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Deanne with the new Mazda CX-90 PEHV by Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon as we took the SUV on a Saturday adventure.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Inside the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Courtesy photo

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The new Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the new Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Courtesy photo

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The new Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

Courtesy photo

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When it comes to the automotive world, the future is undeniably moving toward electric vehicles. The shift toward electrification is no longer just a trend but a fundamental transformation that is going to change the industry, and most likely the way we all get around.

Mazda, a brand that is known for its commitment to driving pleasure and innovative engineering, has stepped boldly into this electric future with the introduction of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle). It’s a crossover that combines Mazda’s legendary driving dynamics with an electrified component.

Design: Evoking elegance

Mazda’s design philosophy over the years has consistently delivered vehicles that are both striking and beautiful, and the CX-90 PHEV is no exception. At first glance, the CX-90 PHEV stands out with its bold yet refined appearance. The front fascia is characterized by the signature Mazda grille, but it’s been reimagined for the electric era.

Sleek LED headlights, complemented by integrated daytime running lights, provide a modern look. The side profile brings a strong stance with a gently sloping roofline, conveying a sense of movement even when the vehicle is at rest.

The rear end is equally captivating, with a sculpted tailgate and sleek LED taillights that wrap around the vehicle’s sides. It’s a design that manages to be both aerodynamic and visually arresting.

Interior: Craftsmanship and comfort

Getting inside the CX-90 PHEV, we immediately notice Mazda’s dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail as we would have expected from previous driving experiences. The cabin is a harmonious blend of modern touches and warmth, featuring high-quality materials and exquisite finishes, especially in the Premium Plus trim that we had the opportunity to test drive.

The standard nappa leather-trimmed seats are not just comfortable but beautifully designed, with contrasting stitching that added a touch of luxury. The front seats were heated and ventilated, ensuring comfort at any time in Utah’s varying climate changes. Second-row passengers were treated to captain’s chairs, while a third-row bench seat offered us flexibility to take more along for the ride.

The dashboard was elegantly minimalistic, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that seamlessly integrates into the design. The infotainment system itself is intuitive, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it easy to connect and control our smartphone on the go. Our one complaint would be that it was not a touch screen, which would have made navigating it somewhat easier.

One of the standout features was the floating center console, which provided a sense of airiness to the cabin. The gear selector and controls for the infotainment system were neatly integrated here, contributing to the clean and uncluttered look of the interior.

Performance: Electrified dynamism

Mazda has long been renowned for its “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, which emphasizes the harmony between car and driver. The CX-90 PHEV brings this philosophy into the electric era, offering a dynamic and engaging driving experience.

Under the hood, is a powertrain that combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This combination delivers a total system output of approximately 250 horsepower, the set up provided good acceleration and enough power for highway driving.

One of the standout features of the CX-90 PHEV is its all-wheel-drive system, which provided confidence-inspiring traction in a variety of conditions. This would become extremely useful in a Utah winter. This system seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring stability and control no matter the conditions.

The electric motor also allowed for all-electric driving, with an estimated range of around 30 miles. This meant that for many daily commutes and errands, we were able to utilize emissions-free driving. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, offering a total driving range that eliminates range anxiety.

Technology: A futuristic cockpit

The CX-90 PHEV was packed with advanced technology, delivering both safety and convenience. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and more. These features provided an extra layer of safety and confidence whenever we were in the drivers seat.

Mazda has also considered the environment by incorporating sustainable materials into the interior, including recycled plastics and synthetic leather. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the overall ethos of the CX-90 PHEV.

The driving experience: Exceptional refinement

What truly set the CX-90 PHEV apart for us was the overall driving experience. Mazda has again managed to create a vehicle that not only excels in performance and technology but also provided a sense of connection between car and driver. In their words the embodiment of the “Jinba Ittai” philosophy.

The cabin was whisper-quiet when running in all-electric mode as we would have expected, providing a serene environment. The power delivery was smooth and linear, with the transition between electric and gasoline power completely seamless.

The chassis and suspension have been tuned to strike a balance between comfort and handling. The results being a crossover that felt planted and composed, even if we pushed it through tight corners.

Charging and efficiency: Practical considerations

Charging the CX-90 PHEV was a straightforward process. One could use a standard 120-volt household outlet or a Level 2 charger for faster charging as we have in our home. The battery would be fully charged in a few hours using the Level 2 charger, thus making it convenient for overnight charging. We did find however that we had to lock and then unlock the Mazda to get the charger to disengage after charging.

In terms of efficiency, the CX-90 PHEV offered an impressive, combined fuel economy of 28.2 mpg when running on gasoline. The SUV also indicated that it was using 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour on electricity only mode. This translated to 14.2 cents per mile on gasoline and 4.4 cents per mile on electric charge.

Mazda’s electrified vision

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV represented Mazda’s bold step into the electric future without compromising its core values of driving pleasure, craftsmanship and innovation. It was a vehicle that not only offered impressive performance and technology but also embodies sustainability and a connection to the road.

Base price: $56,950

Destination charge: $1,375

Price as driven: $58,920

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