
North Shore Mazda and Shaker Auto Group know that when our customers in Danvers and across New England plan a road trip or camping weekend, they want an SUV that is as efficient and comfortable as it is capable. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has earned that reputation in a big way, recently being recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles Awards, where its plugin hybrid performance, thoughtful interior, and real world versatility helped it stand out for adventure focused drivers.
Key Takeaways
- The CX-90 PHEV was recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles Awards for its balance of efficiency, comfort, and capability.
- Its plugin hybrid powertrain delivers strong combined horsepower with an all electric driving range suited to daily drives and weekend trips.
- Standard all wheel drive and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds make it ideal for camping trailers and outdoor gear.
- Mazda i-Activsense safety technologies help keep New England families confident on long drives and in changing weather.
- A refined, three row interior and flexible cargo space support both family road trips and gear heavy camping adventures.

Why Did U.S. News Highlight the CX-90 PHEV for Adventure?
U.S. News & World Report called out the Mazda CX-90 PHEV for how well it balances efficiency, comfort, and capability, noting that it fits multiple types of adventure use rather than focusing on just one niche. For drivers in Danvers and across New England, that means you can rely on the CX-90 PHEV for daily commuting, weekend getaways to the White Mountains, or longer family road trips up the coast without feeling like you compromised in any one area.
In their 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles Awards, U.S. News evaluated vehicles on factors like performance, interior quality, safety, and overall value for adventure minded shoppers, which is where the CX-90 PHEV’s upscale cabin and robust feature set helped it stand out from other plugin hybrid SUVs. The recognition underscores what we see every day in our customers’ feedback: this is a plugin hybrid SUV that feels truly road trip ready.
How Does the CX-90 PHEV Power Your New England Road Trips?
Under the hood, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, creating a combined output of around 323 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque when using premium fuel. That means you get confident highway passing power even with passengers and camping gear on board, along with responsive acceleration when merging onto busy New England highways like I-95 or Route 128.
The plugin hybrid system also delivers an EPA estimated all electric range of about 26 miles and a total driving range of roughly 490 miles, giving you flexibility to run errands around Danvers on electric power alone during the week and then head out for a longer weekend trip without constant fuel stops. For many families, that combination of electric efficiency and long-range capability makes the CX-90 PHEV a compelling option among plugin hybrid SUVs for road trips.
What Makes the CX-90 PHEV Ideal for Camping in New England?
For camping and outdoor adventures, capability matters just as much as comfort. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for many small campers, pop up trailers, or lightweight boats that New England drivers often bring to lakes and campgrounds. Standard all wheel drive helps you tackle gravel access roads, muddy campsites, or snowy trailheads with more confidence than a typical front wheel drive crossover.
Inside, the CX-90 PHEV offers three rows of seating, with available configurations that prioritize either passenger space or easier access to the third row via second-row captain’s chairs. With the rear rows folded, you get generous cargo space for tents, coolers, folding chairs, and outdoor gear, so you can pack for a weekend in the Berkshires or along the Maine coast without feeling cramped.
If you are starting to explore plugin hybrid SUVs or comparing road-trip friendly cars for sale in the Danvers area, we invite you to browse our current selection of CX-90 PHEV models online and see how the features line up with your camping and travel plans.
How Comfortable Is the CX-90 PHEV on Long Drives?
Road trips live or die by comfort, and Mazda designed the CX-90 PHEV cabin to feel upscale and relaxing for both driver and passengers. The latest model includes features such as available heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seating, and a heated steering wheel, which are especially welcome on chilly New England mornings or shoulder-season camping trips. Premium materials, thoughtful interior design, and available panoramic roof options create a cabin that feels more like a modern lounge than a traditional family SUV.
Mazda’s attention to ride quality and noise tuning helps reduce fatigue on long drives, so conversations stay easy and kids can rest more comfortably in the second and third rows. Combined with intuitive technology, including standard infotainment features and available Amazon Alexa integration on recent CX-90 models, the cabin experience supports both everyday commuting and longer adventures.
How Does Mazda i-Activsense Help on New England Roads?
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV benefits from Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of advanced driver-assistance features, which is designed to act like an extra set of eyes and hands on every trip. Key technologies include Lane-Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Sign Recognition, helping you stay centered in your lane, maintain a safe following distance, and stay aware of changing speed limits on unfamiliar routes.
Other available i-Activsense features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support, are particularly helpful when navigating busy coastal towns, crowded campground parking areas, or congested New England traffic. For many families choosing an adventure-ready SUV, this comprehensive safety net is a major reason the CX-90 PHEV feels like a smart long-term choice.

Why Does the CX-90 PHEV Fit Danvers and Greater New England Drivers?
New England driving can throw a lot at you in a single day, from wet autumn leaves on back roads to snowy winter commutes and summer road trips loaded with luggage. The CX-90 PHEV’s standard all-wheel drive, robust powertrain, and long driving range make it a natural fit for drivers who want one vehicle to handle all of those roles. At the same time, its plugin hybrid efficiency supports eco-conscious driving when you are running local errands around Danvers or commuting into nearby cities.
As part of Shaker Auto Group, North Shore Mazda has helped many local families find CX-90 PHEV models that match their lifestyles, from commuters looking for a more efficient three-row SUV to outdoor enthusiasts planning regular camping trips across New England. Our team takes pride in carefully explaining plugin hybrid technology, reviewing available features, and making sure every CX-90 PHEV in stock meets the quality expectations our customers expect.
If you are thinking about your next adventure-ready SUV, we invite you to explore the Mazda CX-90 PHEV at North Shore Mazda, right here in Danvers, MA, where you can browse our available models on our lot, schedule a test drive, and see why so many New England drivers are choosing this plugin hybrid SUV for their road trips and camping plans. Visit us today.
*Penned by AI, polished by humans