2024 Mazda CX-90 Performance

There is one engine in the gas Mazda CX-90s in two states of tune, depending on the trim, and a different one altogether in the PHEV. The 3.3L inline six in the normal CX-90 delivers either 280 horsepower in the Turbo trims or 340 hp in the Turbo S trims. No official performance figures are quoted, but the 0-60 time of the Mazda CX-90 trims with the 280-hp engine should be just under seven seconds, considering they have a slightly better power-to-weight ratio than the old 250-hp CX-9 that could do it in around seven seconds. We expect the same of the 2.5L PHEV versions because their extra power is offset by their extra weight, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio virtually identical to that of the 280-hp CX-90. The 340-hp versions should be able to get to 60 mph in under six seconds, which makes them swift enough for most people. All-season tires are standard, which means top speed will be limited to 130 mph. The trailering capacity of the Turbo Select and Turbo Preferred trims is 3,500 pounds; all other CX-90s can tow 5,000 pounds.

The mild-hybrid-assisted and turbocharged 3.3L inline six-cylinder engine in the Turbo trims develops 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque on Regular gas, but Mazda has not said whether it might be more on Premium gas. The corresponding figures are 340 hp and 369 lb-ft for the Turbo S trims - but this time it is on Premium gas, which is also the fuel that Mazda recommends for this engine, so it appears the Turbo S models cannot run on Regular gas at all. AWD is standard across the board, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission in which the torque converter has been replaced with a clutch pack and 48V mild-hybrid-assist electric motor to save space and improve efficiency. The PHEV models use a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 192 lb-ft, supplemented by an electric motor with 173 hp and 199 lb-ft for a total system output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The lithium-ion battery holds 17.8 kWh of energy. The PHEV models are all-wheel drive as well, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The gas mileage of the Mazda CX-90 has been a big talking point, especially since its mild-hybrid and PHEV powertrains are newly developed with the purpose of being as efficient as possible. The EPA estimates are now out and show that the Mazda CX-90's mpg figures are significantly better than the CX-9's, improving from 20/26/23 mpg for the city/highway/combined cycles to 24/28/25 mpg on the 280-hp CX-90. The 340-hp versions lose a single digit on city consumption with 23 mpg but have the same 28-mpg highway and 25-mpg combined figures. These stats easily beat rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade by a full 4 mpg combined.

The regular CX-90 Turbo has a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, giving it a range of around 462 miles. A larger 19.6-gallon tank for the Turbo S models increases the range to 490 miles in a combination of highway and city driving.

No fuel-economy figures have been released for the PHEV versions yet, but an all-electric range of over 30 miles is expected.