2025 Mazda CX-70 Review

The CX-70 is new in number, and like other new Mazdas it adds a zero to the CX-7 discontinued more than a decade ago. Its relative newness conflicts with the fact that it’s the same vehicle as the CX-90 three-row crossover SUV, except the CX-70 deletes the third row for a roomier cargo hold and more versatile second row of seats. 

It employs a rear-wheel-drive platform with an inline-6 engine or a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, so it has a long nose to fit those configurations. With its snub tail and short overhangs, it looks like a Lincoln Aviator but smoothed over with curves and chrome to appear less burly and more European. It’s a good look. 

The midsize crossover rivals the Lincoln Nautilus and Volvo XC60, as well as the Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer.  

Mazda’s luxury intentions carry over inside with a long, low dash dressed in quilted nappa leather and contrasting textures, such as available wood-covered console panels and two-tone upholstery. A 12.3-inch display screen centers the dash and is complemented on most models with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that never intrudes on the cabin’s calm.

The platform comes with standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It uses a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension for a road-absorbing ride uncommon for a vehicle this size with fixed damping. 

The three powertrain options carry over from the CX-90 to the CX-70, but Mazda made a multitude of software calibrations to smooth the range-topping plug-in hybrid model. The transitions between engine and motor power are less noticeable, but whether in the 26 miles of all electric range or in a hybrid mix of power, it’s routed through the 8-speed automatic. A Sport mode firms up the throttle response and steering and lets the 8-speed hold gears longer than expected. The PHEV pairs a 189-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 with a 173-hp electric motor powered by a 17.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack to make 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.

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