Mazda to offer 2024 CX-90 with performance PHEV version

Aside from an inline-six, upcoming Mazda CX-90 will also get a plug-in hybrid powertrain

About a month ago, Mazda announced that it will be revealing its new flagship model on January 2023. Called the CX-90, it will supposedly replace the CX-9 in North America and will also be a three-row crossover.

But unlike the CX-9 which is only available with a four-cylinder turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine, the all-new CX-90 will be powered by Mazda's new inline-six motor. That means Mazda's biggest crossover yet could also be available either in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or (AWD).

Since Mazda is still coy about the CX-90's powertrain, we still have no idea if the six-cylinder will be the 3.0-liter SkyActiv-X. Luckily, the automaker has released new information about the upcoming CX-90's powertrain.

Aside from the aforementioned inline-six, Mazda has confirmed the all-new CX-90 will also be available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain simply called e-SkyActiv. But unlike most PHEV systems that focus on fuel economy, the one that will be fitted in the CX-90 has been tuned to deliver both performance and efficiency.

This leads us to believe that the CX-90 for the North American market might also be equipped with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G that's paired with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. First revealed in the CX-60 earlier this year, the PHEV powertrain has a total system output of 327 PS along with 500 Nm of torque – making it the most powerful road car Mazda has produced to date. It is then mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission complete with an i-Activ AWD system.

With Mazda set to reveal the CX-90 right after New Year, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more info or leaks about the company's new flagship crossover. We'll also be on the lookout for any details regarding the new inline-six engine as well as the plug-in hybrid powertrain called e-SkyActiv.

Do you think the CX-90 will be made available outside North America? Or will other markets like the Philippines continue to get the CX-9 instead? Let us know in the comments.