The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a two-row midsize SUV with personality, class and a bit of driving excitement. But optioned with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the CX-70 is a tough sell. The high cost of entry, unrefined transmission shifting and disappointing fuel economy lead us to recommend the standard turbocharged engine instead.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Quick acceleration and sporty handling
High fuel economy and available plug-in hybrid version
Upscale and classy interior
Cons
Infotainment system isn't the easiest to use
Expensive for a non-luxury brand SUV
What's new
The Mazda CX-70 is an all-new five-passenger midsize SUV
Related to the seven-passenger CX-90
2025 is the first year for the CX-70
Overview
Mazda, the carmaker known for its sporty roadsters and hatchbacks, continues to fill in its SUV lineup to meet consumer demand. The latest is the new 2025 CX-70, which slots in between the smaller CX-50 and the three-row midsize CX-90. Like the CX-90, the CX-70 stands out with its elegant styling and fun-to-drive nature. Perhaps that shouldn't be much of a surprise, though — essentially, the CX-70 is a CX-90 with its third-row seat taken out. As such, they look similar to each other from the outside, share identical hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and generally have the same features.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Mazda CX-70 PHEV Insights
Trim:
CX-70 PHEV Premium
All Electric Range
EPA Estimated Range not available
Charging
2.3 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Cost to Drive
Not EPA Tested
CX-70
vs
$203/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in South Carolina
Edmunds spotlight: Great interior, so-so infotainment
Step inside the CX-70 and you're treated to an interior that could easily pass for an entry-level luxury SUV. The elegantly simple cockpit makes liberal use of high-quality materials, instantly giving it an advantage over its chief rivals. The rear seat is quite roomy, and ditching the CX-90's third row of seats gives the CX-70 more available cargo space. But we're less fond of the center infotainment screen. The graphics look a little dated, and touchscreen functionality is oddly limited to when you're using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. For the native interface, you have to use the system's rotary control knob to access menus and functions. You'll likely wish you could use the touchscreen for everything.
Competitors to consider
Among Edmunds' top-rated midsize SUVs is the Honda Passport, which provides loads of comfort and clever storage solutions. Other solid options include the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which also comes in a plug-in-hybrid version), the outdoorsy Subaru Outback and the roomy Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Mazda CX-70 is a little more expensive than most of these rivals but it makes up for it with its performance and sense of style.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a two-row midsize SUV with personality, class and a bit of driving excitement. But optioned with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the CX-70 is a tough sell. The high cost of entry, unrefined transmission shifting and disappointing fuel economy lead us to recommend the standard turbocharged engine instead.
How does the CX-70 drive? The CX-70 is one of the more athletic midsize SUVs on the market. Even with the extra weight of a battery pack to lug around, the CX-70 PHEV is well controlled when going around turns or cruising along mountain roads. The steering wheel has a nice heft to it, making the CX-70 feel more alive and connected to its driver than rivals, which generally deliver a numb driving experience.
Thanks to 323 hp, the CX-70 PHEV is decently quick when you need a burst of speed. At our Edmunds test track, our test CX-70 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. That's better than the plug-in Kia Sorento (7.9 seconds) but slower than the plug-in Grand Cherokee (5.5 seconds). We did have a problem with the way it drives, though. The transmission can stumble and produce jerky shifts at low speeds. Other plug-in hybrid SUVs are smoother driving around town.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the CX-70? The CX-70 has a slightly bumpier ride than most other midsize SUVs. You'll notice the firmness when you're driving over bumps and cracks in the road. The CX-70 doesn't offer the quietest interior in its class either. Road and wind noise is low, but the PHEV sounds strained and rough when the gas engine is in use.
The front seats are nicely shaped to accommodate a wide range of body sizes. The adjustments are fairly basic, however, so you might not be able to dial in a perfect driving position. Also, the seat cushioning and upholstery are a little too firm; many competitors have cushier thrones that are more relaxing on long hauls. The CX-70's climate system is OK, but we've noticed that it's reluctant to quickly kick up the fan speed to cool the cabin on hot days when you've got it set to auto mode.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The CX-70 PHEV's cabin is pleasing to the eye with rich-looking and -feeling surfaces everywhere. We like the use of physical buttons for major controls such as the audio system and climate controls. The driving position has a cockpit-like feel, but the front passenger has easy access to various controls if needed.
