Mainstream 3-Row Plug-In Hybrid SUV Options Are Slim But New Mazda CX-90 Spices Things Up

Do you want a 3-row plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV to pack around lots of people and stuff while lowering your carbon footprint on your daily drives? Are you frustrated by the relative lack of options, and or the prices, for 3-row PHEV SUVs? 2023 is going to see the arrival of at least one new 3-row PHEV SUV and the beginnings of a real competition among the few brands that offer such vehicles.

The list of 3-row PHEV SUVs on sale in the US for 2023 isn’t that long, but it includes models from: Kia (the Sorento PHEV), Mazda (forthcoming CX-90 PHEV), Mitsubishi (Outlander PHEV), Lincoln (Aviator Grand Touring PHEV), Range Rover (P440e AWD PHEV) and Volvo (XC90 Recharge).

Half of these PHEV SUVs are luxury vehicles whose prices are about $70k and up (the Lincoln having the lowest starting price at just under $70k, the Range Rover in the low 6 digit range).

The luxury price points are a bit higher than the mainstream options, as you might expect. The mainstream models have base MSRPs starting in the $40k (Mitsubishi) to $50k and up range. I will only mention the luxury versions briefly and focus more coverage on the mainstream options since fewer people will be shopping for the spendier models. I’ll point out that of all the PHEV SUVs, in base model specs, the Range Rover has the largest battery (38.2 kWh) and longest EV only range (50+ miles), the Lincoln has the shortest EV only range (21 miles) and the Volvo has the most horsepower (455 max combined) and torque (523 lb. ft). Note that at least a couple of these PHEVs haven’t gone on sale yet but all will be available sometime this year.

Lets focus on the mainstream options starting with the lowest, base model price point, according to the MSRP. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, with a starting price of $39,845, is by far the lowest priced 3 row PHEV currently on sale in the US. It is capable and well appointed, has the largest battery capacity of the 3 mainstream PHEVs (at 20 kWh) and likely the greatest range in battery only mode (at 38 miles). I say “likely” because the specs for the Mazda are still TBD, but it would likely not have more than low to mid 30’s battery only range (though one publication estimates only 20-25 miles of battery only range).

My estimate, based purely on the size of the Mazda’s battery (17.8 kWh) and weight of around 5,000 lbs, is 33 miles of range, but that is simply a guess.

The Kia Sorento PHEV is rated for 32 miles of battery only range, though I have pushed it to 41 miles by driving gently. Returning to the Mitsubishi, I’ll point out that it is the smallest PHEV in this list and really is more of a compact SUV size that manages to squeeze in a 3rd row. Thus, if you truly need the capability or capacity of a 3 row SUV, the Mitsubishi probably isn’t the best choice as either the Kia or Mazda offer significantly more space inside.

The Mazda is the largest, most capacious option of the mainstream SUVs by a healthy margin at almost a foot longer, around 3 inches wider - not counting wheel well arches - and almost 2 inches taller than the Kia. Not only is the Mazda the largest of the 3 mainstream SUV PHEVs, it is the only one in the US that will come with seating for up to 8 (depending on trim).

The Mazda also offers the option of 2nd row captains chairs to more easily reach the 3rd row bench which seats 3, whereas the Mitsubishi only has a 2nd row bench, and the Kia only offers seating for 6 (with captains chairs in the 2nd row). One place the Kia outshines the other mainstream PHEVs is in its gas powered fuel efficiency where it is rated for 34 MPG. The Mazda is expected to have a combined 25 MPG rating according to Car and Driver.

The Mazda should also have the shortest battery recharge times of the mainstream options since it can charge at 7.4 kW compared to the Kia and Mitsubishi which can only charge at a maximum of around 3.7 kW. I would estimate that means the Mazda can recharge a depleted drive battery in around 2 hours (a little over I would expect) compared to about 3.5 - 4 hours for the Kia and around 6.5 hours for the Mitsubishi on the faster 240V service each can support. Note that the Mitsubishi can also charge on faster 480V equipment though, and so technically can recharge the fastest.

There is much more we could dive into and compare on these three mainstream PHEV SUVs than what I have covered above. The Mazda is going to be the largest and most capable at hauling people and stuff, the Kia the most efficient, and the Mitsubishi the lowest priced. Which would you prefer? What else would you like to know about these three vehicles? Please leave your comments and questions below.

Images provided by Kia, Mitsubishi, and Mazda.

Justin Hart has owned and driven electric vehicles for over 15 years, including a first generation Nissan LEAF, second generation Chevy Volt, Tesla Model 3, an electric bicycle and most recently a Kia Sorento PHEV. He is also an avid SUP rider, poet, photographer and wine lover. He enjoys taking long EV and PHEV road trips to beautiful and serene places with the people he loves. Follow Justin on Twitter for daily KIA EV news coverage.