Recharged
EV Stories Feed
Mazda EV 2024 Guide: CX-90 PHEV, Strategy, and Used EV Tips
Photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash
EV Buying Guides

Mazda EV 2024 Guide: CX-90 PHEV, Strategy, and Used EV Tips

By Recharged Editorial9 min read
mazda-evmazda-cx-90-phevmazda-cx-70-phevplug-in-hybridev-buying-guidefamily-ev-suvbattery-healthused-evsrecharged-score

If you search for “Mazda EV 2024”, you’ll see a mix of news about concept cars, future platforms, and one very real vehicle you can actually buy in the U.S. today: the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug‑in Hybrid (PHEV). This guide breaks down what Mazda really offers in 2024, how the CX-90 PHEV works as a family-friendly electrified SUV, and what you should know if you’re considering a used Mazda EV or plug‑in hybrid.

Quick Take

In the U.S., Mazda’s 2024 “EV story” is really a plug‑in hybrid story. The CX-90 PHEV is the only electrified Mazda that can do meaningful all‑electric driving, with about 25–26 miles of EV range, while full battery EVs like the MX-30 have been discontinued or are extremely limited.

Mazda EV 2024: What’s Actually on Sale?

When people talk about a Mazda EV in 2024, they’re usually thinking of one of three things: the discontinued MX‑30 battery EV, the CX‑90 plug‑in hybrid, or Mazda’s broader plans for future electric models. For U.S. shoppers right now, the vehicle that matters most is the 2024 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV, a three‑row SUV that can run on electricity for short trips and gasoline for longer journeys.

EV vs. PHEV: Know the Difference

A plug‑in hybrid like the CX-90 PHEV isn’t a full battery EV. It has a gasoline engine plus an electric motor and a chargeable battery. You can do daily errands on electricity alone, but you still have gas‑car maintenance and emissions when the engine runs.

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV: Specs, Range, and Charging

Key CX-90 PHEV Numbers for 2024

26 mi
EPA EV range
Electric-only range on a full charge, enough for many commutes.
323 hp
System output
Combined power from the 2.5L engine and 68 kW electric motor.
56 MPGe
Efficiency
EPA combined rating when you use both gas and electricity.
~90 min
Level 2 charge
Rough time to go from 20–80% on a 240V home charger.

Under the hood, the 2024 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV pairs a 2.5‑liter four‑cylinder engine with a 68 kW electric motor, a roughly 17.8 kWh battery pack, and standard all‑wheel drive. Total system output is up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb‑ft of torque when you use premium fuel, which gives the big three‑row Mazda brisk performance compared with many family crossovers.

For daily driving, the headline is its EPA‑estimated 26 miles of electric‑only range. In independent highway testing, the CX‑90 PHEV has matched or slightly beaten that number at about 25–26 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Once the battery is depleted, the SUV behaves like a traditional hybrid, returning roughly mid‑20s mpg in combined driving when you don’t plug in regularly.

Charging is straightforward but strictly AC Level 1 and Level 2, there’s no DC fast charging on the CX‑90 PHEV. On a standard household outlet (120V), a 20–80% top‑up takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes, which is an overnight affair. Plugging into a 240V Level 2 charger at home cuts that to roughly 90 minutes from 20–80%, making it easy to keep the battery topped up if you plug in whenever you’re parked.

A Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid charging on a Level 2 home EV charger in a suburban driveway
If you can install a Level 2 charger at home, the CX‑90 PHEV’s 26‑mile electric range becomes a very practical daily tool.Photo by Mantissa on Unsplash

How Much Range Is 26 Miles, Really?

For many U.S. drivers, 26 electric miles covers the typical round‑trip commute. If you plug in every night, you can treat the CX‑90 PHEV like an EV during the week and a road‑trip SUV on weekends.