Unlike most midsize crossovers, the CX-70 doesn't feel cavernous inside. The wide center console makes the front feel oddly tight, and there's not an abundance of legroom in the rear. It's sufficient, but sitting inside the CX-70 can feel more like you're in a roomy compact SUV, like a Honda CR-V, than something like a bigger Honda Pilot. Some of our drivers disliked the shape of the dash by the door because it makes it too easy to smack your knees on the dash when getting in.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,015 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,015 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the PHEV Premium Plus trim.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Gaffney, SC
How’s the tech? The graphics for the center screen's control interface look a little dated. Also, the screen's functions are only accessible by using the rotary control knob. The knob itself is nicely weighted and feels expensive, but some will pine for a touchscreen, even though the CX-70's screen is a bit far away. Oddly, touch functionality does work when you're parked and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Otherwise, all controls involve using the knob.
Our test vehicle had the available 12-speaker Bose audio system. It sounds OK for an upgraded system but requires a bit of fiddling with the settings to get crisp audio quality.
Advanced driver aids are plentiful, and all CX-70s come standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and other systems. It's a competitive collection for the class, and we found the adaptive cruise more responsive and consistent than some competitors' systems.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Midsize SUVs (especially ones based on three-row vehicles) usually have cavernous cargo areas, and the CX-70 is no exception. The 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row is a lot on paper, and a flat load floor and little wheelwell intrusion mean it's very usable in real life. In-cabin storage is at a premium, however. The cupholders won't hold larger cups, and metal ones produce a screeching sound when you remove them.
Exposed LATCH anchors make it a breeze to fit a rear-facing child seat, but the CX-70's surprisingly tight backseat accommodations might force a negotiation with the front passenger. And the position of the rear wheel means that you have to really watch your leg when placing a kid in a rear-facing seat.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the CX-70 PHEV will deliver 25 miles of all-electric range on a full battery before switching over to the gasoline engine. We achieved an EV range of 21 miles from our test vehicle on a mostly low-speed driving route. However, the nearly identical CX-90 PHEV we had in our One-Year Road Test program often managed to go 25 to 27 miles. As a result, we think the EV-only estimate is achievable.
The problem is that once the electricity runs out, the PHEV has the same 25 mpg combined EPA estimate as the standard non-hybrid CX-70. On gas power alone, our test vehicle averaged 24.3 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. So if you aren't charging frequently, you're not seeing any gains by selecting the plug-in hybrid over its gas-only counterpart.
Value
7.5/10
Is the CX-70 a good value? The CX-70's cabin is impeccably detailed, with materials quality and an overall design that wouldn't look out of place if you replaced the Mazda badge with a Lexus one. For an SUV from a mainstream automaker, it really feels special.
Mazda's cars do tend to be a little more expensive than rivals, and the CX-70 PHEV continues that trend. Its starting price is where many non-PHEV competitors top out, though it is less expensive than the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in.
The biggest competition comes from within the CX-70 lineup, however. When it runs out of electricity, the PHEV isn't any more efficient than the standard turbocharged inline-six, which costs thousands of dollars less.
Wildcard
8/10
The CX-70 exhibits intrinsic athleticism — a testament to Mazda still caring about the driving experience — which is especially evident when carving up mountain roads. And the PHEV is measurably quick. But the powertrain stumbling was a persistent annoyance when you're just driving around town.
Unusually for a family SUV, the CX-70 exudes charm. With great styling inside and out, high-quality materials and the arresting Soul Red Crystal paint scheme, the CX-70 stands out without being showy. If you or your friends haven't been in a Mazda in a while, you'll all be surprised.
Which CX-70 does Edmunds recommend?
