When I wrote about the difficulty of making plug-in hybrid cars, Mazda was in mind. The company is struggling to go electric, partly because it’s small and has limited resources, but also because being a brand known for lightweight, affordable cars is very important to it.
However, as Mazda faces similar regulations on emissions and what consumers want, it’s trying the same solutions: hybrids. The CX-90 and CX-70 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) show that this is harder than it seems.
The company’s first plug-in hybrids in the U.S. didn’t start well. Problems with the early CX-90 PHEV in 2024 caused complaints from journalists (especially about the transmission), frustration for consumers, and a place on Consumer Reports’ “Least Reliable SUVs of 2025” list.
As I mentioned, creating a great hybrid is very challenging. While making an electric vehicle is hard enough, initial hybrid designs need to combine different power sources in a way that feels natural to buyers. If Mazda made mistakes here, the result is often jerky, and at worst, unreliable.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
That leaves us with two questions. Do I recommend the CX-90 in general? And: Is the plug-in hybrid worth the extra cost? On both counts, I have to say not really.
The CX-90 is designed to be a family hauler, and by most measures, it’s the worst in its class at carrying families. It has a poor third row, a poorly designed cabin with not enough small storage spaces, and a small cargo area for its class. The interior looks nicer, but it doesn’t feel built for the demands of small children and pets. Its technology is outdated, and its value is not great.
That value proposition gets worse when you consider the $50,000 PHEV, a model that isn’t smooth enough to be any company’s top offering. It may save you some money on gas, but—unless you can secure the tax credit through a leasing loophole (which is likely to close soon)—you probably won’t recoup your investment before selling the vehicle. Buyers looking for an electric option would be better off with a Kia EV9, while hybrid buyers should likely stick with a Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe.
As I’ve mentioned, creating a good hybrid is very difficult. Mazda has learned painful lessons with its initial U.S. attempt, and I’m confident its next generation will improve. However, until the company refines the CX-90’s powertrain and replaces its old technology, you should avoid it.
Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com.
I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility. I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it. That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.” When I’m not test-driving the latest e-scooter or comparing charging networks, you’ll probably find me tinkering with my garage EV setup, chatting with fellow enthusiasts online, or sipping chai while writing my next blog post from a cosy local café.
Verdict
