Comparing the fuel economy costs of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 MHEV and PHEV
September 22 2023,
As automotive technology pushes the envelope further in terms of efficiency and performance, manufacturers are left to sort through an array of engine options to meet consumer needs. Mazda is no exception. With the release of the 2024 CX-90, Mazda offers two different but highly efficient powertrains: the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). In this article, we'll focus on the differences between these powertrains, with special attention to fuel economy and long-term cost savings.
Powertrain Differences
The standard powertrain for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 MHEV is the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine. This engine pumps out 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The inline-6 engine is efficient, thanks to Mazda's mild-hybrid technology featuring a 48-volt battery that assists the engine in multiple ways, reducing its overall workload and boosting efficiency.
On the other hand, the CX-90 PHEV version comes with a different set-up. It is equipped with the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain, which includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. The system generates an impressive 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Importantly, this version offers an all-electric driving range of 42 kilometers thanks to a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery.
Fuel Economy Ratings
The MHEV engine has a fuel consumption rating of 9.9 L/100km in the city, 8.4 L/100km on the highway, and 9.3 L/100km combined. In contrast, the PHEV variant offers an astounding combined rating of just 4.2 Le/100 km, a figure that takes into account the 42 km all-electric range.
A Real-World Driving Scenario
In a real-world scenario where someone drives 20,000 km per year with gas prices at $1.90 per litre, the differences in fuel economy between the MHEV and PHEV versions of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 become quite pronounced.
For the MHEV variant, with an average fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km, the total fuel used annually would be 1860 litres. At $1.90 per litre, the total annual fuel cost for driving the MHEV would amount to $3,534.
On the other hand, the PHEV variant, boasting an average consumption of just 4.2 L/100 km, would require only 840 litres of fuel for the same annual distance of 20,000 km. At the same gas price, the total annual fuel cost for the PHEV would be a significantly lower $1,596.
These figures suggest that opting for the PHEV version could result in annual fuel cost savings of nearly $1,938 compared to the MHEV version, making the PHEV a compelling option for those looking to reduce both fuel costs and environmental impact.
|
Metric |
MHEV |
PHEV |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Average Fuel Consumption |
9.3 L/100 km |
4.2 L/100 km |
5.1 L/100 km less for PHEV |
|
Total Fuel Used Annually |
1860 litres |
840 litres |
1020 litres less for PHEV |
|
Annual Fuel Cost at $1.90/L |
$3,534 |
$1,596 |
$1,938 less for PHEV |
Driving the PHEV variant would result in an annual fuel cost saving of approximately $1,938 compared to the MHEV version. The reduced fuel consumption makes the PHEV a compelling option for those who are looking to minimize both their carbon footprint and fuel expenses. Both versions of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 offer impressive performance and efficiency, but if cutting costs at the pump matters to you, the PHEV stands out as the more economical choice in the long run.
