Mazda’s vehicles have always been considered the most enthusiast-geared among mainstream car brands. Their chassis dynamics and powertrains have always been considered some of the best in the industry. Add an interior in top trim models that rivals luxury brands, and it's no surprise why Mazda has been so successful in the last several years. This week we have the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Signature. Does this plug-in powerplant deliver the goods that the turbo inline-6 engine does as easily?

Efficiency

This plug-in hybrid version of the CX-90 is meant to be as fuel efficient as possible while delivering zoom-zoom power. During my first few days with it, I didn't make a habit of plugging it in, using combination of hybridized electric and combustion power, and I achieved a respectable 9.6 L/100 km. For the rest of the week, I plugged it in as often as I could and did most of my driving using EV power, which brought down the average fuel use to 6.1 L/100km. Depending on your commute and if you have a charger at work (which I do), you can go 100% on pure electrical charge if you travel 45 kilometers one way - but expect that to drop off in colder temperatures.

Powertrain

Power figures on the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Signature remain unchanged from last year. They are healthy numbers to say the least. Torque is rated at 369 foot-pounds, and horsepower comes in at 319 or 323, depending on if you opt for regular or premium grade fuel; not a significant enough jump to justify the extra cost of premium grade fuel in my opinion.

All wheel drive is standard, as is the 8 speed automatic. However, unlike the more traditional six-cylinder powertrain package, this PHEV setup feels a bit underwhelming. Driving in EV mode seems lethargic and unrefined, as it's routed through the transmission, and it's a little awkward at lower speeds. The transition to the combustion engine also left an odd taste in my mouth as the smoothness I expected was lacking. It's at its best in sport mode, with the gas engine running and the battery at a full charge.

Driving impressions

The ride teeters more towards luxury and refinement over sporty, but still retains an athletic zoom-zoom feel that competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Hyundai Palisade are lacking. Its rear wheel drive architecture allows it to run circles against its front-drive based competitors, and feel much more lively in hard cornering. Even with the 21-inch wheels on our 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, the ride is smooth and comfortable. As a long distance family hauler, the CX-90 does very well.  

Exterior Design

The exterior design is still as stunning as when this sport utility was first unveiled. Its look is one of the best on the market; one that's distinctively Mazda and can’t be mistaken for anything else. It's a very upscale and athletic design that's able to fit in with luxury-brand offerings, especially in our tester's gorgeous Artisan Red; at $500, it's a no-brainer if you're looking to stand out from the sea of drab neutrals.

Interior accomodation

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Signature does luxury quite well, and stands up on the podium, alongside heavy hitters like the Hyundai Palisade, when it comes to luxury appointments and material quality. Everything is well designed and ergonomically placed and generally easy to use - I appreciate that the wireless Apple CarPlay allows use of the touchscreen, rather than just the rotary knob controller.

Our tester is fitted with the new Pure White Nappa leather interior colorway, which adds the aforementioned stark white leather, along with a patterned light textile on the dashboard and doors, almost looking reminsicent a traditional doily across the dash. Unfortunately, the Maple woof trim that comes with this is a huge “no” in my opinion. It looks great on Mazda's website, but in person it's too yellow, and reminds me of the ugly trim in the Lexus SC430 from years ago. It makes the otherwise lovely cabin look disjointed.

Money

Mazda offers four trim levels of the CX-90 PHEV. The base GS starts at $49,999; the GS-L starts at $57,750; the GT starts at $62,350 and our loaded Signature tester starts at $69,650. With the optional Pure White interior and Artisan Red Metallic paint adding $750 to the price tag, our tester rings up at $70,400 before freight and dealers fees.

Wrap it up

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Signature has quite a few things going for it, however the refinement of its unique plug-in powertrain holds it back a bit. Newer offerings like the and Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander are more refined, more spacious, and while they don't offer plug-in options and the dedicated EV benefits that come along with that, their hybrid powertrains are terrific. Mazda still has a little bit of work to do to make this all it can be.