2025 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV

The new-for-2025 Mazda CX-70 is effectively a CX-90 without the third row of seats. It’s the same size, features the same sheet metal, and offers the same unique blend of mainstream affordability and Euro luxury. Although the CX-70 is a truer competitor to mainstream midsize SUV offerings like the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, its powertrains and interior furnishings lean toward the midsize offerings from luxury brands.

The name is new, but the rest of the vehicle is very familiar. Whereas Honda, for instance, offers two distinct midsize SUVs — the 3-row Pilot and the 2-row Passport — the CX-70 is mostly a CX-90 without the third row of seats. On one hand, the CX-90 is already one of the more stylish midsize SUVs on the market. On the other hand, we know some buyers would prefer some unique sheet metal to accompany the unique nameplate.

On the higher end of the 2-row midsize SUV price spectrum, the CX-70 with standard AWD still delivers solid value in a segment with most models offering AWD as an option.

In addition to a 280-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that delivers power on par with most of its competitors, the CX-70 is also offered with a 340-horsepower version of that same engine. In CX-90 guise, we’ve found this engine to be strong off the line and superbly sonorous. In that application we also found the throttle response prompt and refined, the brake pedal firm, and the fuel-saving automatic stop/start system impressively seamless.

We weren’t surprised that the overall ride skewed to the firm side of the equation, or that the cornering abilities were extremely predictable. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control applies the brakes to an inside rear wheel during cornering, reducing body roll while improving stability and predictability.

The CX-70 is also offered with a 323-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of traveling up to 26 miles on electricity alone. Unfortunately, in the CX-90 we found it commands a steep tradeoff in the driving engagement for which Mazda is so famous.

Fuel Economy

No matter if it’s the standard turbo 6-cylinder or the more powerful Turbo S, the CX-70’s government-estimated mileage in mixed city/highway driving is 25 mpg. In addition to its 26 miles of maximum electric-only range, the CX-70 PHEV delivers 25 mpg when operating in gas-electric hybrid mode.

To our eyes, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 has a richer, more attractive interior than any mainstream-badged midsize SUV. Convenience features such as remote-folding second-row seats and a rear cargo area with clever storage solutions like cubbies, bag hooks, and an underfloor compartment for out-of-sight storage are standard. A rear power liftgate will make easier work of filling the cargo space.

Aside from some styling tweaks front and back, the CX-70 is the exact same size and shape as the CX-90. Given the CX-90 is one of the most attractive midsize SUVs on the market — luxury-badged entries included — a copycat approach could be worse. It’s a wonderful melding of substance and panache.

Inline 6-cylinder engine
Pardon us for a second while we geek out on mechanical stuff, but a 6-cylinder engine with all its pistons in a row is naturally smoother than one in a V-configuration. BMW has used this setup for years, and Mercedes-Benz is revisiting it. As the CX-70 employs it, there is turbocharging, as well.

Advanced safety tech
Standard for every grade is a bundle of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

Unresponsive Driver Support
This technology is an emergency system that automatically decelerates and even stops the vehicle if it detects the driver is unresponsive and fails to react to escalating warnings.

Alexa integration
The first Mazda crossover to feature it, the CX-70 provides this voice assistant to perform a whole host of functions, down to changing the radio station and adjusting the temperature.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Robust smartphone integration still counts among our favorite features in any car.

Mazda Connect
This standard array includes voice control for the infotainment system, Pandora integration, and automatic emergency notifications.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers two versions of a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. One produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the other cranks it up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Having all the cylinders arranged in a line — as opposed to the more common “V” configuration — results in smoother operation while allowing for a tighter turning circle, a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension, and improved steering response. An 8-speed automatic transmission divvies up the torque among all four wheels, with the rear wheels receiving most of the power in normal driving. That rear-wheel bias adds a degree of stability, command, and fun.

The CX-70 is also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The CX-70 PHEV features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 68-kilowatt electric motor. It makes 323 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, and can power the CX-70 for up to 26 miles on electricity alone.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

As with most mainstream carmakers, Mazda’s limited bumper-to-bumper warranty protection is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers the powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles.