How the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV's 323 Horsepower Balances Performance and Efficiency for British Columbia Drivers

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV's combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque delivers confident highway merging and mountain pass performance while achieving 4.2 Le/100 km combined energy consumption. For British Columbia drivers navigating Coquihalla Highway grades or Trans-Canada Highway traffic, this powertrain eliminates the traditional compromise between three-row utility and fuel efficiency.

The system operates purely on electric power even at freeway speeds, providing silent cruising through Metro Vancouver while retaining full capability when needed. Understanding how the PHEV powertrain functions and when it delivers the most benefit helps drivers determine if this technology aligns with their driving patterns across British Columbia.

The e-Skyactiv PHEV Powertrain

The CX-90 PHEV combines a 2.5 L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor powered by a 17.8 kWh battery pack. The system produces 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium 93-octane fuel. On regular 87-octane fuel, output measures 319 horsepower with the same 369 lb-ft of torque.

The electric motor contributes 173 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque independently. The gasoline engine produces 189 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft on regular fuel. The combined output exceeds the sum of individual components due to the way electric and gasoline power delivery characteristics complement each other.

An eight-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery to all four wheels through standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. The system operates seamlessly, with transitions between electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline-only operation happening transparently without driver intervention.

Electric-Only Operation Capabilities

The CX-90 PHEV travels up to 42 kilometres on pure electric power in EV mode. This range aligns with typical Metro Vancouver commutes, allowing many drivers to complete daily errands and short trips without consuming gasoline.

The system differs from many plug-in hybrids by maintaining electric-only operation even at freeway speeds. The electric motor provides sufficient power for highway cruising without requiring engine assistance, enabling silent electric operation during both urban and highway driving when the battery has charge.

This capability proves particularly valuable during morning commutes on Highway 1 through Burnaby. Drivers maintain highway speeds using only electric power, experiencing the smooth, quiet operation characteristic of electric vehicles without range anxiety for longer trips.

Performance Characteristics

The 369 lb-ft of torque available from low engine speeds provides strong acceleration from stops and confident passing power during highway driving. Electric motor torque delivers immediate response without the lag characteristic of turbocharged engines, making the powertrain feel responsive during daily driving.

Highway Merging and Passing

Entering Highway 1 from Burnaby on-ramps requires quick acceleration to match traffic flow. The CX-90 PHEV's combined power output provides ample capability, accelerating from merge speeds to highway speeds without hesitation. The electric motor's instant torque supplements the gasoline engine during hard acceleration, creating seamless power delivery.

Passing slower vehicles on two-lane highways through the Interior requires confidence that the vehicle can complete the maneuver safely. The PHEV powertrain provides sufficient power for decisive passing, with the torque peak occurring at 4,000 rpm for the gasoline engine and available immediately from the electric motor.

Mountain Pass Driving

British Columbia's mountain highways present sustained uphill grades that challenge underpowered vehicles. The Coquihalla Highway's Rogers Pass section maintains steep grades for extended distances, requiring vehicles to sustain power output rather than providing brief acceleration bursts.

The CX-90 PHEV maintains highway speeds on these grades without difficulty. The 323-horsepower output provides margin for passing slower vehicles even while climbing, and the transmission manages engine speed to keep power delivery in the optimal range.

During downhill sections, regenerative braking recovers energy to partially recharge the battery. While this energy recovery cannot fully replenish the battery after extended electric-only operation, it contributes to overall efficiency and extends electric range for subsequent driving.

Fuel Efficiency and Energy Consumption

The CX-90 PHEV achieves 4.2 Le/100 km combined energy consumption when operating in hybrid mode with regular charging. This figure represents the energy equivalent of gasoline and electricity consumption combined, allowing comparison between plug-in hybrids and conventional vehicles.

When operating purely on gasoline after battery depletion, fuel economy measures 9.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 L/100 km highway, and 9.4 L/100 km combined. These figures represent the vehicle's conventional fuel efficiency without electric assistance.

Energy Consumption Comparison

The 798-kilometre combined range assumes a full battery charge and full fuel tank, providing sufficient range for trips from Metro Vancouver to locations throughout British Columbia without refuelling stops.

Charging Infrastructure and Time Requirements

The CX-90 PHEV accepts both Level 1 (120V household outlet) and Level 2 (240V dedicated circuit) charging. Charging time varies significantly between these options:

Level 1 Charging (120V, 15A):
State of charge from 20% to 80%: 6.4 hours

Level 2 Charging (240V, 30A):
State of charge from 20% to 80%: 1.3 hours

Most drivers install Level 2 charging equipment at home for overnight charging, fully replenishing the battery during hours when the vehicle sits unused. The 1.3-hour charge time from 20% to 80% means even partial charging during errands or work hours can extend electric-only range.

British Columbia's growing public charging infrastructure provides Level 2 charging at shopping centres, recreation facilities, and workplace parking areas throughout Metro Vancouver. Drivers can top up the battery during activities, maintaining electric-only operation for more of their daily driving.

Mi-Drive Mode Selection

The CX-90 PHEV includes Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and EV modes:

Normal Mode: Balances electric and gasoline power for optimal efficiency while maintaining responsive performance. The system determines when to use electric power, gasoline power, or both based on driving conditions and battery state.

Sport Mode: Prioritizes performance, using both electric and gasoline power more aggressively for maximum acceleration response. The transmission holds gears longer and downshifts earlier to maintain engine speed in the power band.

Off-Road Mode: Adjusts throttle response and traction control calibration for low-speed off-pavement driving. The system manages power delivery to prevent wheel spin on loose surfaces while maintaining forward momentum.

