The Mazda CX-90 Hybrid is one of the most compelling vehicles on the market today. Its upscale feel and mainstream price make for a winning combination.
SUVs are the most popular vehicles on the market and have been for nearly a decade. The movement away from body-on-frame designs to unibody crossovers made for a huge transition in the automotive world, bringing more SUVs to driveways and garages around the world. In the modern age, it’s important to build vehicles with good power, fuel efficiency, and impressive materials. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid hits all of these marks and several more, giving many luxury SUV alternatives a run for their proverbial money.
Is this an affordable luxury SUV or are we kidding ourselves?
Mazda isn’t a luxury brand, but across the lineup, the brand has been committed to premium cabin materials, incredible design cues, a styling language that rivals high-end models, and impressive powertrains. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV delivers premium materials, three-row seating, and 26 miles of electric range at a starting price under $51,000; it seriously undercuts luxury competitors while matching their cabin quality. When you put Mazda vs Lexus as a comparison, you might find that the CX-90 has a lot going for it. Still, that doesn’t quite put the Mazda name in line with Lexus, but it’s pretty close.
The alternative to the CX-90
A review of the CX-90 PHEV pricing shows this plug-in hybrid SUV to be an affordable choice, but not everyone wants or needs the third-row seat. If you fall into that category, Mazda has an SUV for you. The CX-70 is built on the same platform and has nearly identical dimensions, but it only has two rows of seats in the cabin. This means more legroom for rear-seat passengers and a larger cargo hold for your gear.
Comfort items that make this three-row PHEV a great choice
The Mazda CX-90 Hybrid comes with items that make a lot of sense for your driving experience. It starts at a little over $50,000, which is about right for a three-row midsize SUV. When you see this Mazda SUV, you’ll notice that it rides on 21-inch wheels, includes ventilated front seats, heated seats for the first and second rows, eight-way power adjustment for the front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat has two memory settings to easily return to the position you need when it’s your turn to drive.
Continuing the impressive list of qualities, the CX-90 comes with a tri-zone automatic climate control system, a pollen filter, and extra-wide front seats. If you choose the Premium Sport model, you’ll add the attractiveness of blacked-out exterior trim elements and a premium audio system that provides you with amazing sound quality in the gorgeous cabin.
Power and efficiency matter in the Mazda CX-90 Hybrid
The CX-90 Hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This combination produces 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels. You can drive for 26 miles using electric-only power and achieve as much as 490 miles on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery pack. This translates into fuel mileage of 24 city/27 hwy mpg.
The styling is unique for its class
Many three-row midsize SUVs have transitioned to boxy builds to create more space for passengers and cargo. Mazda has kept to its Kodo design language, giving you the fluidity of beautiful curves and lines across the body. In a world of boxy SUVs, the CX-90 stands out. The long front end is perfect for housing the engine and hybrid system in the PHEV model, and the six-cylinder engine in the non-hybrid version. Toss in a little chrome or blacked-out trim, and you’ve got an SUV that’s easy to admire as it mesmerizes you with beauty and grace.
Large screens give the Mazda CX-90 Hybrid a tech-forward feel
Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, giving you the equipment readings desired and infotainment settings you’re looking for in your SUV. These screens aren’t the biggest in the industry, but they are large enough to add a tech-forward look and feel to the CX-90. Wireless connectivity makes for an easy way to get connected and leave your cords at home where they belong.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid gives many Lexus SUVs a serious challenge without being a luxury SUV. When comparing this Mazda with a high-end Lexus, you could easily find yourself checking off more boxes for the CX-90. Will this be the new SUV sitting in your driveway this year?
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
