Finding the right three-row family electric vehicle (EV) can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack, especially when you have a budget to consider. Sure, big names like the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and Mercedes EQS SUV might look appealing on the surface, but they often come with steep price tags that can leave a gaping hole in your wallet. Don’t even get me started on how cramped some of their third rows can be — not exactly ideal for family road trips. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz might tug at your heartstrings with its nostalgic design, but if you’re planning a long-haul trip, its range might leave you feeling a bit stranded. Even the Kia EV9, while impressive, can reach a price point that gives you pause.
So, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly family option, let’s shift the focus a bit. Plug-in hybrids like the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Volvo XC90, or the model I’m currently testing— the Mazda CX-90 PHEV—might be exactly what you need. Don’t forget though, “budget-friendly” in today’s market doesn’t always translate to “affordable.”
Let’s take the Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus, which I have parked outside as a reference point. It carries a sticker price of $59,405 after destination charges. Yes, that’s around $10,000 higher than the average price of new cars sold in America right now. But if you’re willing to skip some of the bells and whistles, you can snag the CX-90 PHEV Preferred starting at $51,995. For a three-row PHEV, this isn’t too shabby, especially when you consider the options out there today. However, keep in mind that it still bumps up more than $12,000 compared to the base model CX-90 with the inline-six engine, which starts at $39,300.
And here’s another twist: the federal tax credit can help lessen the financial blow, but it only applies if you lease rather than purchase the CX-90. It’s a little frustrating to know you’re still paying a premium for this vehicle, even with some credit support.
What do you get for that extra cash? Under the hood, the CX-90 features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a 17.8 kWh battery, which powers a 68-kW (roughly 91 horsepower) electric motor. Mazda touts this combo as capable of producing an impressive 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, alongside an all-electric range of 26 miles. However, I found that when you really push for that torque, you might still need to rely on its internal combustion engine to get you where you need to go.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re intrigued by the CX-90 but don’t necessarily need all three rows, there’s a two-row sibling, the CX-70 PHEV. Having just spent time driving that as well, I’ll weave my thoughts on both models into my review. Whether you go for the two-row or the three-row, you can expect a design and feel that are unmistakably Mazda.
However, let’s keep expectations grounded. The CX-90 may be touted as Mazda’s largest vehicle, but it still leans smaller than many competitors in the segment. The move to a rear-wheel-drive platform hasn’t quite boosted its cargo carrying capacity. Behind the third row, you’re looking at just 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which might not seem like much when stacked against rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride, all of which boast significantly larger capacities.
In fact, the CX-90’s cargo space puts it on par with smaller contenders like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento but is ultimately outdone by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
So, what else are you curious about? I’m gearing up to dive deeper into how the CX-90 drives and its efficiency, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or lingering questions. One area I’m watching closely is the powertrain’s calibration and overall performance. Early reports indicate that Mazda’s PHEV system experiences some growing pains — Consumer Reports even flagged the CX-90 PHEV as one of the least reliable new SUVs for 2025, mainly due to issues surrounding the PHEV battery and the car’s eight-speed transmission.
So, if there’s something specific you want to see or know more about, drop a comment below. Let’s uncover if the Mazda CX-90 PHEV can rise to the occasion!
Image Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock
