Which Mazda CX-90 Is Better...Gas or PHEV? We Compare Both!

[@tmaharisoa]

hmm, not sure if the power delivery is not consistent, I had a chance to test drove the Honda pilot and CX-90 (340HP) same day, and... the CX90 is just so powerful, very responsive + great handling... and for the space Honda Pilot really has more room and more utilitarian.

[@NishantSingh-z2g]

Me too, I drove Honda Pilot its more of a bumpy ride, not comfortable but I agree in terms of space Pilot has bigger room👍 because its a Boxier SUV where as CX90 which I drive after an hour it has better acceleration + better comfort ride and handling and the suspension is the best❤❤❤❤❤ me and my family loved it, CX-90 is a joy as it gives of a drive feel like of a mini-van and suv combined, on Pilot we felt tired but in the CX90 we enjoyed tje drive. and dont get me started on the features which is any day more then Honda Pilot.

[@TheRotorious13b]

@Autolist What in the world are you talking about with a "power deficit", in the gas powered version, lol? Perhaps the delivery isn't as in your face as you may like, (and I Believe it was intentionally tuned this way) but there's certainly no actual deficit in power. There's a well-known drag race on a different channel between the CX-90, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. In a drag racing start (which 99% of buyers in this segment couldn't care less about) the others were faster. From a rolling (real-world) start however, they were virtually even the entire way. Conversely, when they raced it against a mainstream rival, the Hyundai Palisade, it wasn't even close. The CX-90 ran away, even from a dig. And with regards to pricing, and comparison to premium rivals like Acura, Audi, BMW etc. The CX-90 90 has been regarded, nearly industry-wide, as a "bargain at 60k". It's bigger and more powerful than literally every premium rival anywhere near its price point, and even some costing up to 20 grand more. Not to mention the fact that the interior quality and layout is at least equal to its premium rivals, and better than some...

[@PopsRacer61]

..I saw that same drag race and I also test drove the PHEV and the top of the line 6cyl turbo S. It doesn't shift as smooth as I would like, but you are correct in that it is not lacking power! It's a family luxury hauler anyway, so I'm not sure that people will be racing it fully loaded on their way to Disney World

[@TheRotorious13b]

@@PopsRacer61 Exactly!! 🤣

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Why do reviewers always concern themselves with adults in the third row? It is a kid area unless you are into multiple wives or some other cult.

[@Lorenzo1972.]

I hate a different experience. The PHEV felt odd. The acceleration was all over the place. Was it using the electric motor? Was it gas? Performance was more predictable on the V6 gas version - and you don’t need to use premium fuel like you do on the PHEV.

[@hukmai]

Seems to be the the quirk of the PHEV + 8 speed " traditional " Automatic The EV motor replaced the Torque converter so it drives through the gear in EV, then in hybrid mode it uses a two clutch design for electic and gas. Meaning it has to think more about how to shuttle power based on acceleration, battery state of charge, and even regen/ gear. So in other words it's closer to a traditional transmission feel but not as smooth as a CVT like toyota or DCT like hyundai/kia. Even toyotas new 6 speed auto hybrids don't used a clutched system ( testers noted it was also strange feeling)

[@schwinnbiking]

PHEV takes regular fuel, 2.5L non turbo engine. The PHEV is heavier but faster than the MHEV.

[@FRauf-n4r]

@Autolist have you driven grand highlander and if so how do you conpare it with the cx 90?

[@RayBrown-u2n]

The CX-90 gas engine is plenty powerful when running on a high octane 91/93 gasoline. My dealer put regular gasoline in my first tank in my Turbo PP and as soon I could I started running 93 octane and the difference is night and day when it comes to being responsive on takeoff and when needing an extra power boost. Fun car to drive.

[@retgi1]

Maybe he was using 87 octane?