2024 CX-90 PHEV Trims, Pricing, and Equipment

Mazda offers the CX‑90 PHEV in three trims for 2024, PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium, and PHEV Premium Plus, each with the same powertrain but different comfort and tech features. All include standard i‑ACTIV all‑wheel drive, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (with Sport, Off‑road, and EV modes), and a robust active‑safety suite.

2024 Mazda CX‑90 PHEV Trims at a Glance

All trims share the same plug‑in hybrid powertrain; your choice mainly affects seating, interior materials, and tech.

TrimStarting MSRP (new)SeatingKey Upgrades
PHEV Preferred$49,9458 (bench second row)Leather‑trimmed heated front seats, power passenger seat, 19-inch wheels, full active‑safety suite.
PHEV Premium$54,4007 or 821-inch wheels, available captain’s chairs, panoramic moonroof, upgraded interior and tech.
PHEV Premium Plus$57,4507Nappa leather seats, larger 12.3-inch center display, ventilated front seats, additional luxury and driver‑assist features.

MSRPs are for new 2024 models; used pricing will vary by condition, mileage, and market.

Good News for Used‑Vehicle Shoppers

Because Mazda priced the CX‑90 PHEV aggressively versus German luxury crossovers, its used values tend to be more approachable than some premium rivals, especially once the first owner absorbs the initial depreciation.

How the CX-90 PHEV Compares to Other Family EVs

If you’re searching for a Mazda EV in 2024, you’re likely also cross‑shopping full battery EVs and other plug‑in hybrids. The CX‑90 PHEV sits in an interesting middle ground: more efficient and more powerful than many conventional three‑row SUVs, but with less electric range than a dedicated EV.

Where the CX‑90 PHEV Shines

  • Flexible powertrain: Short trips on electricity, long trips on gas, no planning around DC fast chargers.
  • Strong performance: 323 hp and standard AWD give it confident acceleration and winter capability.
  • Familiar ownership: Fueling and servicing feel similar to a traditional SUV, which can ease the transition for first‑time EV shoppers.

Where a Full EV Wins

  • More EV range: Many three‑row or near‑three‑row EVs now offer 250–300+ miles of range.
  • Lower running costs: If you can charge at home, a full EV typically beats a PHEV on energy cost per mile.
  • Simpler hardware: No engine means fewer moving parts and potentially lower long‑term maintenance.

Think in Terms of Use Cases, Not Labels

Instead of asking “Is the CX‑90 PHEV a real EV?”, ask whether its blend of ~26 electric miles and gasoline backup fits your driving pattern better than a pure EV or a non‑plug‑in SUV.

Real‑World Ownership: Charging, Range, and Use Cases

Is the CX-90 PHEV a Good Fit for Your Life?

Three common use cases where Mazda’s plug‑in hybrid approach makes sense.

Suburban Family, Short Commute

If your daily commute is 10–15 miles each way and you can install a Level 2 charger, you’ll often stay in EV mode during the week. Gas usage drops dramatically, but you still have three‑row flexibility for family trips.

Frequent Road‑Tripper

If you regularly drive hundreds of miles at a time, the CX‑90 behaves like a comfortable hybrid SUV once the battery is depleted. You’ll see decent efficiency, but not the big fuel savings of a long‑range EV charged cheaply at home.

City Apartment Dweller

If you can’t install home charging and rely on public Level 2 stations, you’ll still benefit from the hybrid system, but you may not fully unlock the PHEV’s electric potential. A conventional hybrid or a full EV with reliable nearby charging might make more sense.

Visitors also read...

CX‑90 PHEV Charging Checklist

1. Confirm Home Electrical Capacity

Talk to a licensed electrician about installing a 240V circuit for a Level 2 charger. Many garages have room on the panel, but older homes may need upgrades.

2. Choose the Right EVSE

A 32–40A Level 2 charger is a good match for the CX‑90 PHEV’s onboard charger. You don’t need a massive high‑amp unit since the battery is relatively small.

