Mazda CX90 - Very New, Very Mixed - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

The “All-New” Mazda CX90 replaces their CX9 as the largest and nicest SUV in their lineup. While they also made a turbo inline 6 cylinder for this platform, they sent us the 4 cylinder PHEV specifically made for America. We spent a week with this SUV, and we discuss the hits, misses, and surprises of this entry in a crowded market for 7 seaters. Join us for a Test Drive!
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[@brandonbergeron4668]

There are way too many trims on the cx-90. They are treeating the phev like a completely different car, most brands that have engine options its just a configuration check box then the trim is feature packs, Mazda is way over complicating this for themselves on the logistics of offering so many build combos. The odds of the dealer having your config on the lot with color inside and out is pretty low. So at that point you are ordering one the way you want anyway, so let me add options like ventilated seats as an add-on instead of having to go up or down trims. Make the plastic or painted fenders be an option check box not tied to trim. If they are trying to go up market the devil is in the details. A high performance PHEV with the turbo inline 6 would be sweet as well.

[@BradWilson1969]

The next thing is the CX-70, which I'm much more interested in, though I would love to see a sedan or coupe from this newness.

[@jmc6000]

The Grand Highlander in Hybrid Max form is NOT getting 30+ MPG anywhere!

[@CanadianMax]

Just watched the S3 vs Honda review and thought to myself "man, not often that I disagree with these guys, but ok...". Now, I watched this, and am left with the same feeling... Guess it's and issme and not an issue

[@hassansuboh1891]

Grand Highlander has 2 hybrid powertrain options. The less powerful one has 30+ mpg. The Hybrid Max gets 24-28 MPG based on real world testing and owner reports. The Mazda hybrid gets has been getting 40-60mpg based on owner reports and other reviews.

[@jsfbay1]

It's hard to expect the CX-90 to have the space of a Grand Highlander when the CX-90 has that sexy long hood with a longitudinally mounted inline 6 cylinder engine under it (I realize you're driving the PHEV, but there's room for the inline 6.) I'd be interested to measure the length of the hoods of both vehicles just to know. Mazda could have made the vehicle longer to add more space to that 3rd row (and to space behind the 3rd row) but then it would be longer than all the competitors. I applaud Mazda for taking the risk of going RWD inline 6 on this - but I feel you regarding the extra usability of the Grand Highlander. In fact I'm interested in owning one of the two, so thank you for the comparisons to the GH. Having said all this, I'm retired and my average commute is 10 miles round trip maximum, so this make sense for me. But I like to drive, so, I'll buy the Turbo S because as much as I like the theory of PHEV's, I'd get so bored so quickly with this. But as you said, I sure hope the inline 6 drivetrain ends up in a GT sedan (or better yet, liftback/sportback/grand coupe.)

[@iclarkeemedia5427]

these guys get the most baseline model to review. I have driven the highlander and you don’t get half the features the Mazda gives you for the price.

[@chandrashekharputcha7550]

You were spot on with the drive train. I would love to see a 2.5lt turbo engine in this PHEV and a more powerful motor and slightly larger battery. They probably dont like extra weight, but they should try and test it out

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

So tired of reviewers over critical of third row legroom. For goodness sakes, by a Suburban.

[@craigdeeter8042]

LOL How did you guys manage to get assigned the Phev and not the turbo 6?

[@MegaRetr]

Phev is actually quicker than the 6

[@samjaw82]

Phev is actually quicker than the 6. I think their altitude is a big reason why they rather have the turbo 6.

[@mkei8973]

Hi, from Japan!! Finally!! I was very looking forward to watching this review because CX90 is not prepared for Japanese market. Thank you. I don’t like this shift knob either. CX60 in Japan has paddle shift. Does CX90 have it?? Then, did you try it??

[@nathanwhite2293]

5:15 "In every hybrid flavor... of the Toyota Grand Highlander, it gets 30+ (MPG)." The Grand Highlander has two hybrid variants. The basic hybrid gets mid-30s MPG combined, only tows 3500 pounds, and gets from 0-60 to about 8 seconds. Not comparable to the CX-90's capability. The Hybrid Max, which beats the 0-60 time of the CX-90, gets 27 MPG combined. The two are close enough in my mind that you can pick whichever one you prefer to drive.

[@mbenton6]

They guts are clueless

[@sheldonduffy9442]

You say the CX90 PHEV’s performance is only adequate. However, its performance is nearly identical to the Durango Tow N Go that you both raved about. I seriously considered that Durango. However, the near identical performance (minus that intoxicating V8 growl I must admit), far superior gas mileage (On a road trip where I couldn’t plug in I averaged almost 30 mpg), expensive looking and quality interior, cheaper price, and Mazda reliability won me over. I really thank you all spent more time focusing on what you did not like about the PHEV because you were upset about not getting a Turbo S. Oh, and I plug in daily. When I’m just commuting (50 miles round trip) I average around 45 mpg and I fill up with gas every two weeks.

