By Kimatni Rawlins
If you desire a pleasurable, good-looking, spacious, and hybrid-engineered mid-size SUV from the Land of the Rising Sun, look at the 2025 Mazda CX-70. The Japanese utility was delivered to me for a weekly test drive after a cold freeze in Maryland. Thus, I was thankful for its efficiency and winter-weather amenities to keep me warm, comfortable, and focused.
The Mazda CX-70 arrived in the form of the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, which is the top-of-the-line trim (out of five variants) with a starting price of $55,950, whereas the entry-level 3.3 Turbo Preferred begins at $40,445. Soul Red Crystal Metallic with Tan Nappa leather-trimmed seats and an interior finished with quilting and suede-like accents is my color combination of choice. Mazda continues to target a more upscale market with its vehicle offerings but also needs to elevate the dealer experience. My daughter owns a new Mazda CX-30 and we continue to have horrible experiences with the service department.
The vehicle’s body is long and slick. Its design is warm and welcoming and not over-the-top, as is the direction of many auto manufacturers regarding design schemes. Think of the CX-70 as the CX-90 without the third row and edgier adjustments. Design elements are highlighted by black exterior trim including Piano Black aluminum roof rails, Black Chrome “Mazda” signature side trim and fender badge, Gloss Black door mirrors, black window trim, a Piano Black honeycomb mesh grille, and exclusive two-tone black and silver 21” machine cut alloy rims outfitted in 275/45 R21 all-season rubber which had no grip issues in the cold driving conditions.
Other key features that could make the ride enjoyable were the power panoramic sunroof, hands-free power rear liftgate, Nappa leather, premium 12-speaker Bose audio, 3-zone automatic climate control, a power-operated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 360-degree View Monitor including a trailer hitch view, and a unique sub-trunk allowing for personal items to be stowed out of sight. However, the cabin, heated seats, and steering wheel took longer than I expected to warm up properly. Yet, the 12.3” fully digital driver display and 12.3” Mazda Connect center infotainment screen feature Alexa Built-in, Mazda Online Navigation, and wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay to provide you with the digital tools needed for immersive driving routines.
For CX-70 performance, there are three electrified powertrains to choose from, each paired to a SKYACTIV 8-speed automatic transmission and standard I-ACTIVE AWD. There are two versions of the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L I6: the Turbo 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost and the e-SKYACTIV G PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) that can drive specifically in electric mode for up to 26 miles. Qmerit will come to your home and install a Level 2 charging unit if you wish to go that route. Trust me, it certainly simplifies the charging process but will also cost you for the installation fee. My ride was empowered by the Turbo, dispersing 340-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda tows up to 5,000 pounds as well.
Take a methodical look at the CX-90 from every angle to witness defining proportions that are wider, longer, and more aggressive than any prior Mazda you’re acquainted with, except for the CX-90. Mazda describes this human-centric design technique as alluring and the technology as intuitive. The company further states that every element from cabin space and cargo capacity to safety features and amenities, has been optimized for elevated user experiences. Then there is Kinematic Posture Control, which reduces body lift in tight turns to increase grip and help passengers maintain a natural posture. This specific capability is achieved through advanced software engineering.
Incorporating electrified powertrain options, including an inline 6 Turbo and PHEV, the CX-70 is ripe for couples and small families with an active lifestyle looking for cargo capacity to fit a variety of hobbies. It’s Mazda’s new way of appeasing consumers.