For most shoppers, the standard 3.3 Turbo model should have more than enough power to satisfy. Mazda has a reputation for attracting more spirited drivers, and for them, the 3.3 Turbo S may be worth the rather sizable price increase. From there, the Premium package adds enough convenience, infotainment and driver assist features to justify the cost.
Needs a few minor tweaks, but a very solid vehicle
4 out of 5 stars
AD2493, 07/09/2024
2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
Overall, I'm very satisfied. With the CX70 in the picture, it makes it difficult to justify spending an additional $10-$15K on a similar Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, or Genesis GV80, especially with the crash test ratings (best in class even with IIHS's updated tests) and Mazda's predicted reliability.
I reluctantly returned my Alfa Romeo Stelvio lease in, and ended up getting a CX70. I … wanted another Stelvio, but lease rates were awful compared to the CX70 PHEV (mostly due to federal incentives), and I needed more cargo space. If incentives were not around, I would have chosen the Inline 6, as the PHEV is somewhat gutless when the electric battery is depleted. Moreover, the CX70 made more sense than the CX90 for me, as I preferred the darker exterior accents, red Napa leather, and needed a rear bench seat for my dog. The CX90 will make more sense for most people, but I had absolutely no desire for a third row and prefer the niche-ness of the CX70.
So far I'm very impressed with the CX70. It's very easy on the eyes and gets more complements than all of my previous cars, despite being the most pedestrian. With a little over 1,000 miles on it, I have only had to fill up the gas tank once. My electric bill on a level 1 charger (aka regular outlet) has only gone up about $15/mo since owning the CX70, and plugging in almost daily.
Positives would include an impressive interior (at any price point), 90 degree opening rear doors, near instantaneous wireless Carplay connectivity, decent pickup for onramps, a great camera system, and a cavernous cargo area. An SUV of this size has no business handling as well as it does, and the steering is very tight and precise. The driver's seat may feel a bit snug for people coming from similar or larger sized vehicles, but I find it preferable for a more driver-oriented experience.
The less positive things worth calling out would be the sunroof that doesn't open very far and it's loud when open, the 2.5L is loud when pushed, the transmission is a little slow to shift in non-sport mode, the paint is thin on the doors (visible orange peel exclusive to the doors), some cost-cutting measures visible (cheaper vinyl on the door arm rests, and the door handles and door thud do not sound or feel like a $60K car), and an overly-intrusive lane keep assist (even in the weakest setting), as well a large blind-spot around the D-Pillar.
My two personal qualms would be the Mazda chime at startup (almost as annoying as the early 2000's GM chime), a weak heated steering wheel, and the CX70 being maybe about 10" too long.
This would be a perfect 5 out of 5 stars if we got the CX60 from Europe, but it's a solid effort overall from an underrated and often overlooked brand.
Beautiful car!
5 out of 5 stars
Marin1, 02/02/2025
2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
My wife and I bought the 2025 CX-70 PHEV about three months ago. It’s a beautiful car to look at, and the inside is very well made and appointed. I have the Premium Plus (highest level) and after rebate it came to about $54k. Given the quality of the construction and the amenities, I would’ve had to spend $75k on a comparable vehicle. So this car is, among other things, a great value … in its class.
The PHEV works perfectly well, although in hindsight I probably would’ve gone with the Inline-6. As I discovered, I really can’t use the PHEV to its fullest (can’t charge at home everyday, longer commutes). Plus I think the 6 would give me a little more power on a consistent basis. But that’s just me. I understand most people can utilize the PHEV technology, and this car is dialed in for that.
Love the sizing of the vehicle. Lots of room upfront for the two of us, which is greater on our get-away trips, and the 70 has the bench seat in the back, which comfortably seats 3. And then there’s a bunch of space in the back to store luggage, etc, for all.
The transmission when cold, and starting from a stop, is a little clunky. But it’s not that bad, and gets better as the car warms up. On the freeway, the transmission works great, and this is where the car excels. Good power, even though 4-cylinder PHEV, and long as you keep juice in the battery so it keeps the electric motor going and adding power to the gas engine.
I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a larger SUV, but maybe not wanting to go to a full-size 7-seater. You’ll be happy to have and drive this car.
