Mazda continues to refine its largest vehicle, and for 2026 the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid stands as one of the most intriguing three-row SUVs on the market. It blends Mazda’s newfound rear-drive architecture with electrified efficiency, delivering a family vehicle that feels far more sophisticated than its mainstream badge suggests. Moreover, it proves that efficiency and driver engagement do not have to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum.
This is not simply a hybrid variant added to an existing model. Rather, the CX-90 PHEV is woven into the very fabric of Mazda’s new flagship platform. Consequently, it benefits from the same rear-wheel-biased engineering, premium design language, and upscale interior execution found throughout the lineup.
A Platform Designed for Drivers
Unlike many three-row crossovers that rely on front-wheel-drive roots, the CX-90 rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture with standard all-wheel drive. That matters. It changes how the vehicle feels from behind the wheel. Further, it allows the PHEV to retain the brand’s signature handling traits despite its size and mission.
