1. UPSCALE INTERIOR

What jumps out immediately when you step into the Mazda CX-70 is that its designers have delivered a truly upscale vehicle that rivals what you’ll find in luxury SUVs from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Genesis. Nothing looks or feels cheap in this vehicle, and it has a genuinely premium feel.

When you consider that Mazda is not a luxury nameplate, that’s impressive. And it clearly beats the level of sophistication in non-luxury rivals such as the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Subaru Outback and more.

Interior highlights include a panoramic moonroof, intricately designed Nappa Leather seating, and a soft-touch dashboard, heated seats in both front and back rows, ventilated front seats, two-toned and heated leather steering wheel, 3-zone automatic climate control, and second-row window sunshades.

All 5 passengers have more than enough leg room (41.7 inches in front row, and an amazing 39.4 inches in second row) and head room, and the seats are comfortable on both short and long drives.

2. AMPLE CARGO SPACE

Cargo space is a key consideration for SUV buyers, and the CX-70 delivers with some solid numbers.

Since it shares the overall design of the CX-90, it offers very similar numbers.

The CX-70 offers 39.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row, and 75.3 cubic feet with the 2nd row folded down. These are extremely competitive numbers in the midsize SUV segment.

The CX-70 also offers a hidden underfloor storage compartment in the cargo area.

3. POWERFUL ENGINE

Power is one area where the 2025 Mazda CX-70 does not disappoint.

There are a couple of power plants offered. Lower trim levels get the base engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims, like the one I tested, get a 3.3-liter, six-cylinder turbo engine offering 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive comes standard on all CX-70s, as does Hill Descent Control.

For drivers looking for a greener vehicle, the CX-70 also offers a plug-in hybrid version — which combines a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. Its total output is a respectable 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

Drive modes include Sport, Normal and Off-Road, and towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Typically, larger SUVs like the CX-70 aren’t ones you would classify as fun to drive, but Mazda has always bucked that trend with its larger vehicles. 

The CX-70 has an impressive 0-to-60 speed of just over 6 seconds, is more nimble on curvy roads than you might anticipate, brakes immediately, and delivers an overall smooth ride. Compared to rival SUVs in this category, the driving experience of the CX-70 is much more appealing to enthusiasts who don’t want to settle for a boring vehicle just because they are choosing an SUV.

With standard AWD, the CX-70 operates effectively in all weather conditions. It’s the perfect combination of being powerful when needed, but also smooth overall when you don’t need to push it to the limit. Whatever thrill level you desire behind the wheel, the CX-70 can deliver it.

4. SOMEWHAT PRICEY

With a starting price around $42K, and topping out around $58K, the price of the Mazda CX-70 is a bit higher than some rival midsize SUVs.

WIth its upscale design and powerful motor, it has definite advantages over those rivals, so the difference is understandable, but time will tell if people are willing to take the leap and pony up a few extra bucks for the CX-70.

Warranties on the CX-70 are decent, but not class-leading. They include:
— Overall vehicle warranty for three years or 36,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles

5. TECH IS A MIXED BAG

When it comes to tech and safety features, the CX-70 has some highs and some lows.

The infotainment setup, for starters, is based around a center control dial and isn't the most user-friendly setup. The lack of touchscreen capability is something that should be remedied in future editions.

On the positive side, the physical climate control buttons are easy to use, and voice commands work effectively in the CX-70. And if you do use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for phone mirroring, touchscreen use is enabled.

Other top tech features include a Navigation system, Mazda Connected Services, Bose sound system with 12 speakers, three-month trial of satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB inputs.

The safety features are more positive, delivering on all fronts. From the limited self-driving capability that uses lane centering and adaptive cruise control systems, to the 360-degree view camera and features such as blind spot monitoring, the CX-70 will do its part to keep you and your family safe on the roadways.

There are even new features added for 2025, such as the Unresponsive Driver Support — which pulls the car over safely if the driver isn't actively controlling the vehicle, which could happen during a medical emergency.

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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews or on TikTok at @AutoTechReviews.. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.