3. Plan Your Daily Routine

Think about when the vehicle is parked for multiple hours. Overnight home charging is ideal, but workplace charging can also keep the battery topped up.

4. Learn the Drive Modes

Mazda’s Mi‑Drive system lets you choose EV mode for city trips, Sport for response, and Off‑road for rough conditions. Spend time understanding how each affects engine use.

5. Track Your Real‑World EV Miles

Use the trip computer to monitor how many miles you actually drive in EV mode each week. That’s the best measure of whether the PHEV is paying off versus a non‑plug‑in alternative.

Don’t Ignore Plug‑In Habits

If you rarely plug in a plug‑in hybrid, you’re hauling around a heavy battery for little benefit. Be honest about whether you’ll actually charge at home or work before paying extra for a PHEV.

Looking Ahead: Mazda’s EV Strategy Beyond 2024

Mazda’s EV roadmap is more cautious than some rivals. Instead of leaping straight to a full lineup of battery EVs, the company is using vehicles like the CX‑90 PHEV and CX‑70 PHEV to bridge drivers from traditional gas models into electrification. Both use the same basic plug‑in system, just packaged into different body styles (three‑row vs. two‑row).

In the medium term, Mazda has signaled a multi‑phase strategy that layers plug‑in hybrids and mild hybrids on top of new rear‑drive platforms, then introduces more dedicated EVs closer to the end of the decade. For shoppers, that means the brand’s electrified offerings in the next few years will likely look a lot like the CX‑90: familiar Mazda driving dynamics, conservative but usable EV range, and strong emphasis on design and cabin quality rather than headline‑grabbing battery size.

What That Means for Used Buyers

If Mazda sticks to this evolutionary plan, today’s CX‑90 and CX‑70 PHEVs could age well in the used market. They’re not chasing maximum range or bleeding‑edge tech, which can help with long‑term reliability and parts availability.

Buying a Used Mazda EV or PHEV: What to Watch For

Because the MX‑30 EV was so limited and the CX‑90 PHEV is relatively new, the used Mazda EV universe is smaller than what you’ll find from Tesla, Hyundai, or GM. That makes quality and transparency even more important, you’ll want to know exactly how the battery and hybrid components have been treated.

Technician reviewing an EV battery health diagnostic report on a tablet in front of a vehicle
A detailed battery‑health report is the single most important data point when you’re buying any used EV or plug‑in hybrid.Photo by Alin Gavriliuc on Unsplash

Key Checks for Used Mazda EVs and PHEVs

Most of these apply whether you’re looking at a CX‑90 PHEV, an older MX‑30 EV, or another electrified model.

Battery State of Health (SoH)

Ask for a quantitative battery‑health report, not just “it seems fine.” You want to know how much capacity the pack has lost versus new, and whether any cells show unusual degradation.

Hybrid System Service History

Review records for software updates, inverter or charging‑system repairs, and cooling‑system service. Plug‑in hybrids rely on cooling and software just as much as hardware.

Warranty Coverage Remaining

Factory hybrid and high‑voltage battery warranties often run 8 years/100,000 miles or more. Check in‑service date and mileage to see how much coverage is left.

Usage Pattern and Charging Habits

Ask how the previous owner charged: mostly Level 2 at home, lots of DC fast charging (for full EVs), or rarely plugged in. Gentle, regular charging is typically easier on batteries.

Avoid Blind EV Purchases

Buying any used EV or PHEV without a clear battery‑health snapshot is like buying a gas car without knowing if the engine has compression. You might get lucky, but you’re taking a major, invisible risk.

How Recharged Helps You Shop Smarter for EVs

Mazda doesn’t yet have the sheer EV volume of some rivals, which makes it even more important to buy wisely. That’s where Recharged comes in. Whether you end up in a CX‑90 PHEV, a different plug‑in hybrid, or a full battery EV, the goal is the same: a car that fits your life today and still makes sense years from now.