EV Mode: Forces electric-only operation for as long as possible, using the gasoline engine only when electric power proves insufficient for driving demands. This mode maximizes electric range during urban driving when drivers prioritize silent, zero-emission operation.

The Charge Mode button allows drivers to use the gasoline engine to generate electricity and recharge the battery while driving. This proves useful when drivers anticipate needing electric range at a specific destination, such as arriving at a resort hotel on electric power after highway travel.

Real-World British Columbia Driving Scenarios

Daily Burnaby Commute

A typical commute from residential Burnaby to downtown Vancouver covers approximately 15 kilometres each way. Operating in EV mode, the CX-90 PHEV completes the round trip on electric power, using roughly 30 kilometres of the 42-kilometre range. The vehicle operates silently through residential areas and eliminates tailpipe emissions during the daily commute.

Plugging in overnight fully recharges the battery for the next day's commute. Over a five-day work week, the vehicle operates primarily on electric power, consuming gasoline only for longer weekend trips or errands that exceed electric range.

Weekend Okanagan Trip

A family trip from Burnaby to Kelowna covers approximately 400 kilometres. The CX-90 PHEV begins the journey on electric power, operating silently through Metro Vancouver traffic. As electric range depletes on Highway 1, the gasoline engine activates seamlessly, providing hybrid operation for the remainder of the trip.

The combined 798-kilometre range ensures the vehicle reaches Kelowna, completes local driving throughout the weekend, and returns to Burnaby without refuelling. If Level 2 charging is available at the accommodation, the battery recharges overnight, providing electric operation for morning drives and around-town errands in Kelowna.

Whistler Ski Trip

The 120-kilometre drive from Burnaby to Whistler begins with electric operation through the city. As the route transitions to Highway 99 and begins ascending toward the resort, the gasoline engine activates to supplement electric power on uphill grades.

The system operates in hybrid mode during the ascent, using both power sources to maintain speed while managing battery depletion. On the return trip, descending sections allow regenerative braking to recover energy, extending electric range for the final portion of the drive through Burnaby.

Towing Capability

The CX-90 PHEV supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) of towing capacity when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. This capacity suits recreational trailers, boat trailers, or utility trailers for home improvement projects.

Towing reduces electric-only range as the additional weight and aerodynamic drag increase energy consumption. The gasoline engine activates more frequently when towing, providing the power needed to accelerate the combined vehicle and trailer weight. Fuel economy decreases compared to unloaded operation, as expected with any vehicle towing near capacity.

The Mi-Drive system's Towing mode adjusts transmission shift logic, throttle response, and traction control calibration to optimize trailer handling. This mode should be engaged whenever a trailer is connected to ensure proper system operation.

Interior Space and Seating

The CX-90 PHEV provides three-row seating with configurations accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on trim level. The PHEV GS includes standard eight-passenger seating with second-row bench and third-row bench. The PHEV GS-L offers seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs, while the PHEV GT provides seven-passenger seating as standard.

The battery pack integration under the floor does not compromise interior space. Legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity match the MHEV versions, maintaining the utility expected from a three-row SUV.

Cargo Capacity

With all three rows in use, the CX-90 PHEV provides sufficient cargo space for groceries, sports equipment bags, or luggage for weekend trips. Folding the third-row seats creates 1,343 litres of cargo volume, suitable for larger items like building materials, furniture, or extended trip luggage.

With both the second and third rows folded, cargo capacity expands to 2,438 litres, creating a flat load floor suitable for transporting large items. The low load floor height and wide liftgate opening simplify loading bulky or heavy items.

Technology and Premium Features

The CX-90 PHEV GT includes a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display, 12.3-inch centre display with Mazda Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, head-up Active Driving Display, wireless phone charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The digital gauge display shows battery state of charge, power flow between the engine, motor, and wheels, and electric range remaining. This information helps drivers understand system operation and plan charging strategy for upcoming trips.

Available Nappa leather seating in black or Pure White provides luxury-level materials typically associated with vehicles priced significantly higher than the CX-90. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and three-zone automatic climate control ensure all passengers remain comfortable during British Columbia's varied seasonal conditions.

Cost Considerations and Incentives

The CX-90 PHEV carries a higher purchase price than equivalent MHEV models, reflecting the cost of the larger battery pack, electric motor, and associated systems. However, potential provincial and federal incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles may offset some of this difference. British Columbia buyers should verify current incentive availability and eligibility requirements.

Ongoing fuel savings depend on charging frequency and driving patterns. Drivers who charge regularly and complete most daily driving on electric power realize significant fuel cost reductions compared to gasoline-only operation. Those who rarely charge and operate primarily on gasoline will see fuel economy similar to conventional hybrids, without maximizing the PHEV's efficiency potential.

Electricity costs for charging remain significantly lower than gasoline costs per kilometre of driving. British Columbia's residential electricity rates make electric operation economical, though rates vary by time of use in some areas.

Discover the CX-90 PHEV at Metrotown Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV's powertrain provides meaningful performance and efficiency for British Columbia drivers who can utilize both electric and gasoline capabilities. The 323-horsepower output handles mountain passes and highway driving confidently, while 42-kilometre electric range covers many daily driving needs without consuming gasoline.

Visit our team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby to learn how the CX-90 PHEV's capabilities align with your driving patterns throughout Metro Vancouver and British Columbia. We'll explain charging requirements, operating modes, and how to maximize the benefits of plug-in hybrid technology for your specific needs.