2025 Mazda CX-70 First Look | Wait, That’s Not a CX-90? | Interior, Tech, Powertrains & More
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is an all-new nameplate, but it’s not exactly an all-new model since it’s nearly identical to the three-row CX-90. In this first look video, Edmunds' Clint Simone gives you an overview of the CX-70, including its available powertrains, interior, and what makes it different — and not so different — from the CX-90.
56 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.
Mazda has a healthy lineup of sport-utility vehicles, starting with the small but affordable CX-30 and culminating in the three-row CX-90. There is, however, a bit of a gap in Mazda's offerings: a roomy SUV for five. That changes with the impending release of the new 2025 Mazda CX-70, which is nearly the same size as the CX-90 but removes the third row for maximum passenger comfort.
While some competitors like the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee sport a rugged exterior aesthetic, the CX-70 plants its design firmly in the luxury camp. This SUV is elegant on the outside and handsome inside, with an interior that could rival a BMW or Mercedes. Mazda has lacked a solid midsize SUV in its lineup for some time now, so the CX-70 could be a hit if the price is right.
What's under the hood?
True Mazda enthusiasts will be happy to know that the CX-70 comes standard with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. This should come with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims will get the more powerful version, likely putting out 340 hp and 369 lb-ft.
And like the CX-90, this SUV rides on a rear-wheel-drive-biased platform that should help it handle better than rivals that shunt more power to the front axle. For those who prioritize efficiency over excitement, there is also a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid available, which should offer roughly 26 miles of all-electric range.
How's the interior?
Mazda used its full bag of tricks on the CX-70's interior, including the usual pairing of beautiful materials with a clean design. Everything you see and touch feels like what you'd find in a luxury SUV, which gives the Mazda a major edge over its non-luxury-price rivals. We also love Mazda's use of physical buttons to control all of the car's major functions, which helps keep distracted driving to a minimum. There's a new red Nappa leather option that looks fantastic, especially against dark-colored exterior paint.
Perhaps the biggest selling point for the CX-70 is its exceptional passenger space. The second row in particular affords ample legroom and adequate headroom. The cargo area is also generous with additional storage below the floor. While this midsize SUV isn't perfect, the interior is one of the CX-70's strongest wins.
How's the tech?
The CX-70's tech offerings are unfortunately a mixed bag. On one hand, the optional 12.3-inch display carried over from the CX-90 is much bigger and better than those in other Mazda vehicles. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in Amazon Alexa integration are highlights. That said, touchscreen functionality is only allowed within the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto environments, so the native software must be controlled with a dial located rear of the shifter and cupholders. There's a reason why the industry is moving to touchscreen setups, and we think Mazda should get on board.
Mazda is bringing a handful of new safety features to the CX-70, including Unresponsive Driver Support, which can safely pull the car over if the driver isn't actively controlling the vehicle, as in a medical emergency. This joins the list of available safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assistance and cross-traffic warning.
Competitors to consider
As a midsize SUV, the Mazda CX-70 will compete against a healthy list of alternatives, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the upcoming Toyota Crown Signia. Shoppers have more than enough options to pick from in this segment, and we'll be eager to put the CX-70 through our full range of testing to see where we rank it in the pack.
Edmunds says
Pricing is the most important piece of information that we don't have for the CX-70. Considering just how similar it is to the CX-90, it would be wise for Mazda to price it a few thousand dollars cheaper. Otherwise, this two-row SUV might be a tough sell.
FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-70 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 CX-70 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CX-70 has 39.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda CX-70. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Mazda CX-70?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Mazda CX-70:
The Mazda CX-70 is an all-new five-passenger midsize SUV
To determine whether the Mazda CX-70 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CX-70. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CX-70's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 CX-70 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 CX-70 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Mazda CX-70?
The least-expensive 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $54,400.
Other versions include:
PHEV Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $54,400
PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $57,450
If you're interested in the Mazda CX-70, the next question is, which CX-70 model is right for you? CX-70 variants include PHEV Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), and PHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of CX-70 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more