Mazda is out with an allnew threerow crossover for 2024: The CX90. It replaces the CX9 at the top of Mazda's crossover lineup and now comes with a turbo powertrain or a plugin hybrid setup.

But which of those two is best for you? We tested a fully loaded Turbo S model and a loaded PHEV model to find out how they stack up against each other, as well as the rest of the three row crossover segment, which includes the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer.

Under the hood of the gas CX90 is a powertrain available in two strengths: the Turbo and the Turbo S. Both use a 3.3liter turbocharged inlinesix cylinder engine with a 48volt, 17hp hybridassist system.

A 280hp version of the engine with 332 poundfeet of torque powers the Turbo; this version runs on regular fuel.

A 340hp version of the six making 369 poundfeet of torque on premium fuel motivates the Turbo S. Both engines are identical; there's just more boost programmed in on the S.

Meanwhile, the CX90 plugin hybrid is powered by a 2.5liter turbocharged fourcylinder engine and an electric motor for a total of 323 horsepower and 369 poundfeet of torque. This PHEV comes with a 14.8kWh battery and it will do an EPArated 26 miles of driving on electric power alone.

Inside, base models get a 7inch digital instrument panel and a 10.3inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higherend trims bump both of those screens up to 12.3inches and add wireless connectivity for Apple and Android.

The CX90 can seat six, seven, or eight people, depending on the model and seating configuration. We found the third row of seats to be snug but liveable for taller adults.

So which of these models should you choose? To find out, we pitted them against one another. Check out our full video to see which one we chose as the clear winner!

Check out the full video or click the shortcuts below to find the section you're most interested in:

0:00 Introduction
0:40: Exterior walkaround...what's the difference between the models?
2:12: Trunk space and third row first look
3:16: What's under the hood of both the gas versions?
3:50: Checking out the PHEV powertrain...
4:17: Interior explained...is it worth $60,000?!
7:28: Middle row access and space
9:33: Thirdrow access...and can adults fit?
10:43: Driving Impressions...one model is great, one isn't!
11:47: We did get some great fuel economy on the Turbo S...
12:08: The PHEV drives way better. Why?
13:30: Conclusion

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Presenter: David Undercoffler
Editor: Phil Shuyler

#mazda #mazdacx90 #phev #phevcrossovers #pluginhybrid #threerowsuv