- The Mazda CX-70 has a premium-feeling 5-passenger cabin
- Five trim choices bring a range of options and amenities
- Omitting a third row brings expansive storage capacity
Mazda has an interesting approach, offering both the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs under different monikers, despite their similarities inside and out. However, the result is a wide field of choices, all boasting an upscale fit, finish, and feel found across Mazda’s lineup. Those seeking three rows of seating can explore our CX-90 coverage, but for shoppers who are satisfied with five seats and ample storage, let’s take a look inside the CX-70.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Although the base 3.3 Turbo Preferred trim comes in well above the entry price of the smaller CX-50, your $43,780 will grant you premium comfort features, including front seats with 8-way power adjustment, leather and soft-touch suede appointments, as well as three levels of heating and ventilation. Second-row heated seats and a third zone of individual climate control, specifically designed for the rear passengers, further enhance the comfort level throughout the cabin.
With 41.7 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches of rear legroom, it’s spacious but not quite class-leading. Headroom also isn’t quite as high as some taller competitors, but Mazda’s sleek design ethos often results in this tradeoff. Still, room is ample throughout the cabin for four average-sized adults, or five in a pinch.
Features and Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto are now standard technologies that are widely available. But they look especially good on the CX-70’s 12.3-inch center display. The display is mostly controlled with a dial in the center console, rather than touch, which may not be ideal for touchscreen enthusiasts. However, the controls are quite intuitive and easy to use while driving, thereby preventing distraction.
Upgrading just one step to the 3.3 Turbo Premium will bring a Bose CenterPoint Surround Sound 12-speaker system, a larger 12.3-inch digital driver display, and Alexa functionality. LED ambient lighting extends to the rear seating, creating an impressively high-end environment for all passengers. Plus, you’ll get Mazda’s Active Driving Display, the brand’s terminology for a head-up display (HUD).
The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus adds the 360-degree View Monitor, with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View. Although it raises the price point above $50,000, it’s a valuable component for maneuvering in tight spaces. Regardless of trim, a moonroof comes standard.
Materials and Design
Historically, Mazda has consistently delivered a premium feel at an impressive value. Throughout the CX-70 cabin, Mazda leans once again into an upscale fit and finish. The seating, steering wheel, and shifter are all leather, and even rear occupants will feel the touch of luxury with the same material.
Higher trims bring Nappa leather into the configuration, adding a unique red color option (not available on the CX-90) and a quilted tan Nappa leather reserved for the penultimate 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus trim. Metallic accents further enhance the design, bringing cohesion between the door panels and the instrument panel, with the LED ambient lighting adding to the fanfare.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
With the CX-70, the omission of a third row results in expansive storage capacity. The cargo space with all seats in place measures 39.6 cubic feet, equivalent to roughly six carry-on suitcases or three full-size suitcases. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split for folding, accommodating a variety of cargo and occupant configurations. With the rear seats folded, the available storage expands to an impressive 75.3 cubic feet. All trims have remote electronic second-row seatback releases.
The CX-70 boasts an impressive interior for an SUV with a starting price of $43,780, and upgrading to higher trims adds enough luxury to satisfy most buyers. Pair that with its expansive storage capacity with all seats in place, and it becomes quite the functional do-it-all daily driver.
