Mazda has become known for a superb line of AWD SUVs catering to a wide variety of buyers ranging from singles to families, all of which have a variety of needs. We were privileged to test and review their most recent offering in the Mazda 2026 CX-70 midsize AWD SUV Premium Plus. The 2026 CX-70 slots in between their smaller CX-50 and family-oriented, three-row CX-90.
Appearance wise, the CX-70 has a bit sportier lines then the 90 with black air vents fore and aft, but it still maintains Mazda familiar smooth, suave styling. It’s offered in Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus that we tested plus a PHEV model and high-output six cylinder.
Mazda designers did an excellent job on the interior. It’s sleek, upscale with heated/ventilated, soft Nappa leather front seats that have just the right amount of lateral support. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is nicely tucked into the dash and serves a host of features, functions, rearview and frontal cameras both with overhead views, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa connectivity, satellite radio and more. The padded dash is a rarity in many new cars today as most merely use hard plastics on the dash. It adds extra splash of upscale classiness.
Below that are traditional HVAC horizontally arranged switches that we appreciate for their easy to view and use, instead of putting them on the touchscreen that momentarily takes the eyes off the road to search and operate your desired selection.
The console houses the stubby gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission (supplemented with paddle shifters) along with a wireless phone charger and a mode selector toggle switch for Sport, Normal and Off-Road modes. Sharing the location is a rotary controller for the touchscreen’s menu and functions.
Over on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, that includes a driver information display for mode selections plus a compass and drive mode selections. It’s also outfitted with a driver sensor that warns if not maintaining face forward. Yes, it’s annoying, but it’s a safety measure.
After a low 21-inch step-in into the heated rear seats, they are heavily padded and comfy with exceptional leg and generous head room. And the seatbacks recline for a relaxing snooze.
Back in the cargo area that has a 31-inch lift-over, it’s spacious and with the nicely padded rear seat’s upright, there’s 57-cubic feet of cargo space that measures 50 inches deep, 43.5 wide and 29.5 high. Flip the rear seatbacks and cargo loading depth expands to 80 inches for 75.3 cubic feet of space. The cargo underfloor offers shallow bins for small item storage.
Under the hood is a potent 3.3-liter inline turbocharged six-cylinder that with mild hybrid boost, generates 280-hp and 332 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the 8-speed automatic transmission, the combination garners EPA mileage estimates of 24 city, 28-highway mpg. So powered, there’s certainly no want for power. Switch to Sport mode and it adds extra spunk with quick, higher rpm shifts. If you have a small utility trailer or boat to tow, CX-70 carries a tow rating of 3,500 pounds. Want more power? Mazda offers a 3.3-liter Turbo mild hybrid with 340 hp and 369 lb/ft of torque.
If you prefer more economy, the CX-70 PHEV gets a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a plug-in hybrid system that produces 323-hp and 369 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 61 MPGe.
Handling wise, it’s not a sports car but it can hold its own in the curves. It rides smoothly and quietly on Toyo 21-inch tires. And in Off-Road mode, its mainly for mild off-roads that its 8.1-inch ground clearance can handle plus modest snow depths. Actually, the CX-70 is too handsome to be taken off-road. But its ground clearance will be good during winter’s snowy months here in the Snowbelt.
While lesser equipped models can be had for $40K-plus, our top-line Premium Plus was at the top of the scale. Our generously endowed version came in at $49,570 and that’s with a long list of safety features that includes lane departure warning, smart brake support, front cross traffic alert/braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and lots more.
For all this, the only extra charges were for all-weather floor mats ($150), cargo organizer ($100), Melting Copper Metallic paint ($595) and delivery ($1,530), that took the bottom line to $51,945. This is below many comparable competitive AWD SUVs, but without the extensive content of the CX-70 Premium Plus provides.
CX-70 also comes with impressive government 5-Star safety ratings as it achieved a general score of a full five stars. Driver/passenger frontal crash earned four stars, while front/rear seats side crash scored five stars and rollover come in at four stars.
If shopping for a stylish, midsize AWD SUV that offers a host of amenities, safety features, comfort and top safety ratings, check out Mazda’s newest offering. It’s destined to become a top seller if it isn’t already.
