Mazda has become known for a superb line of 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 2025 CX-70 midsize AWD SUV.
The 2025 CX-70 slots in between their smaller CX-50 (in yesteryear it was badged a CX-5) 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. In addition, we had the high-performance Turbo S with inline-six engine.
Mazda designers did an excellent job on the interior. It’s sleek, upscale with heated/ventilated 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 dash is covered in a plush, sueded material as are the doors. 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 operate.
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.
We have to take issue here with the gear selector pattern. It would be nice if it was a straight in-line movement, but instead the handle must be pulled to the left to engage “Park” gear.
Over on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that includes a driver information display for mode selections plus a compass and other operating functions, it too is vivid and all encompassing.
After a low 20-inch step-in into the heated rear seats, they are heavily padded and comfy with exceptional leg and generous head room. The transaxle hump is low allowing for a short-legged passenger to be accommodated. And the seatbacks recline for a relaxing snooze.
Back in the cargo area that has a 30-inch lift-over, it’s spacious and with the rear seat’s upright, measures 50 inches deep. Flip the rear seatbacks and cargo loading depth expands to 80 inches for 75.3 cubic feet of space. The cargo underfloor offers two sizable bins to stow small items out of sight.
Under the hood is a potent 3.3-liter inline turbocharged six-cylinder that generates 340-hp and 369 lb/ft of torque with some mild hybrid boost. The combination garners EPA mileage estimates of 23-city, 28-highway mpg. So powered, there’s certainly no want for power. It has been independently timed at 6.2 seconds for a 0-60 sprint – not bad for a 4,863-pound SUV. Switch to Sport mode and it adds extra spunk with quick, higher rpm shifts. So rated, CX-70 carries a tow rating of 5,000 pounds.
If you prefer more economy, the CX-70 PHEV gets a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a hybrid system that produces 323-hp. In EV mode, Mazda says it can provide about 25 miles that should suffice for short trips to the local grocery store. And it couples to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Handling wise, it’s not a sports car but it can hold its own in the curves In Off-Road mode its mainly for mildly rough roadways that its 8.1-inch ground clearance can handle. 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 $55,950. And that’s with a long list of safety features that include 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 Red Crystal Metallic paint ($595) and delivery ($1,375) that took the bottom line to a premium $57,920.
If shopping for a stylish, midsize SUV that offers a host of amenities, safety features and comfort, check out Mazda’s newest offering as it’s destined to become a top seller.
