2026 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Premium Plus  Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Premium Plus , including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Premium Plus  review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Alright, let's talk. For years, we've watched Mazda from the sidelines, haven't we? We've seen them build some of the best-driving, best-looking cars for the money. The CX-5 has been a staple, a smart choice for a family’s first new SUV. But let's be honest, when it came time to step up—to really treat yourself to something that felt like a reward for all that hard work—the conversation usually turned to Lexus, maybe Acura, or even Volvo. Mazda has been talking about going upscale, about earning a spot at that table, for what feels like a decade. Well, I just spent some time with their new flagship, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus, and I’m here to tell you: stop talking, Mazda. You’ve arrived.

Now, before we get too far, let me be clear. I was at a media event, one of those big shows where they roll out the new models under bright lights. This was a static walkaround. I didn’t get to put this vehicle on the road, so I can’t tell you how it handles a corner or how the engine feels under a heavy foot. But I did get to crawl all over it, sit in every seat, touch every surface, and really get a feel for what Mazda has built. And what I saw tells me they’re not just aiming for the luxury space anymore; they’ve landed right in the middle of it. The model I examined was finished in a color they call Platinum Quartz Metallic, and it’s the perfect example of what Mazda got right. It’s not a flashy, look-at-me color. It’s a sophisticated, grown-up shade that lets the SUV’s design do the talking. The designers resisted the urge to slather it in chrome. Instead, you get these long, clean body lines and a single, elegant shoulder line that runs the length of the vehicle. It has a presence, especially sitting on those big 21-inch wheels, but it’s a quiet confidence. It’s the kind of vehicle that will look just as good pulling up to the office as it will at the parent-teacher conference.

Under that long, sculpted hood is where things get really interesting for families looking to balance power and efficiency. This CX-90 is a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV. That means it pairs a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Together, they produce a very healthy 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All that power goes through a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system, which is something you’ll be thankful for when the weather turns nasty. Now, based on those numbers, this isn't about being the fastest SUV on the block. It’s about delivering smooth, instant power. That electric motor provides immediate torque from a standstill, which is perfect for getting ahead of traffic when the light turns green. When you need more power, the gas engine is designed to kick in seamlessly. For the daily grind, the efficiency numbers are what really matter. The EPA estimates you’ll get 56 MPGe, which is the rating for when you’re using both gas and electricity. If you’re just running on the gas engine, you’re looking at a respectable 26 MPG combined. The real magic of a plug-in is the ability to run on pure electricity. For short trips, like dropping the kids at school or making a grocery run in Gardena, you might not use a single drop of gas. You just plug it in overnight and you’re ready to go. Mazda also gives you their Mi-Drive system with different modes—Sport, Off-Road, Towing, and a dedicated EV mode—so you can tailor the vehicle’s response to whatever you’re doing.

Stepping inside is where the CX-90 really makes its case. The model I was in had a beautiful White Nappa Leather interior, and let me tell you, this is the real deal. This isn't that cheap, plasticky stuff you find in lesser vehicles. The leather feels soft and rich, and the stitching is precise and deliberate. You can tell someone actually thought about where every single line should go. Everything you touch has a satisfying weight and solidity to it, from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the metal-like climate control knobs. There are no flimsy plastics or tacked-on trim pieces here. This is fit and finish that rivals what you’d find in a Lexus or a Volvo, and I don't say that lightly. Comfort is clearly a priority. The Premium Plus trim gives you heated and ventilated front seats—a blessing on a hot California day or a cold Jersey morning—plus heated second-row seats for the passengers. The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat, while the front passenger gets an 8-way, and the power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel has a memory function. It’s easy to find your perfect driving position. The third row is there, and it’s usable for kids or for adults on shorter trips, but this is not a cavernous, an full-size SUV, so don't expect to put three adults back there for a road trip. One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of a luxury vehicle is how quiet it is. Based on my time just sitting inside with the doors closed, Mazda has finally nailed it. The cabin feels incredibly insulated and serene.

