The Mazda CX-70 is new for the 2025 model year. If it reminds you of the recently launched CX-90, there’s a good reason. It’s the same in almost every way; it just doesn’t have a third row. We spent a week with the top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus, with its brilliant Soul Red paint, and had some thoughts.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Overview

Mazda is starting to dial in its naming convention, with all SUVs adopting the CX designation and a number that aligns with their size. You’ve got options from the subcompact CX-30 up to the full-size CX-90. Although the compact CX-5 still exists alongside the also-compact CX-50. Oh, and if you like the size of the CX-90 but don’t need the third row, there is the CX-70 we are featuring today. It’s identical to the CX-90, with the same dimensions, engines, and features.

If the CX-70 tickles your fancy, you have five trim levels to choose from, all powered by a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six. The base 3.3T makes 280 horsepower, but if you want more, the Turbo S puts out 340 hp! Both engines are pretty torquey, with 332 ft-lbs and 369 ft-lbs, respectively. Pricing starts at just over $40,000 for the base Preferred up to nearly $56,000 for the top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus like our tester. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that starts around $50,000 and has 26 miles of EV-only range.

Our loaner only had $595 added for Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, which is one of the best in the business.

It doesn’t need all that much added since it’s pretty loaded. Out the door, you’re looking at a hefty price tag, just over $57,900. Let’s find out how it did during our week of daily driving and a nice long drive for lunch near the Chesapeake Bay.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus Inside & Out

Many people think all crossovers look the same, and in some ways, they are correct. The average full-size family hauler can get lost in the parking lot. Mazda has done a great job with its SUV lineup, delivering a host of great-looking options. The CX-70 looks fantastic; it’s not over-designed, and the paint is just incredible.

The interior is also pretty impressive. From the Nappa leather to the suede-looking dash pad, I really dig it. It’s unique without being showy. The seats look fabulous, but I found getting comfortable in the driver’s seat a little tricky. The thigh adjustment doesn’t extend very far, and the seat is shallow. On a long drive to St. Michaels, MD, I’d rate it as “fair” concerning comfort. The ergonomics are solid, and mercifully, the infotainment screen can now be manipulated by touch, vs. just using the rotary wheel.

Regarding tech, pairing to wireless Apple CarPlay was easy, but you need to place your phone in precisely the right spot on the pad for wireless charging to work. Other criticisms were minimal; it’s odd how the HVAC system requires you to push the button down to increase the temperature. It’s one of those things you would get used to as an owner. Probably 

Rear leg room is 39.4 inches, which is plenty for most day-to-day purposes. Cargo capacity is fantastic, with 39.6 cubic feet of space. For comparison, you get 15.9 cubes in the CX-90 with the third row in place.

Out on the road, particularly in sport mode, it definitely moves. The impressive horsepower and torque get the nearly 4,900-pound CX-70 up to speed quickly, and it’s a cinch to pass on the highway. In stop-and-go traffic, it kept dropping down a gear randomly, which got a little loud and annoying. The mild hybrid setup means you get 23 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined MPG, which is solid for the size.

Summary

The biggest question is, do you leave the Mazda dealer with a CX-70 or a CX-90? Obviously, if you need the third row, you have to go with the 90. The 90 costs $37,845, $2,600 cheaper than the entry-level CX-70. Of course, that’s due to adding a lower “Select” trim not offered on the CX-70. Still, regardless of your choice, you’ll find a peppy crossover with great styling and a ton of great features. Just make sure you drop the $600 for the good paint color.