MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 14, 2024) Mazda has retrofitted its new three-row CX-90 crossover with just two rows of seats for people who don't need three and who welcome additional cargo space. This newest creation slots between the CX-50 and the CX-90 — tagged the 2025 CX-70. Mazda's SUV inventory is now solidly stocked with five choices including the brand's most popular vehicle — the CX-5.

Through the first half of 2024 sales of the Mazda crossovers have been successful no matter how many choices its customers face based on half-year sales statistics. Here's how the expanding Mazda SUV lineup currently stacks up by sales — CX-90 (5,704), CX-70 (1,059), CX-50 (21,466), CX-5 (80,021), CX-30 (38,527).


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While this review focuses on the plug-in hybrid version, the CX-70 — identical in size to the CX-90 — Mazda offers two gas engine versions — a 3.3-liter mild hybrid turbocharged inline six with 280 horsepower and 340 horsepower. Both are viable alternatives if gas mileage is not your primary concern. And both are mated to an eight-speed automatic. The 340 hp engine is good for just a tick or two over 6 seconds from 0-to-60. For comparison purposes, gas mileage is measured at 25 mpg combined on regular gas.

Prices for the gas-engine models run from $41,900 to $53,905. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) comes in just two well-equipped trim levels — Premium at $55,855 and Premium Plus at $58,905.

The PHEV (plug-in hybrid) includes a 2.5-liter four cylinder and a single electric motor. Combined output is 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Charging the battery with a 240-volt power source takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes according to Mazda. A standard 120V plug can get the job done overnight.

I was OK with the plug-in hybrid performance, able to handle all the chores of daily life in a commendable manner including merging and passing.

However, for the most part I'm not a fan of the PHEV engine and would probably opt for one of the gas-driven choices. It can be harsh sounding under hard acceleration during merging with a loud droning of the 4-cylinder engine. It's big advantage is i6s 56 MPGe if you charge it up.

With the 340-horsepower gas-only setup, the CX-70 is one of the most potent vehicles in the mid-sized crossover ranks. In magazine testing, it completed a 0-to-60 run in around 6 seconds. 

We found electric-only driving was a bit sluggish on the highway, but with plenty of urgency in city driving, which is where the electric motor shines.



We advise limiting use of all-electric driving for speeds up to 45 mph to take full advantage of your 26 EV miles. In hybrid mode our seat-of-the-pants estimate is about 7.0 seconds from 0-to-60 — Mazda says 6.6 seconds. That's acceptable considering the drivetrain is tasked with pulling nearly 5,000 pounds.



The ride is smooth even on rough pavement and should please most people. As you might expect from a Mazda, the big CX-70 handles well staying well-planted in the twist and turns with very little body roll. The steering is nicely weighted and imparts confidence in the driving experience.


The front seats are extremely comfortable, and it is easy to find the just-right driving position. The second-row captain's chairs also provide long-distance comfort. Our top Premium Plus trim included heated seats and individuals climate controls for second-row passengers.
Inside, you will find a very upscale feel with high-end materials and great fit and finish. My top trim test car indeed had the feel of a luxury SUV costing thousands more.

Mazda now provides a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims, and a crisp-looking digital instrument panel display. I applaud Mazda’s inclusion of some old-school manual controls for radio and climate, which keeps menu diving limited to secondary functions. PHEVs get a few unique controls and readouts to monitor drive modes and battery level. But Mazda's infotainment layout is still one of the most confounding in the industry.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and built-in Amazon Alexa integration are highlights.  Touchscreen functionality is only allowed within the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto environments, so the native software must be controlled with a dial located rear of the shifter and
cupholders.


Regardless of trim, Mazda has endowed the CX-70 with a large amount of standard safety including front collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blindspot warning with cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, driver attention monitor, safe exit assist, and rear-seat reminder.

Probably the one thing the CX-70 has over its sibling, the CX-90, is a large near 40 cubic-foot cargo area AND stretch-out room for second-row passengers. There's also a storage area under the cargo floor for items that might be best hidden from nefarious eyes in a parking lot.

Mazda's warranties are fairly standard at 3 year/36,000 mile basic and 8-year/100,000-mile battery.

My top-line test car carried a bottom line of $59,275 including a $1,375 destination charge.


2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV

Essentials
Base price: $55,855; as driven, $59,275
Engine: 2.5 4-cylinder, electric motor
Horsepower: 323 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 369 pound-feet @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: All-wheel
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Length: 200.8 inches
Curb weight: 5,198 pounds
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
Luggage capacity: 39.6 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 75.3 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons (regular)
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
EPA rating: 56 MPGe plugged in, 25 MPG as hybrid
0-60: 6.5 seconds (manufacturer)
Also consider: Toyota Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia Telluride

The Good
• Also comes with turbocharged straight six
• Excellent handling for a big SUV
• Refined luxury-appointed interior

The Bad
• Noisy, unrefined 4-cylinder engine

The Ugly
• Infotainment system befuddling