Mazda received much acclaim after introducing its all-new flagship SUV, the 2024 CX-90. The powers must have enjoyed the praise because they are back with the all-new 2025 CX-70, which is essentially a CX-90 without the 3rd-row seat.
Like its sibling, the new CX-70 features a stunning exterior design — with a few tweaks to separate it from the CX-90 — and an interior space laden with luxury appointments and leading-edge technology.
Mazda’s newest SUV is available in seven trim levels, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which we cover separately. The entry-level model is priced at $41,900, including destination charges, but approaches a luxury vehicle price of nearly $60,000.
Power Options
The midsize model has two versions of its 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. The base model’s powerplant has 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It delivers power smoothly, which makes running errands or a daily commute easier.
However, you can order an upgraded 3.3-liter that makes 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This version pushes the towing capacity from 3,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds. Both versions use an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Driver Assistance
Today’s vehicles offer a range of advanced driver safety and improvement technologies, but the CX-70 enjoys more than most. Some offer subtle help, such as Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control. It applies the brakes to the inside rear wheel while cornering to reduce body roll and improve stability.
The automaker also makes it easier for drivers with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, which features several different driving modes, such as Sports, Off-Road, or Towing. The vehicle automatically changes the powertrain and suspension to optimal settings by selecting a mode.
Niceties
Not all the tech in the CX-70 is devoted to vehicle dynamics or occupant safety. Mazda paired the SUV with Alexa, allowing the driver to change the radio station, raise the cabin temperature, and even control smart home devices using voice commands.
Mazda partnered with Bose on the vehicle’s sound system, resulting in a 12-speaker audio system producing a rich and clear sound that is among the best in the segment. The audio and many other functions are all controlled using the 12.3-inch touchscreen on the center console.
Moving Up
The Japanese automaker pushed the CX-90 to a new level regarding styling, materials, and design. “Design is a clear point of pride with CX-70,” Mazda notes. The exterior looks athletic and sculpted without being stilted or angular, clearly a carryover from the CX-90. The exterior styling puts it in the premium category with competitors like Audi, Acura, Infiniti, and Lincoln.
That elevated feel carries over to the open and spacious cabin. That feeling intensifies with the power panoramic sunroof in the Premium Plus package. Buyers can upgrade the CX-70 with Nappa leather-trimmed seats, metallic inlays, and other high-quality materials and finishes.
Safety Tech
Mazda’s i-ActivSense Safety Technology is a tech suite with smart brake support, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. However, you can expand the suite to include emergency lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, radar cruise control with stop & go and speed limit assist, front cross-traffic alert, and more.
As part of its Cruising & Traffic Support package, Mazda’s Unresponsive Driver Support automatically slows the CX-70 and will stop if it determines the driver is unresponsive after alerting the driver several times.
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