CX-90 and try one of those if you can.
Have you encountered any recall issues for this particular powertrain, I’m considering tires for work commute and daily hauler
Great review. I would definitely get this over the regular engine. Most of what I would do would be via electric mode. I just wish they still had the Mazda 6 with this powertrain!
There is a setting to force Normal Mode to default to EV.
Great review Matt! Is the suspension really stiff and drive hard on rough surfaces compared to grand highlander as some other reviewers claim? Also cabin noise comparison as well?
The long wheelbase and tight steering and suspension make it feel more planted and less floaty than the other cars in the segment. It is a good blend but there will obviously be softer and floaties competitors with looser steering.
The CX-90 PHEV with the 21's is softer and less harsh than the CX-5 Turbo with the 19's. The CX-90 Preferred PHEV has 19's with thicker sidewalls and probably has an even softer ride.
Thanks! I definitely wouldn’t consider it “really stiff”. It’s a little firmer than the Grand Highlander for sure, and if you want maximum comfort it’s hard to beat the Grand Highlander, and for that reason I think it’s the better family cruiser, in addition to its smoother transmission. Cabin noise I’d say is maybe slightly quieter in this.
@@MattMaranMotoring quieter in cx 90 you mean? Thanks
Yep!
@@FRauf-n4rI dont think it's quieter. You will have to test drive then on the expressway
Mazda's interior game is still on point.
Great review
Thanks for posting
Thanks for watching!
I'm really close to buying one of these when I decide what color combo I want, but I have a question that I've heard different answers to (even from the Mazda salesman): When the battery charge is depleted, what is the horsepower? Mazda says gasoline engine is 185/189 (regular/premium fuel) and the electric motor is 173 (total for the vehicle is 319/323). But does that mean you only get 185/189 when the battery is depleted? That doesn't seem right to me.
The battery always has some reserve. You only need the higher hp for brief quick acceleration.
Well I test drove the phev and it was sluggish as hell. Probably because the battery was depleted. Regardless the in line 6 was more responsive and faster overall. Though somehow both didn’t feel as responsive as the Highlander hybrid even though the 0-60 would tell you otherwise. People calling it a budget b58 is overblowing way too much.
The steering wheel is also extremely heavy for such a giant car that you will need to maneuver a lot when you try to park.
Imo the car has an identity crisis and I can see why it’s not selling as well as people predicted.
Can anyone help me with this question... i have to rely on level 2 public charging by my apartment. I cant charge at home. My commute is 25 miles a day total. Do i have to charge every night to save on gas? I'm wondering how much the battery will be depelted after 25 miles in normal mode.
That looks really nice!
On several different brands of cars I’ve noticed the even Apple Car play with the wire connection can be flakey. I prefer embedded navigation and infotainment.
that's the most space i've seen in an engine bay since the 60's
This or the Kia Telluride S for our family soon in the next few years. Upgrading to three row from CX-5. Unsure yet about hybrid or not.
Was that rattle also present in the turbo 6 transmission?
No it wasn’t.
We own 1, no rattles. I attribute it to being a press vehicle.
@@DM72513 can’t have the press disappointed and then relay that info to the consumers.
This one only had 500 miles on it when I got it, so it's not like it had much time to be beaten. I was actually the first reviewer to get this vehicle.
@@MattMaranMotoring and this one by far is better then the inline 6 in terms of smoothness and acceleration?? No squeaks or rattles? The suspension isn’t harsh ? Is this an air suspension??
Yes, drive is stiff and hard on bumps. The car feels heavy when stopping.
I feel like I'm sitting in the passenger seat. 🙂👍
Mazda cx90 i bought iscreally smooth. I have the turbo cx90 turbo premium plus and i dont have any of the problems you speak of. How much did toyota pay you
Def better than a BMW these days, in my opinion at least
Poor mans Doug Demuro
56 MPGE
Most reviewers were getting 25 EV miles on a battery charge and 25 mpg on gasoline. You got 30 miles of EV range and 30 mpg on gasoline. In any case, that means one battery charge is equal to one gallon of gas as far as range is concerned.
Take your last electric bill (tax and fees included) and divide by the Kwh used and that is your cost per Kwh. That battery charge is 15 Kwh and if you multiply that by your electric cost you have the cost to charge that battery.
