The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is fighting in a segment where SUV buyers expect perfection and a distinct touch when it comes to their two-row SUV purchase. The CX-70 shares alot of its bones with the bigger Mazda CX-90 and while this helps provide the model with a solid platform to build off of, some have also accused it of being stuck in the middle not only in regards to its source material, but also in the broader segment as a whole. But is it still stuck in the middle of the pack, or has the CX-70 finally emerged from the shadow of others to stand out in its own way?
CX-70 basks in the details
To find out, we went behind the wheel of the PHEV model to see where it fits in the broader scope of things. Unlike the more powerful inline-six model which focuses on performance, the PHEV is all about fuel economy but before we get into that side of the coin, it’s important to talk about its exterior styling. At its core, it shares alot of details with the CX-90, so much so, that most buyers who aren’t aware will assume that Mazda designers merely did a copy-and-paste job. But while the core shape is shared with the bigger three-row 90 models, there are some minor changes that elevate the finer details. The front fascia gets a tweaked front grille and new headlights help give the PHEV and other CX-70’s a more athletic look.
This look is attractive especially when paired with certain paint colors and in the case of PHEVs like our tester, it allows Mazda to take full advantage of a recent rise in hybrid vehicle demand as more customers move away from pure EV models and begin to embrace hybrid and PHEV models to try and save fuel but at a reduced cost. Our tester arrived with an attractive gold-hued color and while it’s not the trademark red that Mazda has become known for, it’s still an example of how much the visual presentation plays a part in making the SUV stand out especially in the minds of savvy customers.
CX-70 interior still is top-notch
Slip inside and you’ll see that the interior of the CX-70 shares plenty of links to the one in the CX-90 with the removal of the third-row being the most prominent difference. While the source material is the same, Mazda designers chose to focus on minor trim and detail changes with the space where the third-row used to be now housing a hidden storage area with cubbies and other compartments helping to provide a high degree of organization and usability.
The front seats are still very supportive and we had plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The infotainment system is still not a formal touch unit but Amazon Alexa and an improved control setup allow owners to navigate around menus quicker and easier thanks to the large rotary controller. The second-row seats are also spacious but the lone exception was headroom with taller passengers we had saying that they wished they had a bit more room to avoid rubbing their heads on the ceiling. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and cargo room is still good even if it’s virtually identical to the CX-90.
Hybrid performance under the microscope
Performance for the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is shared with the CX-90 and as a result there’s nothing earth-shattering here to talk about. However, the PHEV version has rightfully received renewed attention as more consumers gravitate towards its charms. These models get their performance from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with a 173 hp electric motor that’s mounted between the engine and the eight-speed automatic. Output here is 323 hp which is identical to the CX-90 PHEV and allows the 70 to drive largely in step with that model (including times we noticed when the PHEV felt heavier than other CX-70 variants due to its weight distribution.
That said, the CX-70 faces some potent competition in its attempts to gain attention. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the strongest-selling PHEV models in the segment and while it makes less power than the Mazda, despite having three electric motors, it makes up for it by benefitting from Toyota’s experience in hybrid vehicles. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is another contender in the marketplace, but with all of the recent turmoil taking place at Stellantis, Mazda might be able to lure some of these buyers away from the Jeep especially since the 4xe is pricier than the Mazda in certain configurations.
Is it a legit hybrid contender?
When you look at all of the things that the CX-70 PHEV brings to the table, it’s easy to see why Mazda is hoping the 2025 CX-70 PHEV can help it gain more of the hybrid vehicle market. The renewed interest in the hybrid vehicle market can help Mazda win big in the long run especially when the CX-70 PHEV is paired with other hybrid offerings like the smaller CX-50 which ironically shares its powertrain with the RAV4 Prime.
While it still has some compromises, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV deserves plenty of attention from consumers and we think that it can be the right fit for many buyers especially those who want more style and flair in their PHEV purchase.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.