We recently tested the Acura MDX Type S and were impressed with the 3-row SUV’s style, performance and room. It seems like 3-row SUV’s are big again. But they’re not for everyone.
So were very interested to hear about the all-new Mazda CX-70, which looks to be a 5-passenger version of the three-row CX-90 which we love. So, does the lack of a third row change our opinion? Let’s take a look!
A Bit More Muscle
While they certainly look like siblings, Mazda did take some effort to make the CX-70 look different, and we especially like the front end.
Like the CX-90, we still have Mazda’s familiar pentagon grille, framed by angled LED headlights. Replacing the slightly, pooched-in side grilles of the ’90 with new, larger mesh side grilles that remind us of BMW M Sport models, and just gives an angry, serious look. To give it an added edge, some of the chrome trim around the grilles, etc has been swapped out for black.
The profile is unchanged – no problem here – and it’s got a sporty vibe that still speaks of luxury. Like the XC-90, the high shoulder line gives a muscular look that helps the fender flares really pop. A PHEV chrome badge on the front fenders add some bling, while black trim around the wheel wells and lower garnishes adds some off-road toughness. Setting it apart from the three-row model, the CX-70 rides on unique-design 21-inch, machine-cut alloy wheels – we like the added sportines they bring.
At the rear, the design keeps clean with slim horizontal LED taillights, a sporty spoiler above the rear window, and a nice cut-in shape to the rear hatch. Like the front, the lower garnish is unique to the CX-70 with slightly larger openings echoing the fronts side grilles. We also loved the extra-cost Rhodium White paint, which had a rich tone that shimmered in the sunlight, and really sold the lines.
A Full Load of Luxury
Inside, the CX-70 takes the already gorgeous CX-90 interior and adds a few tweaks while taking away that 3rdrow seat.
It starts with an interior that feels very Audi-like, starting with Nappa leather seats that look and smell fabulous. A small difference, but our CX-70 featured black leather, compared to our CX-90’s white. Although the white is stunning, we think the black makes a lot more sense in an SUV, especially if you might be hauling stuff or going to adventurous locales.
If you don’t like the black leather, there’s also an available tan interior with two-tone accents, or a new red interior option inspired by the 100th anniversary edition MX-5 sports car. Sporty!
Regardless of color, the front seats are big and comfy, and are heated and cooled to keep you cozy year-round. Without a 3rd row, the 2nd row seating is expansive and luxurious, and are also heated – a nice touch.
Mazda thinks that CX-70 buyers will have active lifestyles, so there are new remote-folding rear seats, which allow for easier loading into the rear of the vehicle. The cargo area also serves up additional compartments, hooks for bags and other equipment, and a unique sub-trunk design that allows CX-70 owners to stow valuables and other small items out of sight.
There’s plenty of tech to keep you happy, with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that changes depending on driving mode. Infotainment is handled by a massive 12.3-inch display. While some makers are now combining the screens to make a wall ‘o screen, Mazda keeps them separate, but it still looks fresh and modern.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging keep you hooked up to the latest and greatest. We also found the layout of climate control gauges to be commonsense and easy to use.
More importantly, the CX-70 is the first Mazda crossover to feature Alexa Built-in. Standard on all CX-70 trims, the system lets you make hands-free voice commands, letting you adjust climate control, info-tainment – even smart home devices. Very cool.
Other pluses include a stubby little shift lever on the console — much better than the pushbutton trans on the Acura MDX we recently tested. A small squawk — Mazda continues to use an Audi-like control knob behind the shifter for info-tainment functions, and while the system works very well, we feel touchscreens are the way to go. We did find the 12-speaker Bose audio system to fill the large cabin with excellent sound.
Plugged-in Performance
Mechanically the CX-90 and 70 feel like twinsies, but again, no complaints here.
You have a choice of engines, including an impressive, 340 horse, 3.3-liter, turbo in-line 6 – the most powerful mass production gasoline engine developed by Mazda. The other choice is our tester’s plug-in PHEV drivetrain. Featuring a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder and an electric motor, you get a stout 323 horsepower, and 369 lb.-ft of torque. With that punch of EV power at the bottom end the PHEV really steps off the line with authority, and it sounds sporty as you pull away.
But there’s more! On a full charge you get up to 26 miles of pure, smooth, quiet EV, and then it functions like a hybrid. In gasoline-only mode the CX-70 still gets a 25 combined MPG rating All in all, these are excellent numbers for a large SUV – especially one with standard all-wheel-drive.
This may be a large SUV, but it’s still a Mazda, and that means fun to drive. The 8-speed automatic is quick and responsive. Mazda fans will be happy to know that the steering has good heft, and the ride is firm, swapping off a bit of luxury for more driver involvement. There are plenty of other vehicles if you want luxo-comfort. We love that Mazda stays true to its Zoom-Zoom roots.
While we love the sportiness, Mazda makes sure it’s a great family vehicle, with the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Brake Support and more. We also loved our tester’s 360-degree view monitor, that made parking such a big vehicle a snap.
Our tester also included Cruising & Traffic Support technology, now enhanced with Unresponsive Driver Support, which can detect an incapacitated driver and, after a series of escalating alerts, can eventually bring the vehicle to a stop and engage the hazard warning lights. That’s pretty amazing!
Also included on tester was Emergency Lane Keeping, and a Secondary Collision Reduction System. Further assisting the driver are other safety features like Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. And if that’s not enough our tester also had the optional Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, and Smart Brake Support for the Rear.
So, is Less More? (or Less)
Pricing for the CX-70 starts at $40,445 for the 3.3 Turbo Preferred. For a stylish, luxurious and tech-loaded premium SUV that’s great value.
Our tester was the top-dog, PHEV Premium Plus model, starting at $57,450. Add in $595 for the handsome Rhodium White paint, and $1,375 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $59,420.
The first question would be, how much for the CX-90? At $60,000 comparably equipped, it pretty much comes down to whether or not you need the 3rd row, or prefer the small exterior differences, one over the other.
If you’re interested in luxury, we’d take a test drive of the new Lexus GX 550, which is lovely and starts at $64,250. You’ll want to watch that options list, though, since it’s easy to go over $70,000! We also liked the Volvo XC90 PHEV but starting at $71,900 it’s a major step up in price – and our tester came in at over $89,000! The CX-70 strikes us a smart buy.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 gives us thrills, luxury, and impressive value in a 5-seat sibling to the CX-90 SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.