CX-70 is Mazda’s New Two-Row Mild Hybrid SUV

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CHATHAM, Mass. – Choices. Mazda, like it does in the compact segment, now provides sport-utility vehicle (SUV) buyers a choice between two and three rows, mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power in the company’s series of mid-size models.

First, for the 2024 model year Mazda introduced the three-row CX-90 (we drove it in November 2023) in both mild-hybrid and PHEV versions. This year it followed with the 2025 Mazda CX-70, a two-row mild hybrid or PHEV and we spent an extended period in the top of the mild-hybrid range, the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus.

Powertrain delivers the goods

Mazda calls the CX-70’s standard powerplant the e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine. This mouthful describes a six-cylinder engine which can produce 340 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque on premium gasoline with an electric booster motor.

The 48-Volt mild-hybrid system, which combines an electric motor for starting, enhancing acceleration and powering other on-board systems, helps this 4,863-pound, 201.6-inch-long SUV achieve 0-60 times of 6.2 seconds (according to Car and Driver).

In addition, it can tow a trailer of up to 5,000 pounds.

Putting the power to all four wheels through the rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD (all-wheel-drive system) is an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be manually shifted with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

In addition to excellent performance characteristics, the CX-70 returned solid fuel-economy, 27.8 miles per gallon under my heavy right foot (and turning off the fuel-saving stop-start system because I find this annoying when trying to enter traffic from a stop sign).

My fuel-usage rate compared to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 25 mpg overall (23 urban/28 highway).

As I said, power was always there when I needed or wanted it. The booster motor ensures the absence of any lag awaiting the turbocharger to spool up to speed. And it came on smoothly, as well.

Platform up to the power

Mazda SUVs, whether subcompact, compact or large mid-size, have always handled and ridden like well-tuned sedans, sedans with a bit of a sporting edge. The new CX-70 continues this tradition, carrying on the legacy of Mazda models being enjoyable to drive on either a winding road (like the hilly section from the Atlantic Ocean coast down into the village of Wellfleet here on Cape Cod) or extended highway travel.

The chassis pieces underpinning this latest Mazda model include a double-wishbone setup in the front and an independent multi-link setup with stabilizer bar in the rear.

Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology, which suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance stability and help all occupants to maintain a natural posture, is also standard on all CX-70 models further enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities.

The four-wheel disc-brake system features anti-lock (ABS) with electronic-brakeforce distribution (EBD). The rotors are 13.7 inches up front, 13.8 in the rear, vented on all four corners. There is subtle regenerative braking (not driver controllable) helping to replenish the small hybrid battery and supplementing the friction braking system.

These friction brakes operate within 21 x 9.5J-inch aluminum alloy wheels having a machine-cut finish decked out with 275/45 R21 M+S (mud & snow) tires.

Long list of ADAS for Premium vehicle

The Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus comes with a roster of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) commensurate with its position within the model range. The list includes blind-spot warning; lane-departure warning; emergency lane keeping – blind spot assist, road keep assist, head-on traffic avoidance assist; front cross-traffic alert; lane-keep assist; rear cross-traffic alert; Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Speed Limit Assist; front and rear parking sensors; rear-view monitor with dynamic guidelines; 360-degree monitor, and smart-brake support front, front crossing, rear with pedestrian detection, turn across traffic.

Premium touches, technology fills the interior

The seats and steering wheel are covered in Nappa leather with the front seats featuring power adjustment, heating, ventilation and lumbar support while the second row and the steering wheel (also power adjustable) are heated.

The overall cabin environment is under the control of a tri-zone automatic climate-control system operated by a series of horizontal piano-keyboard-style buttons at the center of the dash – a Mazda feature carried through its sedans and SUVs – below the dash vents and the 12.3-inch Mazda Connect color LCD screen which is the heart of the infotainment system and the interior’s focal point.

Like all Mazda vehicles, the infotainment system, which includes navigation in this model, is controlled by a large console-mounted dial supplemented by four surrounding buttons (for instant access to the entertainment, navigation and home screens as well as one button to go back a screen) and an audio-volume knob and favorites button to its right (on the console). Steering-wheel controls offer another means of infotainment control.

Highlighting the system are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio and services as well as a 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio system.

The Mazda infotainment system user interface is unique and there is a learning curve to get the hang of it. Once learned, the system is comprehensive and works well. The map screens are well designed, with road names large enough for easy understanding. The time spent learning this system is well worth it.

As usual, with a vehicle as well equipped as this CX-70 Premium Plus, I have just scratched the surface of its technology, convenience and amenity offerings. (I did not mention the superb Active Driving Display, Mazda’s very inclusive, easily seen head-up display.)

The Mazda two-row range

Like its CX-90 three-row sibling, the new two-row CX-70 offers mid-size SUV buyers a range of models with good power, excellent handling/ride characteristics and solid fuel economy. All models feature AWD with the 3.3 Preferred Package providing the entry point at $40,445. The comprehensively equipped CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus anchoring the range at $57,450.

Our review unit was the top of the mild-hybrid range, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus at $55,950. The one option, Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint ($595), along with the delivery processing & handling fee ($1,375) brought the as-reviewed price to $57,920.

The CX-70 and CX-90 offer the mid-size SUV customer a competitive, excellent choice of two or three-row vehicles. The new CX-70 fits right into the Mazda family and holds its own within a very competitive market.