The all new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is making quite the impression since its world debut. It is built on Mazda’s all-new large platform, the three-row crossover represents the company’s new flagship vehicle with wider, longer, and more aggressive proportions. This is a new look for Mazda and based on my week with the new PHEV version with the Premium Plus Package, I believe this is going to be a tough competitor in the segment. There is a lot to like with the CX-90, I really like the way it looks, the exterior is bold and has a lot of curb appeal. I also enjoyed the drive and comfort of the interior. The gas mileage was great and the interior is designed well. This looks like a much more expensive European design and there is a lot of bang for your buck with this one.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus
Exterior
The CX-90’s exterior departs from traditional Mazda designs, leaning more towards the refinement you’d expect from high-end European or Asian brands. The Rhodium White finish enhances its sophisticated profile, with the 21-inch alloy wheels adding to its imposing stance. The sleek lines and modern design cues give the CX-90 a distinctive and upscale appearance. The CX-90 gets attention in a good way and several strangers asked what manufacturer and model.
Interior
The Interior of the CX-90 PHEV has a lot of nice features and this is largely the reason I would recommend the Premium Plus Trim. The Black Nappa Leather seats and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob give it a classy and luxurious look. The 2nd row Captain’s Chairs are a nice addition, passengers love them. There is plenty of storage space throughout the vehicle and Mazda has made sure there is ample outlets for charging USB type C and regular. No more fighting over outlets. The CX-90 is set up for fun and there is a 12-volt power outlet, 150-Watt accessory power outlet and a 1500-Watt accessory outlet. When I saw the interior of the CX-90 as we prepared for our road trip to Flagstaff, I thought, no one will be complaining of the drive or fighting over outlets and I was right!
The Premium plus comes with the larger 12.3-inch fully digital LCD meter and color center display which is another bonus with the Premium Plus level trim. The instrument guage design is clean, easy to read and the heads up display is helpful. It would be nice to see them integrate the speed limit into the heads up display at some point. The all new CX-90 comes out the gate strong with the interior and I am excited to see where Mazda goes with this in future models.
Engine and Transmission
The heart of the CX-90 PHEV is the efficient e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV: 2.5L engine and 68 kW electric motor, with the total system generating 323 hp. I didn’t really notice until the return trip from Flagstaff but I knew I would have to get gas at about the 75% mark home. I kept looking at the gas and I was pleasantly surprised at how efficient the EV portion of the engine was and we didn’t have to stop at all. As a matter of fact, I had 90 gallons left. The PHEV does get an impressive combined 56 MPGe.
Drive Experience
Driving the CX-90 in varying conditions, from mountainous terrains with snow and rain to regular city roads, was a good way for me to thoroughly test its true capabilities. The vehicle’s off-road mode came in handy with some snowy mountain asphalt/rough road leading up to Snowbowl Ski resort. The vehicle handles well in different terrain and I found it comfortable for the 3plus hour road trip home after a full day on the mountain.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Flagstaff Adventure
Safety
Mazda’s focus on safety is evident in the CX-90, with features like advanced rain-sensing windshield wipers and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Here is a partial list of the safety features as follows:
- Dynamic Stability Control35 with Traction Control System and Trailer Stability Assist
- Rear View Monitor21 (dynamic guide lines)
- Roll Stability Control36
- Hill Launch Assist37
- Blind Spot Monitoring23
- Blind Spot Assist44
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert23
- Lane-keep Assist24
- Lane Departure Warning System25
- Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist40
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go9 and Auto Speed Limit Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear seat alert
- Vehicle Exit Warning26
- 360º View Monitor45 with see through view
- Front and rear parking sensors23
- Driver Attention Alert27
Conclusion
Mazda proves with the launch of the CX-90 that it is capable of delivering a quality, larger SUV that is competitive in its category. The PHEV delivers a lot of value for the MSRP and I think it can appeal to a wide variety of drivers out there. It has curb appeal and will meet the needs of most SUV drivers out there, especially families that want good gas mileage, room for passengers and something stylish. You can get into a MAzda CX-90 PHEV starting at MSRP $49,945, my test vehicle with options and the Premium Plus Trim came in at MSRP $58,920.
For more information on the CX-90 and all things Mazda check out the link below:
