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

Рет қаралды 15,114

Күн бұрын

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: bit.ly/3xON6ww
- Our award-winning iOS app: apple.co/3Owy4B9
- Our award-winning Android app: bit.ly/39cW4cD
Presenter: David Undercoffler
Editor: Phil Shuyler
#mazda #mazdacx90 #phev #phevcrossovers #pluginhybrid #threerowsuv

Пікірлер: 61

@tmaharisoa 11 ай бұрын

hmm, not sure if the power delivery is not consistent, I had a chance to test drove the Honda pilot and CX-90 (340HP) same day, and... the CX90 is just so powerful, very responsive + great handling... and for the space Honda Pilot really has more room and more utilitarian.

@user-dj4gh4tn8l 11 ай бұрын

Me too, I drove Honda Pilot its more of a bumpy ride, not comfortable but I agree in terms of space Pilot has bigger room👍 because its a Boxier SUV where as CX90 which I drive after an hour it has better acceleration + better comfort ride and handling and the suspension is the best❤❤❤❤❤ me and my family loved it, CX-90 is a joy as it gives of a drive feel like of a mini-van and suv combined, on Pilot we felt tired but in the CX90 we enjoyed tje drive. and dont get me started on the features which is any day more then Honda Pilot.

@TheRotorious13b 10 ай бұрын

@Autolist What in the world are you talking about with a "power deficit", in the gas powered version, lol? Perhaps the delivery isn't as in your face as you may like, (and I Believe it was intentionally tuned this way) but there's certainly no actual deficit in power. There's a well-known drag race on a different channel between the CX-90, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. In a drag racing start (which 99% of buyers in this segment couldn't care less about) the others were faster. From a rolling (real-world) start however, they were virtually even the entire way. Conversely, when they raced it against a mainstream rival, the Hyundai Palisade, it wasn't even close. The CX-90 ran away, even from a dig. And with regards to pricing, and comparison to premium rivals like Acura, Audi, BMW etc. The CX-90 90 has been regarded, nearly industry-wide, as a "bargain at 60k". It's bigger and more powerful than literally every premium rival anywhere near its price point, and even some costing up to 20 grand more. Not to mention the fact that the interior quality and layout is at least equal to its premium rivals, and better than some...

@PopsRacer61 10 ай бұрын

..I saw that same drag race and I also test drove the PHEV and the top of the line 6cyl turbo S. It doesn't shift as smooth as I would like, but you are correct in that it is not lacking power! It's a family luxury hauler anyway, so I'm not sure that people will be racing it fully loaded on their way to Disney World

@TheRotorious13b 10 ай бұрын

@@PopsRacer61 Exactly!! 🤣

@user-jw6ul9dq5x 10 ай бұрын

The CX-90 gas engine is plenty powerful when running on a high octane 91/93 gasoline. My dealer put regular gasoline in my first tank in my Turbo PP and as soon I could I started running 93 octane and the difference is night and day when it comes to being responsive on takeoff and when needing an extra power boost. Fun car to drive.

@retgi1 29 күн бұрын

Maybe he was using 87 octane?

@user-bm7ml1hr9s 11 ай бұрын

@Autolist have you driven grand highlander and if so how do you conpare it with the cx 90?

@user-dj4gh4tn8l 11 ай бұрын

I test drive Honda Pilot its more of a bumpy ride, not comfortable but I agree in terms of space Pilot has bigger room👍 because its a Boxier SUV where as CX90 which I drive after an hour it has better acceleration + better comfort ride and handling and the suspension is the best❤❤❤❤❤ me and my family loved it, CX-90 is a joy as it gives of a drive feel like of a mini-van and suv combined, on Pilot we felt tired but in the CX90 we enjoyed the drive. and the features which is any day CX90 has more then Honda Pilot.

@kens5871 10 ай бұрын

Little disappointed that you only spent few minutes on the “previous vs gas” topic as stated on the title

@Lorenzo1972. 6 ай бұрын

I hate a different experience. The PHEV felt odd. The acceleration was all over the place. Was it using the electric motor? Was it gas? Performance was more predictable on the V6 gas version - and you don’t need to use premium fuel like you do on the PHEV.

@hukmai 4 ай бұрын

Seems to be the the quirk of the PHEV + 8 speed " traditional " Automatic The EV motor replaced the Torque converter so it drives through the gear in EV, then in hybrid mode it uses a two clutch design for electic and gas. Meaning it has to think more about how to shuttle power based on acceleration, battery state of charge, and even regen/ gear. So in other words it's closer to a traditional transmission feel but not as smooth as a CVT like toyota or DCT like hyundai/kia. Even toyotas new 6 speed auto hybrids don't used a clutched system ( testers noted it was also strange feeling)

@CMCNestT 11 ай бұрын

In the Mazda USA configurator you can't get this top of the line interior with the PHEV powertrain.

@Collingwoodharbour 6 ай бұрын

I thought the battery was 17.8 kWh? You said it's 14.8, Is that the effective amount available?

@GooseVan 11 ай бұрын

I just took delivery of phev last week, yes it’s very smooth thanks to the much bigger electric motor and NA engine without turbo lag. It’s Canadian GT model so we don’t have the bigger touch infortaiment screen but that’s the only downside it has. I also like second row without center console that makes it easier for kids go to 3rd row.

@Demobot1 11 ай бұрын

Did you cross shop this with the Mitsubishi Outlander? What made you choose the CX-90?

@GooseVan 11 ай бұрын

@@Demobot1 Outlander 3rd row is not usable at all so it's never on my list. Trunk space was a bit concern but my dealer gave me free roof box rental if I go long trips. I tested Sienna but didn't like the way it drove. All of my SUVs have been rwd, this is the only one in the price point that's rwd too.

@user-bm7ml1hr9s 11 ай бұрын

Have you driven grand highlander, did you compare this with the cx 90?

@GooseVan 11 ай бұрын

@@user-bm7ml1hr9s don’t like Toyota or Lexus. Only reason I tested sienna was wife wanted me to test.

@user-dj4gh4tn8l 11 ай бұрын

I am almost in a phase of finalizing CX90 turbo premium plus model a gas, I will have to pay $6000 to upgrade to PHEV, is it that worth it?! Please can you suggest.

@JbrayxD 8 ай бұрын

I love the look

@knightshadow4474 4 ай бұрын

5:02 Mazda has had those knobs that there for years, like from 2015 or even older.

@gwm0072002 Ай бұрын

I am very much looking at this vehicle vs. the others.

@JackSmith-qi7dr 9 ай бұрын

Why do reviewers always concern themselves with adults in the third row? It is a kid area unless you are into multiple wives or some other cult.

@JackSmith-qi7dr 9 ай бұрын

No difference in the exterior? Hmmm, I see black cladding on one and painted fender wells on the other.

@David_Journey 7 ай бұрын

Turbo S has adaptive headlights that turn into the curve. PHEV dies not. The taillights do not illuminate in full length on PHEV but do illuminate in turbo S (Aesthetic advantage).

@mbenton6 10 ай бұрын

honda kia are not the c x 90-s competition

@winstondeocampo699 8 ай бұрын

If you don’t come up with actual numbers for 0-60 and the quarter mile for the Mazda and Honda, how can viewers rely on your opinions? It all seems like it’s based solely on your seat of the pants sensation.

@hoverpilder1905 6 ай бұрын

i want to return my CX-90 PHEV. Just... No.... too many small little things that make up a big thing

@mikenewton2563 4 ай бұрын

Like what?

@hoverpilder1905 4 ай бұрын

@mikenewton2563 Top 3 Compalinst. 1. Very miniscule EV range, especially in the winter 2. Gas powered car is vastly underpowered when ev is depleted 3. Intelligent All Wheel Drive not very Intelligent

@mikenewton2563 4 ай бұрын

@@hoverpilder1905 ok thanks for the response, I think we might go with the turbo s model (maybe). My wife doesn't drive much, works from home 4 out of 5 days so mpg isn't that big of an issue but none the less we were curious about the PHEV and then I saw your post. Always good to hear from someone that owns one

@hoverpilder1905 4 ай бұрын

@mikenewton2563 I actually changed my mind about wanting to return it. I have a lease so I can always give it back at the end of the term. Haven't filled up the tank since January

@megatest 6 ай бұрын

Certainly the CX-90, the non-electric models must be very correct except for PHEV because now it's barely 6 weeks that I've had the vehicle, 5000 kilometers on it, and it's already horrible. Electric or hybrid mode does not work below -12 degrees Celsius. Brake problem: screeching brake, transmission makes a horrible noise when changing gears and is jerky. Several hybrid system malfunction error codes and so on. The car no longer recognizes the key. As for the other models in the range I don't know but for the PHEV models to avoid.

@turner02 10 ай бұрын

the styling of the CX90 screams......"old man car"!!!!!

@PopsRacer61 10 ай бұрын

..that's why if you're btwn 25 and 35 yrs old you buy the BMW X5, AUDI Q8, MERCEDES B. GL large suvs. That will take care of your young man image LMAO!

@David_Journey 7 ай бұрын

Young man has no need for three rows and child seats ;-) . Honestly, if this is old man styling, I wonder what you think of generic design with lack of attention to detail on Honda Pilot.

@retgi1 20 күн бұрын

Maybe you'd be more drawn to a honda civic with loud exhaust!

@clarkkent9080 10 ай бұрын

The CX-90 PHEV averages 25 miles of EV only range OR 25 miles on ONE gallon of gasoline (EPA combined value). So one battery charge (~15Kwh) is equal to one gallon of gas. Take your last electric bill TOTAL (tax and fees included) and divide by the Kwh used for your cost of one Kwh. Multiply that by 15 and you have your electric cost to charge that battery. MOST people will find that the cost to charge that battery is not much less than the cost of ONE gallon of gas. AND if you calculate how many times you have to run on EV just to break even on that $4,000 PHEV option, you will find out it takes many YEARS. Lots of reasons for EVs. PHEVs, and hybrids but in the case of the CX-90, saving money is NOT one of them

@kens5871 10 ай бұрын

Take into account the 7500$ fed rebate and things change quite a bit with a lease.

@clarkkent9080 10 ай бұрын

@@kens5871 I agree if you like in Canada but we only get tax credits in the U.S. is it is built here and supports American jobs.

@dwang552 10 ай бұрын

My Tesla model Y can go 4 miles per KWH. So, for 15 kWh, it can go 60 miles. I just bought an CX-90 V6, I think PHEV version is not worth the added cost, and could cost more to fix because it adds complexity.

@clarkkent9080 10 ай бұрын

@@dwang552 Placing an electric motor between the ICE and an automatic transmission is a very inefficient setup. For a hybrid or a PHEV, the Toyota system is a marvel of engineering and the efficiency of that design shows.

@PopsRacer61 10 ай бұрын

@@dwang552 Do your research, the CX90 doesn't have a V6. And in the long run as you approach 100k miles if you plan to put that many miles on it, MAZDA recommends 100k mile service that requires pulling the engine. Not going to be a cheap job to do, and it's a mechanics nightmare. Also, whoever does the service better know what they're doing or the vehicle will never run right again . That's only with the 6 cyl. not the PHEV