Take one Mazda CX-90 midsize three-row SUV, remove the second-row seat, revise the exterior styling details, and you’ve got the new 2025 Mazda CX-70. When it goes on sale later in 2024, Mazda’s new midsize two-row crossover SUV will slot into the automaker’s lineup between the substantially smaller two-row CX-50 and the similarly sized three-row CX-90.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Unsurprisingly, the CX-70 shares plenty with the larger CX-90. However, Mazda is targeting a different customer with its latest SUV. The video and imagery the automaker shared suggest that young and successful couples and middle-aged empty-nesters will likely find it appealing.
Unfortunately, Mazda shared few details about the CX-70 during a private unveiling to the media in Southern California. What follows is what I could glean during a photography shoot.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
A Mazda representative told me the CX-70 looks slightly smaller than the CX-90 due to its exclusive 21-inch wheel designs, different bumpers, and gloss black exterior detailing. The subtle modifications work, as I could have sworn the new two-row SUV was smaller than the three-row.
No matter, because it looks terrific. With its blunt nose, short front overhang, long dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapered greenhouse pulled tautly back and over the rear wheels, the new Mazda CX-70 has an alluring look that rivals cannot replicate using a front-wheel-drive platform.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Inside, the CX-70 and CX-90 are closely aligned, though Mazda is introducing a new red premium Nappa leather interior on the CX-70. And, of course, the CX-70 doesn’t have the CX-90’s rather cramped third-row seat.
Instead, you’ll find a spacious, comfortable second-row bench seat with a sizable cargo area behind it. Mazda did not share official measurements but claims it is one of the largest in the midsize two-row segment. Mazda demonstrated substantial compartmentalized storage under the cargo floor while I photographed the version with the gas-only inline-six engine.
The CX-70 provides excellent comfort for four adults (or five when necessary). The quality of the materials reflects Mazda’s desire to move into premium-brand territory, and in top-specification, it looks, feels, and smells like a luxury SUV inside.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Mazda shared little about the CX-70’s specifications. However, considering its basis on the CX-90, it’s fair to say it will be similar to the three-row SUV. It’s not identical, though, because a Mazda spokesperson told me the specs won’t match exactly.
There will be a plug-in hybrid electric version called the CX-70 PHEV and one with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine likely called the CX-70 3.3T Turbo.
In the CX-90, the PHEV provides 26 miles of electric-only range before a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine turns on to help propel the SUV. The inline six comes in two different states of tune, offering up to 340 horsepower in Turbo S trim.
In addition, expect the CX-70 to feature a standard rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Mazda confirms that the CX-70 will offer Enhanced Cruising with Traffic Support, building upon existing technology that currently works at speeds under 38 mph to operate at highway speeds. The system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance to offer semi-autonomous driving support as long as drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel.
In addition, this feature adds an automatic emergency stop assistance function. While using Enhanced Cruising with Traffic Support, the technology monitors to ensure the driver is holding the steering wheel. If it detects this is not the case, and the driver does not respond to requests to re-take control, the system assumes a medical emergency is taking place, or the driver is otherwise incapacitated. It will then bring the CX-70 to a safe stop.
In addition to these new features, which will likely be available on the 2025 CX-90, it is reasonable to assume the new Mazda CX-70 will have all of the same advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) found in its three-row sibling.
Also, Mazda says it is confident the new CX-70 will continue the automaker’s proven track record for high safety ratings.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The new 2025 CX-70 has a widescreen version of Mazda Connect nestled into its dashboard. The top-trim models I photographed appeared to have the same 12.3-inch display screen as the CX-90, complete with touchscreen control for the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration features.
Otherwise, Mazda Connect’s display does not offer touchscreen operation. Instead, you can use the physical controls located on the center console or try the voice recognition system. In the new CX-70, voice recognition should work much better than before, thanks to the new Amazon Alexa integration.
Mazda also confirms the CX-70 will offer a new Trailer Hitch View camera to help owners connect a trailer and try out the SUV’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
When the Mazda CX-70 goes on sale later this year, it will straddle what JD Power calls mass-market and premium brands.
The CX-70 will compete with nicely equipped versions of the Buick Envision, Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on the mass-market side. Premium-brand alternatives could include smaller models such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60.
But its primary rivals might prove to be the redesigned Lincoln Nautilus, the all-new Toyota Crown Signia, and the perennial favorite Lexus RX.
Mazda and the author’s observations are the sources of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 23, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran digital automotive journalist with nearly 30 years of experience in test-driving vehicles. In addition to JDPower.com, his work has appeared in numerous new- and used-car buying guides, newspapers, and automotive industry trade journals.
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