[@johnnyvolvox2932]

I like the blacked out headliner, I've been saying they needed to do that for years

[@genericasian]

Mazda MX-9 as a straight 6 powered 2-seat GT car? Or could the phev drivetrain be adapted for MX-5 duty without being too heavy for it?

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Cool review. Hope Mazda can tinker with over the years to make it make more sense.

[@user-vt3rb9bn5u]

You guys should reference the $7500 federal lease rebate. It’s a huge incentive for this trim vs the straight 6.

[@aaronbooth9222]

I agree the straight six is the preferred engine. That said, if, and big if, you plug this in everyday you can drive half your mileage a year in this. Plus you can get the $7500 tax credit off your lease which for those that will lease or lease to own increases the price gap on the S

[@timspadzinski9711]

Small correction, all versions of the Grand Highlander Hybrid do not get 30+ mpg. The Max is 26/27 mpg. Highway MPG of our CX-90 PHEV has been around 30. Interior room is mid-pack compared to competitors, but none offer a plug AND reasonable towing.

[@timtran9133]

I doubt you will get 30mpg on CX-90 consistently. Maybe the first 50 miles, after that small and underpowered engine will drinking around 20-22 mph. I am not an aggressive driver, I got 20-21 mpg on my 5.3L 2016 Suburban. I got CX-90 for 2 weeks and already regret the purchase.

[@ravipeiris4388]

I do enjoy the styling - reminds me of the 4th generation Honda CRV but a more longer and muscular version.

[@David_Journey]

You are blessed with free flowing traffic in Utah, and no traffic jams. Also EPA cycle can hardly capture stop and go traffic of NY or LA. There the Inline-6 with mild hybrid will run out of battery juice and you need a PHEV to actually be efficient.

[@roquefortroo9248]

You two reviewed the one power train and trim that I myself would never buy and you stated it right in your review. I want a review of the inline six and turbo S.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We hope Mazda will send us one in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@anoopmathew82]

that's a strange assumption to make that b/c it's an SUV the owner will forget it's a PHEV that can charge up for Electric drive. For families a 3 row PHEV is a normal commuter car; See XC90 T8, Pacifica Hybrid, etc.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Which is why Todd, who owns a PHEV, presented the counter point. Thanks for watching!

[@anoopmathew82]

right I meant by Paul not by both@@TestDriveVideos

[@keithmills2599]

We need you both to drive and review the turbo S

[@allenparks8706]

And the lower output turbo engine

[@LukasEragon]

lol sorry amigos, but no.... the "Buyer" who's buying the PHEV specific version CX90 gives no craps about towing. 😛

[@aarzu10]

I feel like this is PHEV level 1. Same as the JGC 4xe, and the prior gen Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. The one to get will be the *next* version, that has 50+ miles of all-electric range, a la, the new gen Range Rover Sport.

[@zijousa]

What maximum speed can you reach in EV mode in a Mazda CX90 PHEV on a regular highway without much elevation? Also, does it switch back to EV mode if we release from the gas pedal?

[@timspadzinski9711]

I’ve been able to maintain 80+ mph in EV mode. The car will go back into EV mode.

[@zijousa]

@@timspadzinski9711 That's great! How reliable has been your CX90 phev so far? I like the idea of a phev more than the regular gasoline models.

[@MadMadOne]

Should work for people with less than a 40 mile commute

[@future62]

I was really interested in the PHEV to replace our minivan. But I just couldn't reconcile all the compromises for the price. I ended up keeping the minivan and trading in my daily for a full EV. Compared to this in EV mode we have substantially better range, performance and efficiency (~90-100MPGe) for less money. We don't need 3 rows around town so it just makes sense. If I were looking at a 3 row replacement one of the Toyota hybrids would probably be my pick.

[@frankoesteling6750]

I was interested till I saw the poor plug in range. I'm currently driving a clarity phev with 40-45 miles of electric because it was the highest available without going straight ev and settling for range anxiety. My opinion is to be practical all phevs should have about a hundred miles of charge. 90% of drivers could charge at home and drive their daily use. Then if they want to eliminate the pollution and infrastructure building and time to set it up= Put in a couple of the new exchange hydrogen tanks to run a cell range extender to turn on for longer trips. No pollution, no looking for and waiting to charge !

[@future62]

@@frankoesteling6750 the tough thing is getting 100 miles of range from a PHEV will be expensive. Especially if it can truly use all that range all the time, which will mean stronger motors than the ~90HP pancakes they tend to have, which means more expensive batteries etc. IMO the electric motor in a PHEV should be more powerful than the gas motor, maybe by 30-40%. Hydrogen is DOA from an energy/thermodynamic/infrastructure POV IMO, EVs are a much better solution than hydrogen. I almost feel like regular HEVs and EVs are the best combo; most PHEVs just dont get the parameters right IMO.

[@MrRaitzi]

All brands seem to make same mistake. More luxurious interior you want, more you need to suffer in ride quality due to locking out smaller rims from top trim.

