When it comes to large SUVS, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is among the most stylish ones on the road. This week I am behind the wheel of the Plug-In Hybrid variant, the 2026 CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus.
For 2026, Mazda gives the lineup some enhancements for its third-model year, and a new trim, along with a price increase between $200 - $500.
New for 2026, all models ride on 21-inch wheels, enjoy ventilated seats, heated first and second row seats, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar and two-position memory, an 8-way power passenger's seat and a heated steering wheel as standard. A 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport trim with a blackout exterior theme also joins the lineup.
Additionally, new for the PHEV Premium Plus - a Driver Personalization system previously reserved for the 3.3 Turbo S. It customizes the driver experience with memory settings for the steering wheel and side mirrors.
The CX-90 is a gorgeous three-row SUV. My model wears a new Polymetal Gray Metallic paint hue paired with a Bright chrome exterior accents and machine cut finish 21-inch aluminum alloys.
The Premium Plus is equipped with an Adaptive Front Lighting system, LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights and LED combo taillights, automatic power-folding, heated side mirrors with auto dimming, a body-colored roof spoiler and Satin Chrome finish aluminum roof rails.
The CX-90 PHEV's impressive powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 68 kWh motor which delivers an ample 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (using premium fuel.) It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters offer normal and high levels of regenerative braking. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
For comparison, the Inline 6 Turbo-equipped CX-90 model comes in two varieties- one makes 280 horses the other 340.
The CX-90 PHEV is equipped with a 120-volt, 1,500-watt AC charging outlet. Level 1 charging 20-80% takes 6 hours and 40 minutes. Level 2, 1.5 hours. Interestingly, Mazda specs note these times are at 75 degrees.
Range is where I run into a little bit of a value equation problem. It only offers 26 miles of pure all-electric driving range - which is a bit lower than you find with other PHEV models. It really needs to get above 30.
Interior
The CX-90's cabin is sure to impress anyone that rides in it. It's luxurious, roomy and well-crafted using quality materials and switchgear. Build quality is impeccable. Black Nappa leather front seats impress with their design and comfort. They are on the narrow side to make room for a wide center console.
Creature comforts include three-way heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats along with a heated steering wheel. A terrific 12.3-inch LCD digital driver display features fantastic color graphics - that includes a rollaway warning.
The 2026 CX-90 lineup doesn't yet benefit from Mazda's new, completely overhauled infotainment system that just debuted in the 2026 CX-5. I find this system, operated by knob controller, cumbersome to operate. A 12.3-inch display houses Mazda Connect, compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus HD radio and Bluetooth along with Voice Command. New for 2026, all CX-90 models feature Alexa.
A premium 12-speaker Bose Surround audio system sounds fantastic. The CX-90 is equipped with six USB-C ports, two per row, and a wireless charger.
The center stack is home to traditional, toggle, climate controls. The wide center console is home to the leather-wrapped gear shifter, which I'm not a fan of as you have to shift up and over to the left to put it into Park. It's just not something I'm used to doing. The console is also where you find Command Control for Mazda Connect, Mi Drive select, automatic brake hold, an electric parking brake and cupholders.
My Premium Plus model features a second row bench seat, but captain's chairs are available.. Amenities include digital a/c controls, soft-touch seat backs, and manual window shades. There's a bit less headroom than up front. It's easy to access the reclining 60/40 split third-row which is as upscale as the rest of the cabin. While not the roomiest in the segment, I'd still consider it suitable for adults. Passengers get their own USB-C ports and A/C vents.
Cargo space is fantastic with the 3rd-row down and there is under-storage as well.
Other standard features on the Premium Plus include 3-zone climate, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic moonroof, interior illumination, 3-zone climate, advanced keyless system, 1500 AC rear power outlet, and 12-volt.
The CX-90 is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Mazda's done just a fantastic job of bringing its distinguishing driving features to its largest SUV. You'll enjoy being behind the wheel if you like a larger SUV with weight to it, along with a heavier steering feel. Power and acceleration are great, especially given this is a heavier 5,000+ pound SUV, but the engine is on the louder side under heavy acceleration. Handling impresses thanks to Mazda Kinematic Posture Control that improves balance and control. Drive modes include Sport, Normal, EV and Off Road. Acceleration feels matched to its 5000+ pound curb weight. Ride quality is exceptional thanks to its fantastic suspension Visibility is great, too, out both the front and rear. Overall, the CX-90 delivers enjoyable and engaging driving dynamics for a three-row SUV.
New for 2026 the PHEV Premium Plus adds a driver monitoring feature, Smart Brake Support Turn-Across Traffic and Smart Brake Support Rear with pedestrian detection.
Other Mazda i-Activsense safety features on the Premium Plus include Smart City Brake Support Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support Rear, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Rear View Monitor, and a 360 degree view monitor with See-Through View and Trailer hitch View.
The Premium Plus trim includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, heated 2nd row captain's chairs, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, Smart Brake Support Rear, Front Cross Traffic Alert/Braking and a 360-degree view camera.
What You'll Pay
As of May 4th of this year, Mazda notes a price increase for the 2026 lineup of $200-$500. I found it to be slightly more for this model compared to the 2025 Premium Plus model I reviewed.
Base Price (2025 Review Model):
2025: $57,950
2026: $58,800 with transportation.
As Equipped (Current Review Model):
2025: $59,405
2026: $60,625 with transportation (Premium Paint $595.)
This said, I do think roughly $61K is a reasonable price for an SUV this nice and loaded with features, with some all-electric range. However, if you don't need the plug-in range, then the non-PHEV Turbo model may be for you and save you money.
Verdict
Mazda's done a fantastic job of bringing its distinguishing driving features to its largest SUV. Overall, the CX-90 is an upscale SUV that checks off a lot of boxes for me except for the cumbersome infotainment system and gear shifter. Also, the extra cost for the plug-in hybrid would likely not be worth it if you drive long distances. If that's the case, I'd opt for the top Inline 6 trim for more horsepower and slightly lower starting price.