Which Mazda CX-90 Is Better...Gas or PHEV? We Compare Both!

Mazda is out with an all-new three-row crossover for 2024: The CX-90. It replaces the CX-9 at the top of Mazda's crossover lineup and now comes with a turbo powertrain or a plug-in hybrid setup. But which of those two is best for you? We tested a fully loaded Turbo S model and a loaded PHEV model to find out how they stack up against each other, as well as the rest of the three row crossover segment, which includes the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer. Under the hood of the gas CX-90 is a powertrain available in two strengths: the Turbo and the Turbo S. Both use a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine with a 48-volt, 17-hp hybrid-assist system. A 280-hp version of the engine with 332 pound-feet of torque powers the Turbo; this version runs on regular fuel. A 340-hp version of the six making 369 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel motivates the Turbo S. Both engines are identical; there's just more boost programmed in on the S. Meanwhile, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a total of 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This PHEV comes with a 14.8-kWh battery and it will do an EPA-rated 26 miles of driving on electric power alone. Inside, base models get a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-end trims bump both of those screens up to 12.3-inches and add wireless connectivity for Apple and Android. The CX-90 can seat six, seven, or eight people, depending on the model and seating configuration. We found the third row of seats to be snug but liveable for taller adults. So which of these models should you choose? To find out, we pitted them against one another. Check out our full video to see which one we chose as the clear winner! Check out the full video or click the shortcuts below to find the section you're most interested in: 0:00 Introduction 0:40: Exterior walk-around...what's the difference between the models? 2:12: Trunk space and third row first look 3:16: What's under the hood of both the gas versions? 3:50: Checking out the PHEV powertrain... 4:17: Interior explained...is it worth $60,000?! 7:28: Middle row access and space 9:33: Third-row access...and can adults fit? 10:43: Driving Impressions...one model is great, one isn't! 11:47: We did get some great fuel economy on the Turbo S... 12:08: The PHEV drives way better. Why? 13:30: Conclusion Ready to shop for a new or used car, no matter what's on your list? Be sure to check out: Our full website and listings: https://bit.ly/3xON6ww Our award-winning iOS app: https://apple.co/3Owy4B9 Our award-winning Android app: https://bit.ly/39cW4cD Presenter: David Undercoffler Editor: Phil Shuyler #mazda #mazdacx90 #phev #phevcrossovers #pluginhybrid #threerowsuv