The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a new midsize SUV from Mazda that will compete with the best three-row family SUVs in its segment. The CX-90 appears to be a step up from the CX-9. Mazda is even offering a plug-in hybrid version of the new midsize SUV.

1. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV will be powerful

The narrative about hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has been disproved thanks to recent automotive innovations. In fact, some of the most powerful vehicles in the industry are PHEVs because they benefit from a boost in power provided by electric motors. If you were worried about a CX-90 PHEV being underpowered, never fear. Mazda kept driving dynamics in mind when designing its new midsize SUV PHEV.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8 kWh battery to make a whopping 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s more horsepower and torque than the 2023 Kia Telluride, which is regarded by many as the best three-row midsize SUV on the market.

The CX-90 PHEV should have exciting driving dynamics thanks to its unique powertrain system. Who said plug-in hybrids aren’t fun to drive?

2. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV will have electric-only range

One of the coolest perks of plug-in hybrid ownership is the electric-only driving range. PHEVs have batteries that can be charged. Once these batteries are charged, the vehicles can travel for certain distances without relying on gasoline.

So, in this sense, it’s almost like owning an EV without having to spend hours recharging. In fact, level 2 chargers should be able to charge most PHEV batteries within a single hour of charging. Owning a home charger would make this process even more convenient and encourage PHEV owners to use electric-only driving range more frequently.

Many PHEVs qualify for federal electric vehicle tax incentives as well. Consumers could get a huge discount on the 2024 Mazda CX-90 if it’s eligible for the incentive. That being said, the tax cut has become increasingly unclear, especially following the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Early Toyota RAV4 Prime buyers got to reap the benefits of the incentive, but as more EVs and PHEVs are sold, the benefit becomes more difficult to claim.

The CX-90’s electric-only driving range is a great way for drivers to enjoy PHEV ownership without having to fully commit to the responsibility of charging an EV. Before EVs become ubiquitous, PHEVs may have their day in the sun.

3. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV could get pricey

Kelley Blue Book estimated that the 2024 Mazda CX-90 could start at around $41,000. Plug-in hybrids tend to be much more expensive than their gas counterparts due to their complex powertrain systems. So, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV could easily have a starting price of over $50,000.

The 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV starts at $49,9990. So don’t be surprised if the 2024 CX-90 PHEV starts around $52K. According to IRS.Gov, Mazda has not yet listed vehicles that are eligible for the current EV tax incentive.

Let us know what you think of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV in the comment section below.