[@omisakin]

What is your experience right now on your CX 90 , I am looking to buy, do you have any issue over time

[@schwinnbiking]

93 octane wont make any difference. With 87 octane you lose about 20hp over using 91 which gives you the full 340hp. In Phev the difference is 4hp (87 octane vs 91 octane).

[@knightshadow4474]

5:02 Mazda has had those knobs that there for years, like from 2015 or even older.

[@kens5871]

Little disappointed that you only spent few minutes on the “previous vs gas” topic as stated on the title

[@NishantSingh-z2g]

I test drive Honda Pilot its more of a bumpy ride, not comfortable but I agree in terms of space Pilot has bigger room👍 because its a Boxier SUV where as CX90 which I drive after an hour it has better acceleration + better comfort ride and handling and the suspension is the best❤❤❤❤❤ me and my family loved it, CX-90 is a joy as it gives of a drive feel like of a mini-van and suv combined, on Pilot we felt tired but in the CX90 we enjoyed the drive. and the features which is any day CX90 has more then Honda Pilot.

[@CMCNestT]

In the Mazda USA configurator you can't get this top of the line interior with the PHEV powertrain.

[@Collingwoodharbour]

I thought the battery was 17.8 kWh? You said it's 14.8, Is that the effective amount available?

[@GooseVan]

I just took delivery of phev last week, yes it’s very smooth thanks to the much bigger electric motor and NA engine without turbo lag. It’s Canadian GT model so we don’t have the bigger touch infortaiment screen but that’s the only downside it has. I also like second row without center console that makes it easier for kids go to 3rd row.

[@Demobot1]

Did you cross shop this with the Mitsubishi Outlander? What made you choose the CX-90?

[@GooseVan]

@@Demobot1 Outlander 3rd row is not usable at all so it's never on my list. Trunk space was a bit concern but my dealer gave me free roof box rental if I go long trips. I tested Sienna but didn't like the way it drove. All of my SUVs have been rwd, this is the only one in the price point that's rwd too.

[@FRauf-n4r]

Have you driven grand highlander, did you compare this with the cx 90?

[@GooseVan]

@@FRauf-n4r don’t like Toyota or Lexus. Only reason I tested sienna was wife wanted me to test.

[@NishantSingh-z2g]

I am almost in a phase of finalizing CX90 turbo premium plus model a gas, I will have to pay $6000 to upgrade to PHEV, is it that worth it?! Please can you suggest.

[@robmorrill1]

I sold my PHEV after about five months and six recalls. The automatic emergency braking system was dangerously bad, the ride was harsh, ands my 45 pound dogs who fit fine in my Highlander were cramped-so, limited cargo space. Traded in for a 4Runner with almost identical miles, and I’m happy I did. I lost money, but that’s my price for a rushed, bad decision.

[@LegLake]

Turbo S only lacks in instant acceleration from 1st to 2nd gear. Beyond that it has more power than even necessary and is in no way lacking. For a fairly heavy SUV it handles really well, superior ride, and excellent fit an finish.

[@winstondeocampo699]

If you don’t come up with actual numbers for 0-60 and the quarter mile for the Mazda and Honda, how can viewers rely on your opinions? It all seems like it’s based solely on your seat of the pants sensation.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

No difference in the exterior? Hmmm, I see black cladding on one and painted fender wells on the other.

[@David_Journey]

Turbo S has adaptive headlights that turn into the curve. PHEV dies not. The taillights do not illuminate in full length on PHEV but do illuminate in turbo S (Aesthetic advantage).

[@gwm0072002]

I am very much looking at this vehicle vs. the others.

[@JbrayxD]

I love the look

[@mbenton6]

honda kia are not the c x 90-s competition

[@megatest]

Certainly the CX-90, the non-electric models must be very correct except for PHEV because now it's barely 6 weeks that I've had the vehicle, 5000 kilometers on it, and it's already horrible. Electric or hybrid mode does not work below -12 degrees Celsius. Brake problem: screeching brake, transmission makes a horrible noise when changing gears and is jerky. Several hybrid system malfunction error codes and so on. The car no longer recognizes the key. As for the other models in the range I don't know but for the PHEV models to avoid.

