The Mazda CX-70 is a deft mid-size SUV designed for drivers who enjoy winding roads and need ample cargo space without the need to fold down seats. It’s a niche market that Mazda believes exists for both this three-row model and its two-row counterpart, despite the similarities.
Unveiled in early 2024, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 turned heads by not being based on the anticipated smaller CX-60 platform but rather sharing DNA with the CX-90, albeit with a facelift and the omission of the third row of seats. To determine if the CX-70 offers distinct characteristics compared to its three-row relative, both the 340-hp 3.3-liter model and the 323-hp plug-in hybrid variant were test-driven.
Mazda representatives have expressed their desire to clarify why the CX-70 was developed as a separate model instead of just a trim level of the CX-90. It could potentially be a strategic move for search engine optimization. According to Dan Aguilar, Mazda’s vehicle line planning product manager, “There are two distinct customer bases for three-row versus two-row models. We aim to appeal to both segments.”
Moving forward, we will focus solely on the CX-70, examining its features independently from the CX-90. This mid-size SUV leans towards the larger end of its category, with a substantial 122.8-inch wheelbase that prioritizes spaciousness for second-row passengers and ample cargo capacity. The CX-70 sports Mazda’s signature SUV silhouette, which is more curved and less rigid compared to the prevalent boxy styles, offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance from most perspectives, albeit slightly less so from directly behind. It features a unique lower front bumper distinct from the CX-90, and its trim pieces are designed with either glossy or matte black finishes.
Prospective owners of the CX-70 have options between two powertrains, available in three different performance levels. The options include two versions of a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine: a base model providing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and a high-output model delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping offering is a plug-in hybrid model, which pairs an electric motor and a 14.8-kWh battery with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine to produce a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The base Turbo engine is offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus, while the more powerful Turbo S and the PHEV models forgo the Preferred trim, offering only Premium and Premium Plus. Both powertrain options come mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and every CX-70 model, including the PHEV, is equipped with full mechanical all-wheel drive.
We took the high-spec Premium Plus versions of both the Turbo S and the PHEV CX-70 for a spin, which means luxury features were abundant in both models. The interiors are swathed in Nappa leather—featuring a quilted design on the Turbo S—with eight-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats that, despite needing a touch more cushioning, provide a comfortable seating position suitable for drivers of varying statures. The gauge cluster is a 12.3-inch digital display, controlled via a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel and customizable to reflect different drive modes (Sport, Off-Road, Towing, and EV for the PHEV), and mirrored by a head-up display.
Mazda has opted out of the touchscreen trend, dedicating what could be storage space in the console to a rotary controller and a physical volume knob, which, curiously, is placed where a passenger might otherwise rest their hand. Wireless smartphone integration is available, and the infotainment screen supports touch when using Apple CarPlay, making the rotary dial seem like an idiosyncratic design choice.
Drawing inspiration from Mazda’s iconic Miata, especially in the post-rotary era, the brand’s engineers and designers have attempted to infuse their larger vehicles with a sporty flair. The CX-70 reflects this with a bright red leather interior reminiscent of the 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5, as well as in its driving dynamics. While not a slalom race car, the CX-70 exhibits well-balanced steering, robust power—though the engines are noisy under heavy acceleration—and a solid chassis that maintains stability on winding roads like those around Palm Springs. On off-road terrain near Lake Hemet, the CX-70 demonstrated its ability to handle bumps, justifying its Off-Road mode, though it’s not built for extreme off-roading.
Our only critique carries over from the CX-90 experience: the eight-speed transmission can be slow to respond, especially in modes other than Sport. When reapplying the accelerator after a brief release, such as at a traffic light or when navigating corners in normal driving conditions, the transmission can be caught off guard, leading to a hasty downshift to match the driver’s inputs. Mazda has indicated that adjustments have been made since the CX-90’s launch, but we believe further refinement is needed.
This transmission behavior isn’t a deal-breaker, particularly considering the CX-70’s strengths in other SUV criteria. The second row provides ample legroom, measuring 39.4 inches, which is ideal for comfortable travel and the easy handling of child seats. The rear cargo area, unencumbered by a third row, offers 40 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and expands to 75 cubic feet when they’re folded down. The seats can be folded at the touch of a button, although raising them remains a manual task. The cargo area is similar in size to the CX-90’s, but the absence of a third row allows for an additional hidden under-floor storage compartment.
For those considering the CX-70 for towing, the PHEV model has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds, while the Turbo and Turbo S variants, when equipped with the Mazda tow package, can tow up to 5000 pounds. The Mazda tow package, priced between $700 and $900, is necessary to unlock the tow mode, which includes a useful overhead camera view for hitching and can adjust the coupling between the front and rear axles for improved stability when towing.
Though not quite an SUV version of the Miata, the CX-70 is sportier than its peers in the same size range and price point. It offers ample space for new families, empty nesters, and hobbyists with significant gear, without sacrificing driving pleasure. Of course, the CX-90 also provides this balance once its third row is folded down.
