My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-70

Explain to me the purpose of the 2025 Mazda CX-70?

That seems to be the prevailing question among my colleagues in the automotive media corps. We were expecting a replacement for the CX-5 that would be competitive with the rest of its size class. Instead, we got a two-row mid-size SUV that will compete with a few others in that segment. 

We appreciate Mazda’s desire to get into that segment. Its competitors are quite formidable in among both mainstream and premium brands. 

However, the CX-70 left me a bit puzzled. Did they just simply delete the third row from the CX-90 to make one?

I bring this up because I was wondering what they did to add a two-row model to the mid-size SUV segment, while it shares the same exact dimensions and powertrains as its three-row sibling. 

The upshot of this is that both the CX-70 and CX-90 share the same KODO – Soul of Motion design language as adapted to these larger models. There may some slight differences between the two, such as use of black trim and a different grille texture. Everything is practically the same – including the door sizes and opening, the glass profile and silhouette, and the liftgate.

On this Premium Plus tester, the black door handles seem a bit out of place for a top-level trim. You expect more monochromatic finishing on some details. I do see why they did more black trim than chrome – to make consumers think that the two-row CX-70 is sportier than the luxurious three-row CX-90.

To finish up the exterior package, a set of 21-inch alloy wheels compliment the sporty image of this top-level CX-70 trim. It seems so subtle overall. Maybe, it’s the white paint color that’s making me think this way…

The sporty white exterior is complimented with a red-and-black leather interior. This continues the sporty theme over two rows of seats and a familiar instrument panel and center console – from the CX-90. 

The instrument cluster is a fully customizable 12.3-inch digital screen. This is augmented by a large Active Driving Display shown on the windshield. In all, information is easily viewed without any fatigue or distraction. The shift-by-wire transmission lever on the center console is fine. The rest of the controls should be familiar coming from recent Mazda models. 

The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is only actuated by touch when you have your smartphone tethered to it. The masin knob controls the rest of the infotainment system. You can utilize wireless smartphone mirroring on both CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The front seats are on the firm side, yet they do provide some support overall. The second-row seats offer plenty of head and leg room. They will enjoy a comfortable and contoured rear seat. 

With the absence of the third row, there is now an uninterrupted 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold down that row of seats folded down, you have a maximum space of 75.3 cubic feet – practically the same as in the CX-90. 

As I mentioned before, the CX-70 shares the same exact drivelines as the CX-90. That includes the plug-in hybrid driveline that is on this tester. We’re talking the combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 68-kilowatt electric motor, and a 17.8-kilowatt-hour battery Combined, this driveline yields a combined 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is connected both the electric and gasoline motors, as it sends power to all four wheels. 

If there is energy in the battery, it will go through it first before switching onto the gasoline engine. We recharged the battery from empty, giving us 26 miles of range – matching what Mazda states for its battery-only range. The recharge from our V&R/ChargePoint Level 2 charger returned 15.0374 kilowatt-hours back into the battery, which took two hours and 10 minutes to accomplish. 

Most of our driving came from the gasoline engine. While it was smooth droving under battery power, the gasoline engine by itself was challenged by the transmission. Granted, this is a pre-production model. Hopefully, your experience will be much better. It is worth noting that we averaged 23.9 MPG in our care. 

Mazda has a certain driving signature that you can feel across the board. Not that you’d expect the CX-70 to drive like a MX-5 Miata, but it should handle better than its competitors. It should exude a specific ride profile that is suitable for a mid-size SUV. These are what I would describe the CX-70 inn terms of vehicle dynamics. 

The same goes for the steering system. Action-wise and feel were very good with a solid on-center feel with tighter turns. You should not be surprised of how well it does in tight maneuvers. Brake pedal feel is solid with good response. The CX-70 turned in solid stops in normal and panic situations. 

For the 2025 Mazda CX-70, you have three Turbo trim levels, plus two Turbo S models and two PHEV choices. All of this starts at $40,445, with PHEV models starting from $54,400. This PHEV Premium Plus tester came with a sticker price of $59,500.

As I mentioned before, I am still puzzled about why Mazda removed the third row of seats from CX-90 to create a separate model. Granted, it is a cost-cutting move. Yes, it would easier to cut about a foot from the overall length. However, the upshot of simply removing the third row of seats is to create a better cargo situation with the space this already there.

Then again, there may be consumers that want such a two-row mid-size SUV with plenty of space and specific driving characteristics. If you are one of these consumers, let us introduce you to the 2025 Mazda CX-70. You might appreciate the finished product.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Mazda North American Operations

All photos by Randy Stern