Mazda’s all-new SUV is made for those who want the space of the CX-90 without the third-row seating. We review interior technology, cargo space, and more.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is an all-new simplified version of the CX-90 with five trims, three powertrain choices, one gearbox option, and all-wheel drive to rule them all. It’s a classy and elegant take on the three-row CX-90 but with only two rows and a lot more cargo space overall. Consider this as the SUV for those who love to drive but also need space to move things from point A to point B.
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Great engines
Above average cabin
Excellent chassis
Still a tight cabin
Very basic warranty
Questionable pricing
The driver’s CX-90
Mazda offers most CX-70s with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six that leverages a mild hybrid system. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it already comes on the larger CX-90. In base form, the 3.3-liter engine makes 280 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque.
In S trims it develops 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Those are solid figures and do well in direct comparison with the rest of the class. In addition, we like the standard all-wheel-drive system. While we haven’t had a chance to drive it yet, reports suggest that the eight-speed automatic gearbox could use some fine-tuning.
Finally, Mazda also offers the CX-70 as a plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor that makes a total of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s also all-wheel drive and uses the same gearbox. Notably, both AWD systems are rear-biased which should make them dramatically more engaging to pilot. It also manages up to 26 miles of all-electric range. Mazda hasn’t released fuel economy data for the CX-70 at this point, but we expect it to match or slightly improve on the figures achieved by the CX-90.
Speaking of the CX-90, that’s essentially what we have here sans a third row. Those who like the CX-90 will immediately appreciate the cabin and design of the CX-70. Interestingly, it doesn’t feel much more spacious than the three-row and some of that is by design. The dash and center console envelop the driver and front passenger. The rear seats aren’t particularly capacious either though headroom is good overall in both rows.
The biggest upside of this SUV over its competition is the level of fit and finish found inside. It’s no joke when people remark that it’s above Lexus and Acura levels of quality in some places. The design language itself feels more grown up too with clean lines and elegant angles that should look good several years from now.
The CX-70 focuses its practical efforts on making the cargo space even more useful than the CX-90. The former has 40 cubic feet of cargo space in the back compared to just 35 in the three-row SUV. It also leverages 75 cubic feet of storage with the seats folded down. The CX-90 can only boast 51 in that position and 57 with both rows folded down. In this case, less is objectively more when it comes to hauling stuff behind the first row.
Talking tech when it comes to Mazda can be a bit of a minefield. Not everyone loves the (mostly) non-touchscreen solution that the brand continues to push. On the flip side, the way Mazda continues to sell cars tells you that others don’t mind it so much.
Instead of tapping away at the screen itself, users leverage a scroll wheel and four main buttons in the center console. The point is to help drivers keep their eyes on the road and to provide good feedback. We think it accomplishes those goals and is easier to use than one might expect.
Furthermore, the system itself is quick, predictable, and full of useful options. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard features, and this year Amazon Alexa is also available. Mazda also offers a Bose sound system for the audiophiles out there.
Safety is key too and while we await information from the NHTSA and IIHS we can at least consider standard tech on the CX-70. It comes with forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, and more. That’s a package we can get behind.
The base CX-70 gets 19-inch wheels, LED self-leveling headlights, roof rails, a power liftgate, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, and a 3,500-lb towing capacity.
This trim adds 21-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, integrated navigation, driver’s seat memory functions, a digital gauge cluster, a 12-speaker sound system, enhanced driver aids, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity. Those who select the PHEV powertrain on this trim also get adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
This trim also gets a panoramic sunroof along with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded upholstery, a surround-view camera system, reverse automatic braking, and cross-traffic warning with automatic braking.
The S Premium comes standard with adaptive headlights, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.
This top trim comes with premium leather and a two-tone steering wheel. Those who select the PHEV version also get a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.
No trim in the CX-70 really feels like a miss but we’d likely select the S Premium with the upgraded 3.3-liter engine. Sure, it’s near the top of the pack but it’s still thousands less than the high-end PHEV S Premium Plus and the standard version too. It’s still imbued with the most powerful engine and has several desirable features as well.
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The CX-70 is a great first effort, but Mazda might be putting itself into a strange position. The CX-90 offers almost everything that this smaller SUV does but with more available seating. Don’t forget that the CX-7 existed years ago for one short five-year run before Mazda moved on from it. Will the CX-70 suffer the same short life? Only time will tell. For now, it’s the CX-90 for people who like to drive and who don’t need a third row.
The CX-70 is made in the Hofu plant in Yamaguchi, Japan.
The Mazda CX-70 is available with a plug-in powertrain, though not every trim gets this option.
The Mazda CX-70 PHEV version is already available at some dealers as of this writing whereas the mild-hybrid isn’t scheduled to arrive until fall of 2024.