LOOKS

Take one look at the CX-70 and you’ll recognize it is an attractive ride that follows the design language of the CX-90. It’s a somewhat large vehicle, yet still appears low and sleek. The CX-70 I tested featured beautiful 21-inch alloy machine-cut wheels.

Mazda is clearly aiming to compete with upscale and luxury vehicles with the CX-70, and isn’t trying to battle with Jeep, Honda and other more pedestrian alternatives.

The CX-70 features a classy honeycomb grille, panoramic moonroof, aluminum roof rails, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, hands-free power rear liftgate, and heated power mirrors with turn lamps.

Once you open the doors, the high-end interior design of the CX-70 showcases why Mazda is truly in a position to compete with luxury brand crossovers.

There is a healthy amount of leg and head room for all five passengers, comfortable Nappa leather seating, leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, heated front seats and second-row window sunshades. Nothing looks or feels cheap in this vehicle, and it has a genuinely premium feel.

The Premium Plus package adds ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

While Mazda is not considered a luxury brand, the level of detail put into the interiors of their vehicles might have you convinced otherwise.

Cargo space is roughly the same as the CX-90, offering 75.3 cubic feet with the second row down, and 39.6 cubic feet with the second row up. These are highly competitive numbers in the midsize crossover segment, plus you get a little more storage space under the trunk floor for small items.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

In addition to much of its design, the CX-70 plug-in hybrid also shares the same power plant as the CX-90 plug-in.

The vehicle combines a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor, a 17.8-kWh battery pack, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Total output is 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

All-wheel drive comes standard on all versions of the CX-70.

The CX-70 PHEV provides plenty of power when you need it and delivers a quick, smooth and enjoyable overall driving experience. Despite a healthy size, handling remains strong, braking is immediate, and the CX-70 is responsive to driver inputs on twisty roads.

While not the best ride I’ve experienced in a Mazda, the CX-70 is quite sporty for its size, and the only issue I had was a slight delay at times when I tried to get moving from a stop.

The 0-to-60 times in the plug-in CX-70 clock in just under the 6-second mark. The engine can be a bit whiny at times, but it’s not a big enough issue to be a dealbreaker. Other driving features include Hill Launch Assist, and anti-lock brakes.

If you opt for the regular CX-70, all of those models will feature a turbo, 3.3-liter inline-six power plant delivering 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.

The towing capacity of the CX-70 comes to a total of 3,500 pounds. Nothing to write home about, but better than some alternatives.

Drive modes include Sport, Normal, Off-road and EV mode, adjustable via switch in the center console.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The tech setup is arguably the most frustrating part of this vehicle. The CX-70 features a center screen that is not touch control-enabled unless you are connected via phone mirroring through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This is a curious choice which I would recommend Mazda to remedy in the future, as people have grown accustomed to touchscreen controls.

Instead of a touchscreen, controls are executed through a center dial (and a few buttons) that can be cumbersome to use at times.

Voice commands work effectively most of the time in the CX-70, offering an alternative to the center dial. The vehicle is also Alexa-enabled, so you can pass time by asking Alexa whatever questions you may have on your mind.

But the reality is Mazda really should consider upgrading to a touchscreen and simplifying operations in the near future, as its tech setup is falling behind the competition.

Music lovers will appreciate the quality, 12-speaker Bose stereo system that holds up well against the competition, and was clear at all volume levels.

Other tech features include a 1500-watt AC power outlet, wireless phone charger, Bluetooth connectivity, four USB inputs and Mazda Connected Services (which lets you use an app to lock/unlock your car or start it remotely).

The CX-70 features plenty of helpful safety systems, which all proved helpful even though some of them were over-sensitive at times.

New safety features debut as well, including the Unresponsive Driver Support feature that can safely pull the car over if the driver isn't actively controlling the vehicle, such as when a medical emergency has happened. This is a novel idea that will likely catch on throughout the industry.

Many traditional safety features are included, such as: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, a full array of airbags, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, plus front and rear parking sensors.

MPG, RANGE

Official fuel mileage numbers on the 2025 Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid are listed at 56 MPGe (combined gas/electric). It can run strictly on electric power for a total of 26 miles.

When it’s running on gas only, which will be most of the time if you drive longer distances, the CX-70 is listed at 25 miles per gallon. And in the time I drove the CX-70 on gas alone, I actually exceeded this number by a couple mpg.

Charging the vehicle up once the EV-only miles are exhausted will take just over two hours with a Level 2 outlet. It’s essential to invest in an upgraded outlet if you’re going to charge your EV or plug-in hybrid at home, or the math doesn’t work out for buying one.

All together, the CX-70 plug-in hybrid will provide 490 miles of range between the gas engine and the EV mileage. But the small EV-only number means that only people with very short commutes or driving routines will be able to avoid the gas stations for long periods of time.

If you opt for the non plug-in version, the CX-70 will deliver 23 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway and 25 combined.

PRICE

For the plug-in hybrid version of the CX-70, there are two trim levels — Premium and Premium Plus. My Premium Plus test vehicle was priced at just over $59K, while the Premium trim starts at just under $56K.

These numbers are very similar to the pricing of the CX-90 plug-in hybrid, which includes the third row. And for most people, the Premium trim will be strong enough to fit their needs, saving a few thousand bucks.

If you opt for the traditional gas-only/non-hybrid version of the CX-70, that pricing starts around $42K and goes up to $57K.

These numbers are slightly more pricey than rival SUVs, but keep in mind that the CX-70 features a genuinely upscale design, as well as better performance than most rivals. So those factors must be taken into account.

Moving on to warranties, Mazda offers decent coverage, including: 
— Limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles
— Hybrid component coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles

BOTTOM LINE

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a new option for Mazda fans that slots in between the CX-50 and CX-90, and its plug-in hybrid version is aimed at drivers looking to maximize fuel economy and go green with their vehicle choice.

The roomy SUV features high-quality interior design and a unique look on the exterior. The CX-70 is essentially a new trim level of the CX-90 with the third row of seats removed, and that’s not a bad thing at all considering the high marks the CX-90 has received since its arrival.

SUV shoppers would be wise to give the CX-70 a test drive and see if it fits their needs.

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