Mazda Introduces CX-90 PHEV: Redefining Full-Size SUVs

Mazda's New CX-90 PHEV Unveiled: A Blend of Power and Efficiency

Mazda has unveiled its latest offering, the CX-90 PHEV, aimed at restoring the brand's reputation following the underwhelming MX-30. This full-size SUV, with an inviting starting price of $47,445, boasts seating for up to eight passengers. The vehicle comes fitted with a plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 operates on a new Mazda platform with rear-biased all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission.

The standout feature of the CX-90 is its EPA-rated electric-only range of 26 miles, complemented by a combined gas-electric range of 490 miles. Charging the 17.8 kWh battery pack takes approximately 2.5 hours, speeding up the process for convenience. Impressively, the SUV achieves 56 MPGe in combined mode, prioritizing electric propulsion when the battery charge surpasses 20%. Additionally, the interior offers a generous 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, emphasizing practicality.

While the CX-90 encompasses luxury and functionality, it falls short in terms of the latest tech features present in competing vehicles. Moreover, the vehicle's fuel economy takes a hit once the battery is depleted, dropping to 25 mpg combined.

Key Takeaways

• Mazda CX-90 PHEV provides seating for up to eight passengers at a competitive starting price of $47,445.
• The vehicle is powered by a combined 323 hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
• Offering an impressive EPA-rated electric-only range of 26 miles and a 490-mile total range with gas.
• Boasting ample interior cargo space, up to 74.2 cubic feet with seats folded, and embracing minimal digital distractions to appeal to practical buyers.

Analysis

Mazda's launch of the CX-90 PHEV marks a pivotal move to resurrect the brand's image subsequent to the MX-30 letdown. The competitive pricing and hybrid efficiency exhibited by this model have the potential to reinvigorate Mazda's market share and investor confidence. Nevertheless, the constraints posed by limited electric range and tech features might pose obstacles in sales against fierce competitors. In the short term, Mazda's stock and the hybrid tech sector could witness fluctuations. On a long-term horizon, the CX-90's triumph hinges on consumers' embrace of its hybrid capabilities and utility, outmatching the allure of cutting-edge tech.

Did You Know?

• PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): PHEVs integrate both a gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. Differing from traditional hybrids, PHEVs can be plugged in to recharge the battery, enabling longer electric-only driving ranges.
• MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent): This metric compares the efficiency of electric vehicles to conventional gasoline vehicles, representing the distance an electric vehicle can cover using electricity equivalent in energy content to one gallon of gasoline. The CX-90 achieves an impressive 56 MPGe in combined mode, affirming its exceptional efficiency in utilizing electric power for propulsion.
• EPA-rated Electric-Only Range: This metric conveys the distance a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle can travel solely on battery power before engaging the gasoline engine. The CX-90 PHEV's EPA-rated electric-only range of 26 miles facilitates short trips without relying on gasoline, reducing emissions and fuel expenses.