The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo elevates Mazda’s SUV lineup with upscale styling, refined performance, and a spacious two-row layout. Designed as a midsize SUV just below the three-row CX-90, the CX-70 is aimed at buyers looking for a more premium experience without the third-row seating. However, with a similar price and design to the CX-90, it might be confusing for buyers.
Mazda has crafted the CX-70 Turbo with elegant lines and a refined, modern aesthetic that could easily pass for a luxury brand. Inside, the high-quality materials and sophisticated layout provide an upscale feel that rivals many premium SUVs. The spaciousness extends through both rows, giving passengers ample comfort and making the cabin feel roomy and accommodating. Without a third row, the CX-70 maximizes cargo space, providing substantial room for trips or daily hauls, making it an ideal two-row option for those needing storage flexibility.
Performance is also a highlight, thanks to a 3.3-liter inline-six engine that delivers 280 horsepower in the base model and an impressive 340 horsepower in the S trim. This boost makes the CX-70 feel zippy and responsive, and combined with Mazda’s well-regarded driving dynamics, it provides an engaging experience with excellent steering feel and a sporty edge that sets it apart from other midsize SUVs. The engine is great, but the eight-speed automatic transmission could use some refinements, since it occasionally hesitates when deciding which gear it should be in.
If you want something more fuel efficient, the CX-70 is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has a 26 mile electric range.
While the CX-70 Turbo impresses in many areas, the infotainment system may require an adjustment. Mazda has opted for a rotary dial as the primary control, which feels less intuitive than a fully touchscreen system. Although the screen supports touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay, the dial can seem redundant.
The model’s place in Mazda’s lineup might also raise questions. With a price tag close to the CX-90, the CX-70 essentially feels like a two-row version of its three-row sibling. The pricing for the CX-70 starts at $41,900, which is higher than the CX-90, which starts at $39,300. The reason the CX-70 has a higher starting price is because the base Select trim is only offered on the CX-90.
The deletion of the third row could perhaps have been offered as a trim level within the CX-90, rather than an entirely separate model. Since the CX-90’s third row can fold flat when not needed, the CX-70’s differentiation may not feel substantial enough for some buyers. Comparing both the Preferred trim levels, the CX-70 is only a $500 cheaper than the CX-90.
At the end of the day the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo is a strong choice for those who prioritize luxury, sporty handling, and cargo capacity over additional seating. It’s still confusing why Mazda opted to make the CX-70 so close to the CX-90, but it easily appeals to buyers that want a luxury feeling SUV and don’t need three rows of seats.