[@elmerdelgado5835]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@clarkkent9080]

The CX-90 PHEV averages 25 miles of EV only range OR 25 miles on ONE gallon of gasoline (EPA combined value). So one battery charge (~15Kwh) is equal to one gallon of gas. Take your last electric bill TOTAL (tax and fees included) and divide by the Kwh used for your cost of one Kwh. Multiply that by 15 and you have your electric cost to charge that battery. MOST people will find that the cost to charge that battery is not much less than the cost of ONE gallon of gas. AND if you calculate how many times you have to run on EV just to break even on that $4,000 PHEV option, you will find out it takes many YEARS. Lots of reasons for EVs. PHEVs, and hybrids but in the case of the CX-90, saving money is NOT one of them

[@kens5871]

Take into account the 7500$ fed rebate and things change quite a bit with a lease.

[@clarkkent9080]

@@kens5871 I agree if you like in Canada but we only get tax credits in the U.S. is it is built here and supports American jobs.

[@dwang552]

My Tesla model Y can go 4 miles per KWH. So, for 15 kWh, it can go 60 miles. I just bought an CX-90 V6, I think PHEV version is not worth the added cost, and could cost more to fix because it adds complexity.

[@clarkkent9080]

​@@dwang552 Placing an electric motor between the ICE and an automatic transmission is a very inefficient setup. For a hybrid or a PHEV, the Toyota system is a marvel of engineering and the efficiency of that design shows.

[@PopsRacer61]

@@dwang552 Do your research, the CX90 doesn't have a V6. And in the long run as you approach 100k miles if you plan to put that many miles on it, MAZDA recommends 100k mile service that requires pulling the engine. Not going to be a cheap job to do, and it's a mechanics nightmare. Also, whoever does the service better know what they're doing or the vehicle will never run right again . That's only with the 6 cyl. not the PHEV

[@hoverpilder1905]

i want to return my CX-90 PHEV. Just... No.... too many small little things that make up a big thing

[@mikenewton2563]

Like what?

[@hoverpilder1905]

@mikenewton2563 Top 3 Compalinst. 1. Very miniscule EV range, especially in the winter 2. Gas powered car is vastly underpowered when ev is depleted 3. Intelligent All Wheel Drive not very Intelligent

[@mikenewton2563]

@@hoverpilder1905 ok thanks for the response, I think we might go with the turbo s model (maybe). My wife doesn't drive much, works from home 4 out of 5 days so mpg isn't that big of an issue but none the less we were curious about the PHEV and then I saw your post. Always good to hear from someone that owns one

[@hoverpilder1905]

@mikenewton2563 I actually changed my mind about wanting to return it. I have a lease so I can always give it back at the end of the term. Haven't filled up the tank since January

[@robmorrill1]

I actually did return mine and am glad I did. Six recalls in less than four months, harsh ride, limited cargo space, etc.

[@turner02]

the styling of the CX90 screams......"old man car"!!!!!

[@PopsRacer61]

..that's why if you're btwn 25 and 35 yrs old you buy the BMW X5, AUDI Q8, MERCEDES B. GL large suvs. That will take care of your young man image LMAO!

[@David_Journey]

Young man has no need for three rows and child seats ;-) . Honestly, if this is old man styling, I wonder what you think of generic design with lack of attention to detail on Honda Pilot.

[@retgi1]

Maybe you'd be more drawn to a honda civic with loud exhaust!

[@toronado455]

Don't care for the looks particularly, but Hyundai/KIA is inferior quality.

[@retgi1]

That's not true at all!

[@_vinke]

this guy's review is horrendous and complained a lot about minor things

[@longballist]

EV pumper boy…delusional with power delivery of MHEV!