Make the Battery Work for You

Recharged’s focus on battery diagnostics means you’re not guessing about the most expensive component in an electrified vehicle. You can factor real‑world battery health into your decision, just like mileage and options.

Mazda EV 2024: Frequently Asked Questions

Mazda EV 2024 FAQ

Bottom Line: Is a Mazda EV or PHEV Right for You?

In 2024, the phrase “Mazda EV” really means Mazda’s first credible plug‑in hybrid, the CX‑90 PHEV. It isn’t trying to out‑Tesla Tesla on range or software; instead, it offers a familiar Mazda driving experience with a meaningful electric layer on top, great for families who want to cut fuel use without committing to a full battery EV just yet.

If your life is set up for home charging and your daily miles fit inside that 26‑mile EV envelope, the CX‑90 PHEV can function like an EV during the week and a comfortable road‑trip SUV on weekends. If you can’t charge easily or you want to ditch gasoline entirely, a long‑range battery EV from another brand may serve you better.

Whichever way you lean, don’t let the most expensive component, the battery, be a mystery. Tools like the Recharged Score Report, with verified battery health and transparent pricing, make it far easier to choose the right electrified vehicle with your eyes open. That’s how you turn the buzz around “Mazda EV 2024” into a smart, long‑term decision that fits your budget and your driving reality.


Discover EV Stories & Insights

Dive into our magazine-style feed with expert reviews, industry news, charging guides, and the latest electric vehicle trends, all in one place.

Explore Articles Feed

Related Articles

Go EV in 2025: Should Your Next Car Be Electric?
EV Buying Guides9 min

Go EV in 2025: Should Your Next Car Be Electric?

Thinking whether to go EV in 2025? Learn costs, charging, tax credits, used EV options, and how Recharged makes switching to electric simpler and safer.

go-evev-buying-guideused-evs
How Much Does an EV Cost in 2025? Purchase Price & True Ownership Costs
EV Buying Guides9 min

How Much Does an EV Cost in 2025? Purchase Price & True Ownership Costs

Wondering how much an EV costs in 2025? See real new and used EV price ranges, tax credits, charging and maintenance costs, and tips to save when you buy.

ev-costev-buying-guideused-evs
All EV Cars in 2025: Models, Types, Costs & Buying Guide
Buying Guides9 min

All EV Cars in 2025: Models, Types, Costs & Buying Guide

Explore all EV cars in 2025, body styles, price ranges, range, charging, and the growing used EV market. Learn how to choose the right electric car for you.

all-ev-carsev-buying-guideused-evs
Chevy Bolt Hybrid: What Shoppers Really Mean (and What to Buy Instead)
EV Buying Guides9 min

Chevy Bolt Hybrid: What Shoppers Really Mean (and What to Buy Instead)

Searching for a Chevy Bolt hybrid? Learn why the Bolt is fully electric, how it compares to hybrids, and how to shop smart for a used Bolt EV or EUV.

chevy-boltchevy-volthybrid-vs-ev
Full Electric Vehicles: 2025 Guide to Going All-Electric
EV Buying Guides9 min

Full Electric Vehicles: 2025 Guide to Going All-Electric

Learn what full electric vehicles are, how they work, costs, range, charging, and whether a used full EV is right for you in this 2025 guide.

full-electric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehiclesev-buying-guide
Land Rover Electric Car Guide: Range Rover EV & Hybrids Explained
EV Buying Guides9 min

Land Rover Electric Car Guide: Range Rover EV & Hybrids Explained

Thinking about a Land Rover electric car? Compare the upcoming Range Rover Electric with today’s plug-in hybrid models and learn how to shop used EVs wisely.

land-roverrange-rover-electricplug-in-hybrid

Big Story


Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit

Fast and easy

Answer a few simple questions, get prequalified.

No hit to your credit

All credit types are welcome. You'll see your approval status shortly after finishing.

Time to browse

Shop with comfort, then get financing through Recharged.

Recharged

Discover EV articles