Paws and Power Let’s Review the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV’s Pet-Friendly Performance

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, even dressed up in its fancy Premium Plus trim, doesn’t quite hit the highline vibe. However, it does a pretty good job pretending, and I had a blast driving it around town. Our furry friend Bramble wasn’t exactly jumping for joy, but hey, it’s got plenty of room for fluffy bottoms and dog treats.

This SUV is massive, a real six-passenger beast—seven if they’re pint-sized, and eight if you opt for the middle bench seat and they’re really tiny. Surprisingly, it handles pretty well and rides like a dream. That’s a combo that’s hard to beat. Now, you’re not going to mistake it for a zippy Miata, but the CX-90 feels surprisingly nimble and responsive for its size. Sure, seeing a Mazda with a $60,000 price tag might make us older millennials wince a bit (*grumbles about the good ol’ days*), but when you park it next to snooty models like the $90,000 Mercedes-Benz GLS or the $84,000 BMW X7, it actually seems like a bargain.

Let’s talk interiors. The PHEV Premium Plus CX-90 boasts some seriously luxurious captain’s chairs for the second row, making the back seats just as cushy as the front ones. There’s a cozy third row bench too, which conveniently folds away when not in use. But sorry, there’s not quite enough space back there for your furry friend. Even a teacup pup would feel squished between the cargo hatch and the third-row bench.

Inside the cabin, things are looking pretty swanky. The dashboard and center console are sleek and stylish, with a massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen stealing the show. The leather seats are plush, but they’ve got that delicate vibe that makes you worry about muddy paws and sharp claws. Unlike the leather in a Volvo, which can handle anything you throw at it and come out looking brand new, this stuff feels a bit fragile.

Getting in and out of this SUV might be a bit of a challenge for some, especially for our furry friends. The seats are high off the ground, and there’s not a ton of space between the front and second rows. But hey, there’s plenty of room for a pet ramp if you need it.

Now, let’s talk about driving with your doggo. Our four-legged friend Bramble wasn’t exactly thrilled about the CX-90. She’s usually a champ in the car, but she just couldn’t seem to get comfortable in this one. I blame it on the second-row captain’s chairs. She likes to surf around in the back seat, but with the split rear, she felt a bit out of sorts. Your pup might have a different opinion, though. If you’ve got two kids and a dog in tow, they might actually prefer being sandwiched between those second-row seats, ready to catch any crumbs that fall.

On the road, the CX-90 handles surprisingly well for its size. The steering has a nice, firm feel to it, and it glides smoothly in EV mode. Just make sure you’re charging it every night if you want to get the most out of it. It’s a bit of a battery hog, especially in hybrid mode. But hey, at least it’s got some pep under the hood. Mazda says it churns out 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and it can run on regular 87 octane fuel with just a slight power drop.

In terms of hauling your furry friends, the CX-90 has you covered. Drop the third-row seats and you’ve got plenty of space for a whole pack of pups. But our pups weren’t exactly fans of the captain’s chairs—they couldn’t decide if they wanted to sit or lay down, which led to some chaotic moments. Putting them in the third-row seats helped a bit, but they missed being close to us up front.

Overall, the CX-90 is a solid choice if you need a big SUV with plenty of room for your furry companions. It’s not perfect, but with a few accessories and some patience, you can make it work. Just be prepared for some cramped quarters and maybe invest in some seat covers. But if your pets are your number one priority, you might want to keep looking.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom