Turbo vs. Non-Turbo Mazda: Who Actually Needs the Extra Power?

All-wheel drive most think of snow, ice, and slick streets. But the benefits of Mazda's available i-ACTIV AWD can extend far beyond just inclement conditions. The system analyzes real-time driving conditions and the driver's inputs, then distributes torque accordingly to promote optimal stability and grip. The result: increased confidence on commutes, rainy-weather driving, acceleration, and other evolving road surfaces. It works whether you're taking a short local trip or an extended road expedition. 1. Does AWD Actually Help on Dry Roads? Yes. AWD can be of service when the pavement is bone dry. “When driving on dry roads, i-ACTIV AWD can help secure traction when accelerating and cornering by distributing torque appropriately to the front and rear wheels.” “During everyday driving, that can translate to increased stability and a greater sense of control when accelerating on a highway, exiting an intersection, or traveling on roads where traction can fluctuate.” 2. How Does Mazda i-ACTIV AWD Work? Instead of reacting after a wheel slips on the road, Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD monitors various sensors and systems in the vehicle—such as wheel speed and steering angle data from the driver, as well as information on ambient temperature and windshield-wiper status and brake pedal position—to predict conditions and control torque flow. Mazda notes that control of the flow of torque between the front and rear wheels goes beyond 200 calculations per second, allowing the vehicle to anticipate variations. 3. What About Rain and Wet Roads? That is where AWD can really help in daily driving. Tire traction may become limited by rain, especially when you are launching from a standstill, merging onto a highway, or making a turn on a wet road.Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD is supposed to monitor the ever-changing situation and actively distribute the torque to maintain traction, and it can be very helpful even in a downpour, even if you never see snow or ice. 4. Does AWD Make a Mazda Better in Corners? This isn't just a mechanism to help you get going, however. Mazda's system can actually be paired up with other dynamic-control technology in order to aid torque distribution when cornering. The idea here is a seamless experience rather than an intrusive one, with i-ACTIV AWD aiming to provide "stability and traction, but at the same time complement the natural feel..." 5. Which Mazda Models Offer i-ACTIV AWD? i-ACTIV AWD Mazda puts the all-wheel-drive system on pretty much the whole SUV lineup, although what specifically you get depends on the car. For a 2026 Mazda CX-5, that will include i-ACTIV AWD as standard fare on most trims. On the CX-90, it's on the heavier-duty version with a rear bias.Another recent example is the 2026 Mazda CX-30, which can already be had with it available as part of its typical i-ACTIV AWD trim package configuration. 6. Does AWD Mean You Can Ignore the Road Conditions? No. AWD can give you a bit of additional traction but doesn’t guarantee you will have traction while at excessive speeds or driving unsafely or without focus. Mazda’s fine print states their AWD technology may not be equipped to assist in all driving situations.Although it can give you some help when starting and keeping traction, the tires provide the contact with the road—the connection your Mazda has to the road surface. In snowy conditions, having the right winter tires is almost as crucial as the drivetrain. 7. Is Mazda i-ACTIV AWD Worth It? Most drivers need to experience reliable grip and handling that doesn’t make them shift between modes at the last moment for conditions such as rain and changing surfaces or inclines (even during brief winter spells). You’ll appreciate having this additional boost of traction even on dry roads.Visit us in Fairless Hills, check out the New Mazda Inventory here at Peruzzi Mazda, and search through various models and trims in our SUVs today.

So, you need a new Mazda SUV. Does that mean opting for the largest SUV with Mazda’s largest SUV price tag? More importantly, the issue may not be about how much SUV you’re able to pay for, but rather how much SUV is right for you. Mazda’s collection of sport utility vehicles includes everything from the relatively compact CX-30 to a vehicle you can practically turn into a rolling living room or a house on wheels, in the case of the CX-90. 1. Mazda CX-30: Best for City Driving This is the smallest of the SUVs we tested and could be ideal for urban motorists or those who really don't need a big interior. It has room for five and, thanks to a compact design, is easy to get into tight spaces to park or turn around while still being an SUV.The CX-30 could be ideal if you want to have a more manageable size for an SUV while still having a usable passenger and cargo space. Best for: Commuters, couples, and smaller households. 2. Mazda CX-5: The Everyday All-Rounder It offers a nice middle ground. The CX-5 offers a five-person cabin with more passenger and cargo space than the CX-30 while not being too big to handle on a daily basis. This vehicle would suit anyone who would like the comfort of being able to accommodate the rest of their family and haul groceries, luggage, or everyday belongings without having to upgrade to an even larger three-row vehicle. Best for: Families who want a practical SUV without moving into a larger three-row vehicle. 3. Mazda CX-50: For More Adventure Seating for five is also found in the CX-50, which boasts a more outdoorsy persona. This Mazda and what it’s capable of doing will appeal to buyers looking for an SUV that is equally comfortable commuting and taking to the trails on weekend excursions.The CX-50 is rated to tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the turbo engine and Towing Mode. Best for: Drivers who want more capability for outdoor activities, gear, and weekend trips. 4. Mazda CX-70: More Space Without a Third Row The CX-70 is a full-size two-row SUV aimed at buyers who require more space but don't feel they need a third row. It makes sense as a candidate when space for people and the cargo hold are more important than passengers.This extra space comes in handy when travelling as a family, on a road trip, for sporting equipment, for luggage, or for large loads, but at the cost of not having to carry a third row of passengers. Best for: Families and active drivers who want substantial cargo space but don't need a third row. 5. Mazda CX-90: When You Actually Need Three Rows Choose the CX-90 if seating space is top priority. This SUV can accommodate up to eight passengers depending on setup and offers a second, sliding third-row seat for extra room.It is the family mover that frequently has many people in the SUV and needs the functionality that three rows offer while gaining ample cargo space when reconfigured. Best for: Larger families, frequent passengers, and drivers who regularly need three rows. 6. Which Mazda SUV Fits Your Life? Mazda SUV Seating Best For CX-30 5 City driving and smaller households CX-5 5 Everyday family driving CX-50 5 Outdoor activities and added capability CX-70 5 More passenger and cargo space without a third row CX-90 Up to 8 Larger families and three-row needs The largest SUV will not always be your best option. Commuting by yourself most of the time, then the CX-30 might be more worth the purchase than paying for space you will never use. If you have a small growing family, the CX-5 or the CX-50 could be a good fit for you. If you find you always have a couple of people in your vehicle, you might be better off picking the CX-70 or CX-90 Find the Right Mazda SUV at Peruzzi Mazda We’re going to put all the new CX series up against one another to make it easy for you. What should you look for when shopping for CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70, or CX-90?First, what does your life look like?This means how many people do you haul, what do you carry, is a third row a priority, and do you want something that offers capability or tow support?Browse our Peruzzi Mazda New Mazda CX lineup here in Fairless Hills to compare every new CX size to find what works for your lifestyle.

It might sound like it could be tricky, but the gist of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is relatively simple. The PHEV can drive on electric power alone for shorter trips, switch between electricity and gas for more grunt or further travel and can simply run on the gas engine once its batteries are empty. Such a compromise allows you to experience electric driving for daily trips as well as ensure the readily available gas engine can handle commuting or road trips. You don't have to opt for an electric SUV or go for gas, and you can get a mixture of both for the CX-90 PHEV. 1. What Is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV? The CX-90 PHEV has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. The combination delivers up to 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel which is recommended However, the CX-90 PHEV differs from a standard hybrid by having the capability of charging the battery by plugging it into an outside power source. This can enable you to run many of your typical errands on electric power before switching over to the gas engine more. 2. When Does the CX-90 Use Electricity? On short trips, the CX-90 PHEV can still take to the road in all-electric mode, relying on its battery to drive you forward. According to Mazda, for 2026 models, the CX-90 PHEV is capable of traveling up to 27 all-electric miles on a full charge- a very efficient way to make everyday errands and commutes feel like quick jaunts. With EV Mode readily accessible, the CX-90 PHEV works to achieve EV power wherever it is possible given the current circumstances and charge. 3. When Does It Use Gas and Electricity Together? How the CX-90 PHEV Functions as a Hybrid. This is when the CX-90 PHEV will function in parallel hybrid mode. Your gasoline engine and electrical motor might assist one another to create extra energy when wanted and or to economize available power. You don’t must personally regulate the power provided from either the electrical motor or engine every drive - your CX-90 PHEV handles that for you and may adapt to different drive settings and road circumstances. 4. What Happens When the Battery Gets Low? You don't need to pull over and charge right after the usable charge of the battery is exhausted. Mazda claims the CX-90 PHEV will revert to its gasoline engine once the battery is no longer able to sustain electric motivation. It can also enter charge mode where the engine will charge the battery to your selected level while being driven. Despite that fact, gas is still required in the tank; the CX-90 is not built to run forever. 5. How Far Can the CX-90 PHEV Go? When it comes to range, the 2026 CX-90 PHEV will get an all-electric range up to 27 miles on a single charge, Mazda stated. The maximum total range is put at a combined 500 miles. Obviously, with real-life conditions like time of year and your load, driving on roads can affect the ranges Mazda has put down. 6. Is the CX-90 PHEV Still Practical for Family Trips? “Yes. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a three-row crossover SUV that can hold up to 7 occupants, depending upon seating arrangements; with that said, its flexible 7- and even seating and cargo configurations can support regular 4-use 25 family obligations. The CX-90 line features more luxurious appointments for a better luxury crossover and is now inclusive of a larger 2023,2024 -for-7-Seat CX-90’S -even the more basic, -a heated-second-Seat, -heated 77-Wheel -- Heated & Ventilated-- Driver and Co-Pilot,” said Mazda. 7. What About Towing? But don't think the CX-90 PHEV is purely for running around town. All 2026 CX-90 PHEV models are capable of towing 3,500 lbs if properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. This provides that added bit of utility needed for activities like pulling around your small trailer and equipment. 8. The Simple Way to Think About PHEV Think of the CX-90 PHEV this way: Electric: Shorter everyday trips when sufficient battery charge is available Electric + Gas: Hybrid operation when the vehicle needs both power sources Gas: Longer trips or when the battery's available charge is depleted Plug In: Recharge the battery from an external power source The upside-it’s adaptable. You still power many everyday commutes with electricity and retain the gas engine for road trips. 9. Is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV Right for You? If your typical daily drive involves several short trips and you can have access to charging your vehicle overnight, then you can do even more of your daily commute solely on electric power with the CX-90 PHEV. If longer trips on the road do come along, use both of the systems-your electric plus the gasoline engine-for expanded range and without having to coordinate every travel around where and when you have access to charging. Come in and test drive the all-new Mazda CX-90 PHEV here at Peruzzi Mazda in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, to find out if its mixed gas/electric powertrain works for your driving day.