[@MrPeterMerkin]

You don't get how the MPGe works. It's 56 combined... you derps.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Once you guys receive the Turbo S you may enjoy this vehicle. Provides the personality you desire.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

My theory is Mazda wanted Volvo XC90 shoppers to get a google ad for the CX90 when they searched for it online.

[@Mark-de4hj]

"The gild will be off the lilly?" lol

[@cultofmodernism8477]

The PHEV gets 56 mpg if you use it as a hybrid.

[@David_Journey]

That assumes your battery is not completely depleted. It would be stupid to buy a PHEV and not charge it.

[@cultofmodernism8477]

@@David_Journey this assumes hybrid mode. Not electric only. Not gas only. You get 25 mph in gas only.

[@David_Journey]

@@cultofmodernism8477Right, the fallacy of reviewers leaning on EPA numbers is - they are not real world driving situations. In congested traffic with stop and go the mild hybrid battery will be depleted, thus returning worse fuel economy than the PHEV. Also people surrounded by wide open roads would not benefit from PHEV, and would really suffer from range limitations of EV-only range.

[@theCycleReport]

All the new!

[@bbbt8090]

If the plug-in version would give me a combined 30+ mpg, I'd buy this

[@jmc6000]

Oh it easily can

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

You will. If you don’t have a terribly long commute you will use battery 75% of the time.

[@MrPeterMerkin]

It does. These guys are confused. Go talk to the Mazda dealer. They know.

[@robertwilliam9558]

56 MPGE

[@tommutchler2939]

I had written a snarky comment about how negative this video was about PHEVs (at least the one in the CX-90.) Then I realized that Everyday Driver's use pattern and perspective - prioritizing fun, driving in the wide open Great West - is pretty unusual. Same goes for my use and objectives - driving my PHEV in a rather urban area, not having to refuel in six months, letting me reduce emissions without paying for/hauling around a big battery. I have a point in there somewhere. I think.

[@tedadamgreen]

Good honest take … there is no one perfect answer for all use cases … yet. I am sooooo close to an EV or PHEV use case, but I still am not quite there … yet. I’d love for my next new-to-me car (1-2 years away) to be an EV, but instead I think it’ll be a Mazda Miata RF ND2, and then a less than $30k EV/PHEV will be there for me for the next one after that.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Keep in mind, as stated here, Todd know owns a PHEV for their family SUV. A lot to like about the idea, but this isn’t one of the best. Thanks for watching!

[@mbenton6]

​@@TestDriveVideosdoes not negate that this is a negative review

[@David_Journey]

Also Mazda gives you $7500 off when you lease a PHEV - which renders the price difference argument mute

[@David_Journey]

In which case with -$7500 you should compare the PHEV to the base inline-6 which it clearly outperforms…

[@jameshayes1463]

Needs better seats, better MPG, comfortable ride in normal, larger rear turn signals

[@mbenton6]

GH isnt getting above 30. Stop lying on your page

[@leveraged6694]

So you’re saying it’s new?

[@CMCNestT]

After 4 months of owning my Iphone I forget to plug it in.

[@TML34]

Why didn’t you get the “more interesting” variant?

[@nicholasfigel4708]

How insulting to tell your viewers that they will neglect to plug in their car. And to compare a hybrid mpg to a plug in hybrid mpg, is idiotic.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We hope you noticed we have two hosts (one who owns a PHEV) saying different things here. Thanks for watching!

[@timspadzinski9711]

This. Especially since buyers not interested in plugging in get a mild hybrid with the other options. I understand Mazda has had to ramp up PHEV production because they underestimated demand. The market always decides.

[@roberthart9886]

I would have rejected the PHEV- MAJOR YAWN

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

I think Mazda made the PHEV for a few reasons. (1) so that they get more practice mass producing electrified vehicles, (2) so that they have another plug-in product to satisfy legislators, and (3) so that buyers whose neighbors have a Tesla Model X won't be shamed for "not going electric". We have all heard this conversation. "Hey I just got a new car" "Is it electric?" "No" "Why not? Did you know they cost less to run? Did you know you can afford an EV 20% more expensive than a gas car just for the fuel savings? Did you know they have almost no maintenance..." But when you answer the question of "is it electric" with "It's a plug in hybrid", there usually isn't any further questioning. Even the most hardcore of EV enthusiasts know there are some times when being able to fill a tank with gas is just more useful. I think its self evident that Mazda expects the type of buyers they want to be making cars for to buy the inline six. Otherwise it wouldn't have made sense to develop the inline six at all. Now... I just need them to put it in a RWD sedan with a manual.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Now these guys are talking about the white paint color? For goodness sakes. Spoiler alert: Mazda offers other colors.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We discussed Mazda’s great colors, because we know they are better than the white they sent us. Thanks for watching!

[@sasothestrategizer]

I don’t think of this as a a conqueror. Mazda is trying to wake up! I heard a big coupe is coming…

[@user-vr1so9hd1g]

🤝✌️

[@mbenton6]

This is just a negative review.