By: Krish Persaud
February 11, 2026
Spend enough time behind the wheel of the CX-90, and it becomes clear Mazda wasn’t aiming for the usual three-row formula.
The CX-90 is Mazda’s most deliberate attempt yet at doing things differently in this segment. A longitudinal layout, rear-biased all-wheel drive, and a plug-in hybrid system are not the easy route in a space dominated by transverse platforms and front-drive bias. It suggests a brand focused more on fundamentals than following convention.
In PHEV GT form, that intent is obvious from the driver’s seat. The CX-90 doesn’t try to disguise its size, and it doesn’t rely on soft tuning to make a good first impression. Steering effort is consistent, responses are clean, and the vehicle settles quickly after inputs. Nothing feels loose or rushed. It comes across as engineered carefully rather than tuned after the fact.
The plug-in hybrid system plays a supporting role rather than defining the experience. The 2.5-litre e-SKYACTIV PHEV setup produces up to 323 horsepower depending on fuel, with 369 lb-ft. of torque available regardless of octane. In everyday driving, the CX-90 never feels like it’s switching modes or adjusting its personality. Power delivery is smooth, and transitions between electric and gasoline operation are easy to miss unless you are actively watching for them.
Over time, what stood out most was consistency. As road conditions worsened and grip levels dropped, the CX-90 behaved the same way it did on dry pavement. Inputs produced predictable results, and the vehicle never felt like it needed to be managed. That kind of confidence doesn’t announce itself. You notice it when you stop thinking about what the vehicle is doing.
Winter driving is where that approach paid off. On snow and mixed surfaces, the CX-90 remained stable and composed, with traction that felt dependable rather than intrusive. Stability systems stayed out of the way, and the vehicle never felt nervous or caught out. I trusted it quickly, and that trust held even when conditions were far from ideal.
Electric-only driving worked well for short trips, though real-world range was lower than the official rating. Over two weeks with the CX-90, EV-only driving typically topped out around 35 kilometres, largely due to winter temperatures below minus five degrees and the cabin heat running constantly. Once the battery is depleted, the CX-90 continues on without changing how it drives, offering a combined driving range approaching 800 kilometres.
According to Natural Resources Canada, fuel economy for the CX-90 PHEV GT when running on gasoline is rated at 9.9L/100km city, 8.7L/100km highway, and 9.4L/100km combined. Over our time with the vehicle, we observed an average of 9.8L/100km with a mix of city, highway, and winter driving.
Ride quality stays controlled without feeling stiff. The suspension handles rough winter pavement well, and highway driving feels settled and stable. This is not a sporty SUV, but it is one that feels composed at speed and confident when conditions deteriorate.
Inside, the CX-90 reflects the same restrained approach. The Pure White Nappa leather interior feels well finished, with solid materials and tight assembly throughout. The layout makes sense from the driver’s seat, and controls are placed where you expect them. The design is clean and understated. It may not appeal to buyers looking for dramatic visual flair, but it suits the vehicle’s character.
Second-row captain’s chairs make day-to-day use easy, while the third row works well enough for shorter trips. Cargo space adjusts logically depending on how the seats are configured, and overall usability feels well considered rather than compromised.
Charging is easy to integrate into a routine. Level 2 charging brings the battery from 20 to 80 percent in just over an hour, making it realistic to stay topped up at home. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds, enough for light recreational use without stretching the platform beyond its intent.
The CX-90 PHEV GT stands out because it feels composed and dependable in situations where that matters most. It is well built, predictable, and confidence inspiring, particularly in winter driving. Mazda did not chase trends with this one. They focused on how the vehicle behaves, and that focus becomes clear once you spend real time behind the wheel.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Three-row midsize SUV
Powertrain: 2.5-litre e-SKYACTIV PHEV four-cylinder engine with electric motor
Output: 323 horsepower (93 octane), 369 lb-ft. of torque
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-biased i-ACTIV all-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (NRCan city/highway/combined): 9.9L/100km / 8.7L/100km / 9.4L/100km
Observed Fuel Economy (Combined): 9.8L/100km
Wheels and Tires: 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 275/45R21 all-season tires
Price As Tested: $67,295 + fees + taxes