2024 Mazda CX70 Review
2025 Mazda CX70
Price as tested: $57,920
3.3 Liter Twin Turbo Inline 6 w/Mild Hybrid
340 HP / 369 TQ
MPG as observed: 24
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Mazda has once again raised the bar with the 2025 CX-70. In a world filled with dreary blobs of CUVness, the CX70 brings much needed style, personality and bit of soul. Yes all of that comes with a price tag to boot but it’s best to think of this as a ‘near luxury’ competitor rather than a pedestrian Highlander or Pilot competitor.
Call it diving providence but we were fortunate to test the CX70 down the same route we took the CX90 last year…a trip down to Florida. Covering roughly 1300 miles is the ultimate way to test if the CX70 does indeed live up to it’s expectation.
Let’s find out!
The Great:
At the core of the CX-70’s appeal is its engine. Mazda’s turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six is a masterpiece. It delivers a smooth, potent power delivery that belies its size. Whether you opt for the 280 horsepower base model or the 340 horsepower S trim, you'll be grinning from ear to ear. The engine’s character is matched by a sharp-handling chassis that makes the CX-70 feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV.
Lastly the fuel efficiency is borderline phenomenal! Our 1300 mile trek gave us an average fuel economy of 24 MPG, that’s with a full laden vehicle, AC on full blast and errr motivation to get to the destination quickly.
The Good:
The CX-70’s interior is a haven of luxury and technology. High-quality materials abound, and the ergonomics are spot on. The infotainment system is responsive and user-friendly. Cargo space is generous for the segment, and the second-row seats offer ample legroom.
I will say this without hesitation, one of the prettiest interiors in the entire segment!
The uhhh Mixed Bag?
I’m slotting this here because it is wholly in the eye of the beeholder and that is the pricing of the CX-70.
Base to low/mid tier trim levels are competitively priced against the Highlander and the Pilot. It’s when you start marching up the trim range is when it starts to eclipse both models. Case in point: Our tester stickered at $57,920, which is nearly $8000 more than a comparable equipped Highlander.
BUT
Remember how I said the CX-70 is more akin to a ‘near luxury’ vehicle? So, comparing our $57,920 sticker to a comparable Genesis GV70, the CX-70 is nearly $10,000 cheaper! Same goes for the Acura MDX as well.
So either you can be Captain Negative:
‘‘OMG, it’s so much more than a Highlander and Pilot!’’
Or be Captain Positive:
‘‘OMG, it’s so much cheaper than a GV70 or MDX!’’
It’s up to you and your prescribed medication to figure out.
The Bad:
The stiff suspension that yields enjoyable backroad shenanigans, remains stiff on the highway, so instead of a condling ride it’s more have a jouncy one. The interior, while exceptionally beautiful, yields road and wind noise in spades during highway cruising. Lastly, the seats, while looking spectacular, are stiff and a bit unsupportive after an hour in the seat.
Rounding out the quirks of the CX70 is while the acceleration is plentiful…you can feel the uneven distribution of torque across the revrange. It starts off strong (thanks to the mild hybrid setup), then teeters off…then comes back on again right before redline.
The Ugly:
The CX-70 shares errr…well everything with the CX-90. Other than literal black trim, there is no difference in styling, wheelbase, interior volume all the way to powertrain. If you’re thinking the difference would be the weight, well you’re wrong. Removing the third row saves only 38 pounds!
Adding to the confounding problem is the pricing difference is negligible $400 between both models!
Now, if the CX-70 actually was different (in anyway) compared to the CX-90, I wouldn’t be this harsh…but it isn’t.
The Overall
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize performance and luxury. Its exceptional engine and engaging handling make it a joy to drive, and its interior is undeniably upscale. However, there are some faults such as highway road manners, uneven power delivery and its high price point. The final nail in the proverbial coffin is the CX90, for roughly the same amount of money…you gain the practicality of a third row.
So the question to ask yourselves is the following:
‘To third row or not to third row…that is the question’