In my area, the cost to charge that battery is only slightly less than the cost of one gallon of gasoline and it would take years of charging and just running in EV mode to just break even on the cost of that $4,000 PHEV option.
There are a lot of reasons for buying an EV, PHEV, or hybrid but in the case of the CX-90 PHEV, saving money is not one of them.
You again? Lol I don't know where you live that charging a battery is as expensive as gas but in most of America this is not the case. A full charge in our Mach-E comes out to about 8 bucks for a battery over 4 times larger. Even putting that aside, for the PHEV it makes more financial sense if you lease it since that gets you the $7,500 tax credit, helping improve your cost saving equation. But like I believe we debated about before, this gives you almost the same power as the Turbo S version for about the same price as that Turbo S, making it essentially a no-cost option if you're looking for the extra power. If you're comparing it with a regular Turbo trim, of course it's going to make about as much sense as paying extra for the Turbo S, which many non-enthusiast shoppers won't see the point of either. It really seems like you have an axe to grind with the PHEV CX-90 for some reason, but I never said in this video that the PHEV is about saving money.
Not sure how those numbers could be. In my area I feel like we pay through the nose for electric but it's still cheaper than gas. In my case I have solar installed so it helps offset costs further. Either way one thing most people are failing to recognize is the fact that if you are comparing the premium plus models the PHEV version actually costs less than the top inline 6 model.
@@MattMaranMotoring
WHY do you think people buy a PHEV over an ICE if not to save money?
Yes it is me again because most people do not even consider that electricity is NOT free and there is an increased cost they will see monthly. And as a professional reviewer don't you think that is important to tell people how much they would actually save when buying a PHEV to save money???
It all depends where you live and what you pay for electricity and for gasoline. The Pacific Northwest has very cheap electricity and high gasoline prices. Where I live that is not true.
With fees and taxes, I pay $0.19 per Kwh. That is $2.85 to charge THAT battery. Costco gas is $3.30 for a savings if $0.45, lets round that up to $0.50 for simplicity.
If you charge that battery AND only run on EV until the battery is discharged before you recharge you save $0.50. Five days a week is a $2.50 and at 50 weeks a year you save $125.
The AVERAGE electricity cost in the U.S. is $0.14 per Kwh NOT including tax and fees which vary widely.
Unless you actually do the calculation, just claiming something is cheaper is simply intentionally misleading people. The math is simple.
So you don't think that informing your viewers that are most likely buying a PHEV to save money should be told that it only saves them money is they lease now that Mazda is getting the tax credit?
@@d.j.cantelli8074 The math is so simple. 15 Kwh times your per Kwh cost compare to cost of one gallon of gasoline. Why assume?
Most likely charging that battery will be cheaper. But you have to charge that battery, then only run on EV till the vehicle switched to ICE and that will save you very little. Do that 5 times a week and 50 weeks a year and it will take many years to just break even on a $4,000 PHEV option.
@@clarkkent9080 see second part of my comment....also we got over 1000 miles on our first tank of gas. That's 55 mpg combined. That's looking pretty good. I will see what the impact to our electric bill is but with solar power I'm not thinking it will be huge.
Its very nice looking but I believe the 2024 Mitsubishi outlander phev has it beat.
Not even the slightest bit
The cx90 has a RWD chassis and a much more sophisticated double wishbone front suspension
Mitsubishi isn’t actually in the same class as the Mazda,, It is a lot smaller.
That is objectively false. Plus it's only technically a 3 row. It's not usable for people with legs.
@@Brian_Eugene_LeeAND I WILL BUY A FULLY LOADED 2023 OUTLANDER PHEV ANYWAY!
Run the numbers ladies, you'll be surprised. No cvt in the outlander phev.
4 cylinder hybrid gets the same mileage as the turbo 6 for thousands of dollars more. If you assume 30mpg over the turbo 6 with 25 for 100k miles you still haven’t paid off half the difference even before electricity costs. Mazda screwed up on this one
This has basically as much power as the Turbo S version while actually costing less so no, they didn’t mess up in my opinion.
PHEV 0-60 is a half second faster. Also, I get around the equivalent of 40 MPG in my PHEV if you add up electricity and gas costs and divide by miles. I wouldn't buy the PHEV anywhere where electricity was expensive and gas was cheap though.