Mazda has been on an SUV roll lately, and the 2025 CX-70 is the latest model to join their lineup. At first glance, this SUV is undeniably attractive and packed with upscale features. Our test model, the highly-equipped 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, rings in at around $58,000, a significant investment for a vehicle bearing the Mazda badge. However, as stunning as the CX-70 is, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s missing a clear purpose, especially when compared to its incredibly similar and more practical sibling, the CX-90. Is the CX-70 just style over substance? Let’s delve into this Mazda Cx70 Review to find out.
Head-Turning Design and Premium Interior
Let’s be clear, the Mazda CX-70 is a beautiful vehicle, both inside and out. It exudes a level of sophistication and luxury that rivals even established luxury brands. Stepping inside the CX-70 is a treat. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and a keen eye for detail. From the plush dash coverings to the exquisitely designed leather seats, the cabin feels genuinely premium. Mazda has truly elevated its game in terms of interior design and material quality, making competitors from mainstream brands look rather ordinary in comparison. It’s an environment that genuinely feels special, a place where you want to spend time.
Exterior view of the Soul Red 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S highlighting its stylish SUV design.
The Missing Piece: Practicality and the Third Row
Despite its generous dimensions – 201 inches long and 78 inches wide – the Mazda CX-70 comes with only two rows of seating. This is where the core issue of its existence arises. In a market segment dominated by SUVs offering three rows for family hauling or extra passenger capacity, the CX-70’s decision to omit the third row is perplexing. While some buyers might prioritize passenger space over cargo, a large SUV without a third row feels inherently less practical. Even if you don’t regularly need seven seats, the flexibility of occasionally carrying extra passengers or their gear is a significant advantage in a vehicle of this size. The absence of this option in the CX-70 limits its appeal compared to rivals and, more importantly, its own stablemate, the CX-90.
Adding to the confusion, the cargo space in the CX-70 is virtually identical to the CX-90 with the third row folded down, offering around 40 cubic feet of storage. This means you’re getting a large, two-row SUV with the same cargo capacity as its three-row counterpart, but without the added passenger flexibility. The question then becomes: why choose the CX-70 when the CX-90 offers so much more practicality for potentially the same price?
Driving Dynamics and Performance: A Mazda Trademark
Like other Mazdas, the CX-70 excels in driving dynamics. The steering is nicely weighted and communicative, offering a level of engagement that is rare in this vehicle class. Body control is impressive, and the CX-70 handles corners with a surprising agility and balance. It manages to strike a pleasant balance between sporty handling and ride comfort. While the ride is firmer than some competitors, it’s never harsh and remains comfortable for daily driving. This athleticism behind the wheel is a consistent strength of Mazda vehicles, and the CX-70 is no exception.
Under the hood of our test CX-70 Turbo S is Mazda’s new turbocharged inline-six engine, producing a robust 340 horsepower. This engine is a gem, delivering smooth and responsive power with a satisfying growl when you push the accelerator. It’s a significant step up from the typical four-cylinder engines found in many SUVs and provides a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Fuel economy is also respectable for its class, with our test showing around 23 MPG overall.
Luxurious interior of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus highlighting the upscale materials and design.
A Powertrain Quirk: Low-Speed Hesitation
Despite the overall excellence of the inline-six engine, there’s a noticeable drawback: low-speed engine hesitation. During slow maneuvers, such as navigating parking lots or stop-and-go traffic, the engine and transmission can feel somewhat unresponsive and jerky. Transitions from braking or coasting at low speeds can be less than smooth, creating a slightly unrefined feel that detracts from the otherwise luxurious driving experience. While this issue might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s a noticeable flaw that impacts the overall driving refinement, especially considering the CX-70’s premium aspirations.
CX-70 vs. CX-90: The Unavoidable Comparison
Ultimately, this Mazda CX-70 review circles back to the unavoidable comparison with the CX-90. Both SUVs share the same platform, powertrains, and overall dimensions. They are nearly indistinguishable in terms of styling and interior appointments. However, the CX-90 offers the crucial advantage of a third row of seating, significantly enhancing its practicality. Given that there’s no significant price difference between the two models, it’s difficult to justify choosing the CX-70 over the more versatile CX-90.
Rear cargo area of the 2025 Mazda CX-70, demonstrating its ample space despite lacking a third row.
Final Verdict: Style Points, but Lacking Purpose
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a stylish and well-appointed SUV with a luxurious interior and engaging driving dynamics. It showcases Mazda’s commitment to quality and design. However, its lack of a third row in a vehicle of this size significantly limits its practicality and makes it a puzzling proposition within Mazda’s own lineup. Unless you have a very specific need for a large two-row SUV and are drawn purely to the CX-70’s aesthetic, the more versatile and equally impressive Mazda CX-90 appears to be the more sensible choice. While the CX-70 is undoubtedly a beautiful vehicle, its purpose in the market feels somewhat unclear.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus
As-tested price: About $58,000
Starting price: About $41,000
Pros: A-list interior and exterior; Engaging inline-six engine; Agile handling
Cons: Engine hesitation at low speed; Large size without third-row seating
Full Image Gallery:
Close-up of the Mazda CX-70 front seats showcasing the premium leather and interior design.
Rear seats of the Mazda CX-70, highlighting the spaciousness of the second row.
Panoramic view of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 interior showcasing the dashboard and overall cabin layout.
Another angle of the Mazda CX-70 rear seats emphasizing legroom and seat comfort.
Detailed shot of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus interior highlighting material quality on the door panel.
Interior detail of the Mazda CX-70 showcasing the stitching and craftsmanship of the seats.
Wide shot of the Mazda CX-70 interior showcasing the dashboard design and overall cabin ambiance.
Driver’s perspective of the Mazda CX-70 Turbo interior focusing on the steering wheel and instrument cluster.
Front three-quarter view of the Mazda CX-70 highlighting its exterior styling and proportions.
Side profile of the Soul Red Mazda CX-70 emphasizing its sleek SUV silhouette.
Front view of the Mazda CX-70 Turbo S showcasing its grille and headlight design.
Front angle of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 in Soul Red paint highlighting its overall stance.
Close up of the Soul Red 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S badge and front fender detail.
Rear three-quarter view of the Mazda CX-70 Turbo S showcasing its taillight design and rear styling.
