Mazda has been aggressively expanding its SUV lineup, and the CX-70 is the latest entrant. This new model shares the same excellent qualities as its siblings but raises a fundamental question: why does it exist? Priced around $58,000 for the top-tier 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus trim, the CX-70 certainly commands a premium for a Mazda. As you’ll see, it justifies its price with stunning looks and a luxurious feel. However, the elephant in the room is the near-identical and perpetually more practical Mazda CX-90, which overshadows the CX-70 in a crucial aspect.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Review: A stylish new SUV but is it practical?
Stunning Design and Premium Interior
It’s hard not to be captivated by the CX-70’s aesthetics. Both inside and out, this SUV exudes a level of sophistication rarely seen in its class, rivaling even luxury brands like Lexus in terms of perceived quality. The exterior styling is both elegant and sporty, while the interior is a masterclass in design and material selection. Mazda has truly elevated its game, creating cabins that feel far more expensive than their price tags suggest. From the lush dashboard coverings to the meticulously crafted leather seats, the CX-70’s interior is a genuinely pleasant space to be in. You might be surprised by the level of luxury Mazda is now offering; it could make you reconsider your perceptions of mainstream brands.
The Mazda CX-70 Turbo S in Soul Red: A visually striking SUV with premium paint.
However, the beauty and luxury are juxtaposed with a significant drawback. The CX-70 is a large, almost full-size SUV, measuring 201 inches long and 78 inches wide. This considerable size would typically imply a spacious three-row interior, perfect for families or those needing extra passenger capacity. Yet, the CX-70 comes exclusively as a two-row SUV.
The Practicality Problem: Where is the Third Row?
This is where the fundamental flaw of the CX-70 emerges. In a vehicle of this size, the absence of a third row is perplexing. The author of the original review bluntly questions the very reason for the CX-70’s existence. While some might argue that not everyone needs three rows, the flexibility and added practicality of a third row are undeniably valuable, even for those who don’t regularly use it. Think about carpooling with friends, accommodating extra passengers occasionally, or simply having the option for future family growth. The CX-90, Mazda’s own mechanically identical sibling, offers this crucial third row without any compromise in other areas, and crucially, at a similar price point.
Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus Interior: Luxurious and well-appointed, but missing a key feature for its size.
Adding to the confusion, the cargo space remains identical between the CX-70 and CX-90 when the CX-90’s third row is folded. Both offer a generous 40 cubic feet of storage. This means you’re getting a large SUV with the footprint of a three-row vehicle, but with the passenger capacity of a smaller, two-row model. When comparing the CX-70 and CX-90 side-by-side, it becomes difficult to justify choosing the less practical option, especially when there’s no significant price advantage.
Driving Dynamics and Engine Performance: Typical Mazda Excellence
Beyond the practicality question, the CX-70, like the CX-90, excels in areas where Mazda consistently shines: driving dynamics. From the moment you grip the nicely weighted steering wheel, the CX-70 feels engaging and athletic for its size. It exhibits a degree of body control and balance that defies typical SUV conventions. This is an SUV that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, offering a level of driver engagement often missing in this segment.
Interior view of the 2025 Mazda CX-70: Driver-focused cockpit with premium materials.
Mazda engineers have masterfully balanced sporty handling with ride comfort. While the CX-70’s ride is firmer than some rivals to achieve its cornering prowess, it remains comfortable enough for daily driving. The steering in the test vehicle was noted to have a slight dead zone on-center, which could be an alignment issue, but overall, the driving experience is a major highlight.
The introduction of Mazda’s new turbocharged inline-six engine is another significant talking point. In the Turbo S configuration, it produces a robust 340 horsepower. This engine is praised for its smooth and precise revving, delivering ample power with a satisfying growl, a welcome contrast to the often unrefined four-cylinder engines prevalent in the market. Fuel economy is also respectable for its class, with the test vehicle averaging 23 MPG, although a CX-90 with the same engine surprisingly achieved a slightly better 26 MPG in a separate test.
Close-up of the Mazda CX-70 interior: Showcasing the high-quality materials and design details.
A Notable Engine Refinement Issue
Despite the engine’s overall strengths, a significant drawback was identified in the low-speed refinement. The engine and transmission exhibit delayed responses and a somewhat грубоватый (rough) character during low-speed maneuvers, such as transitioning from braking or coasting in traffic or parking lots. This issue, while also present to a lesser extent in the CX-90, is more pronounced in the CX-70. It detracts from the otherwise luxurious nature of the vehicle and makes the powertrain feel somewhat unfinished. While some drivers might not notice this characteristic, it was a noticeable flaw in the test vehicle and something Mazda needs to address to fully realize the potential of its new inline-six engine.
Cargo space of the 2025 Mazda CX-70: Spacious for a two-row SUV, but the overall size raises practicality questions.
Final Verdict: CX-90 Still Reigns Supreme
In conclusion, reviewing the CX-70 almost feels like reviewing the CX-90, but with a crucial piece missing. The CX-70 inherits all the strengths of the CX-90 – its stunning design, luxurious interior, engaging driving dynamics, and potent inline-six engine. However, it also carries over some weaknesses, notably the low-speed engine refinement issue, and amplifies a significant practical disadvantage by omitting the third-row seats.
Front seats of the Mazda CX-70: Comfortable and supportive, showcasing premium upholstery.
While some automakers offer coupe versions of their SUVs that at least differentiate themselves visually (like the BMW X5 and X6), the CX-70 and CX-90 are nearly indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Unless you have a very specific need for a two-row SUV of this size and are willing to forgo the added versatility of a third row, the Mazda CX-90 remains the more sensible and practical choice. Even if you rarely use the third row, having it available “just in case” is a valuable asset. Mazda also offers both models as plug-in hybrids, but the review advises against the four-cylinder hybrid due to its unrefined nature and questionable fuel economy benefits.
Rear seats of the Mazda CX-70: Spacious and comfortable for passengers, but the vehicle’s size hints at more potential.
The Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 represent an exciting step forward for Mazda, showcasing their ability to produce truly premium vehicles. However, for most buyers in this segment, the added practicality of the CX-90’s third row makes it the clear winner. The CX-70 is a stylish and luxurious SUV, but its lack of a third row in a vehicle of its size is a significant and difficult-to-ignore drawback.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus Specifications (as tested):
- As-tested price: Approximately $58,000
- Starting price: Approximately $41,000
Pros:
- A-list interior and exterior design
- Smooth and powerful inline-six engine
- Engaging and deft handling
Cons:
- Engine stutters at low speed
- Large size with no third-row seating
Interior review of the 2025 Mazda CX-70: Highlighting the premium design and materials.
Mazda CX-70 rear seating detail: Showing the legroom and seat design in the two-row SUV.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus interior: A closer look at the luxurious cabin features.
Detailed interior shot of the Mazda CX-70: Emphasizing the craftsmanship and material quality.
Mazda CX-70 interior ambiance: Showcasing the overall design and luxurious feel of the cabin.
Mazda CX-70 Turbo interior design: Highlighting the sporty yet elegant interior styling.
Mazda CX-70 Review: A summary image for social sharing or article thumbnail.
Soul Red Mazda CX-70 exterior: Captivating paint color enhancing the SUV’s design.
Mazda CX-70 Turbo S exterior styling: Showcasing the sporty and elegant design language.
2025 Mazda CX-70 in Soul Red: A full exterior view of the vehicle in its signature color.
Soul Red 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S: Exterior detail shot highlighting the Turbo S badging and styling.
Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Review Badge: A branded image for the Turbo S trim review.