The technology inside is just as impressive as the materials. You’re greeted by two massive 12.3-inch screens. One serves as your digital instrument cluster, and it’s crisp, clear, and configurable. The other is the main infotainment display, running the Mazda Connect system. It’s fast, the menus are logical, and it comes with navigation and other connected services. Most importantly, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means your phone connects seamlessly without you ever having to fumble with a cord. That’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in daily life. The sound system is a 12-speaker setup from Bose, and it creates a rich, immersive soundstage that really fills the quiet cabin. It’s a complete, well-thought-out environment. On the safety front, Mazda didn’t cut any corners. The i-Activsense suite is comprehensive, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Brake Support that works both forwards and in reverse and can detect pedestrians, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, and a sophisticated Adaptive Cruise Control system with Cruising & Traffic Support. This system helps manage speed and steering in heavy traffic, reducing driver fatigue. For navigating tight parking lots, the 360-degree View Monitor is a game-changer. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, and even has a “See-Through” view to help you spot low obstacles.

So, let's get down to the brass tacks: the price. The sticker on this 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus is $60,030. That’s a serious number, and it puts this Mazda in direct competition with established players like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and the Lexus RX 450h+. But when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the value proposition becomes very clear. You’re getting a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain, genuine Nappa leather, a full suite of modern tech, top-tier safety features, and a design that looks more expensive than it is. Plus, Mazda backs it up with a 96-month/100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery and 24-hour roadside assistance, which provides crucial peace of mind for a family making a long-term investment. Frankly, to get a similarly equipped SUV from one of the traditional luxury brands, you’d likely be spending thousands more.

Here’s my final verdict, based on everything I could see and touch. Mazda didn’t just make a bigger CX-5. They built a true flagship, a vehicle that feels special from the moment you open the door. It’s not perfect—the source material I had pointed out the lack of a dedicated wireless charging shelf and that rear-seat space isn’t the absolute best in the class—but those are minor complaints in an otherwise outstanding package. For the young family that’s ready to move up, that wants the style and substance of a luxury vehicle without the pretentious badge or the punishing price tag, this CX-90 is a must-see. It offers efficiency for the daily commute, space for the family, and a level of craftsmanship that will make you feel proud every time you get behind the wheel. My advice? Don’t sign on the dotted line for a Lexus or a Volvo until you’ve taken a very close look at this Mazda. Based on this static inspection, the CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus is a definite BUY.

Buckle up. Drive safe. And give this Mazda a serious look.

By the Numbers: Official EPA Ratings

These figures come straight from the EPA's official fuel-economy database for the 2026 CX-90 4WD listing — government test numbers, not estimates. Check them yourself at fueleconomy.gov before you walk into a dealership.

| Engine | Transmission | Drive | EPA city / hwy / combined MPG | Fuel | Est. annual fuel cost | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 3.3L 6-cylinder turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | Regular | $2,500 | | 3.3L 6-cylinder turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | Premium | $3,100 | | 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 28 / 26 | Premium and Electricity | $3,000 |

The EPA's annual fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving, and national average fuel prices. Your real number moves with your commute and your local prices — but it is the fairest apples-to-apples comparison you can make between two vehicles on a shopping list.

Questions People Ask About the 2026 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Premium Plus

What gas mileage does the 2026 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Premium Plus get? The EPA rates the 2026 CX-90 4WD at 25 to 26 MPG combined depending on the engine. The 3.3L 6-cylinder turbo hybrid returns 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined on regular fuel.

What will it cost me in fuel each year? The EPA's estimate is $2,500 a year at 15,000 miles of mixed driving. Ask your dealer which engine is in the exact car on the lot — the window sticker carries this same number.

Source: U.S. EPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov (2026 CX-90 4WD).

The Bottom Line

Buy it if you are a young family ready to move up, seeking the style and substance of a luxury vehicle without the pretentious badge or punishing price tag. Don't sign on the dotted line for a Lexus RX 450h+ or a Volvo XC90 Recharge until you've taken a very close look at this Mazda.

Best For

• Young families ready to move up
• Buyers seeking luxury style and substance without a pretentious badge
• Drivers prioritizing efficiency for daily commutes
• Those who value craftsmanship and a quiet cabin

Skip It If

• You require the absolute best rear-seat space in the class
• You need a dedicated wireless charging shelf

More from AutoNetwork

Browse all vehicle reviews, see Roosevelt's best picks, or use our comparison tool and auto loan calculator before visiting a dealer.