The Mazda CX-70 shows off the best of Japanese engineering and luxury. It delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, handles like a dream, and has a cabin that feels upscale, easily putting it ahead of most of its competition. For its class and price range, there aren’t many SUVs that come close, making the CX-70 an easy top choice if you’re looking for a two-row SUV.
Even though it’s not positioned as a direct competitor to luxury brands, the CX-70 makes a strong case as a more affordable alternative to pricier models like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. It’s got a lot of the same appeal without the steep price tag.
Performance & Comfort
A lot of SUVs in this segment can feel a bit sluggish, but the CX-70 isn’t one of them. You’ve got two solid powertrain options: a mild-hybrid inline-6 turbo with 340 horsepower and a plug-in hybrid that gives you 323 horsepower. Mazda has always focused on making their cars fun to drive, and it shows in the CX-70. With its rear-wheel-biased platform, you get a nice performance boost. While it might not be the quickest compared to some electric SUVs, it’s got more than enough power for pretty much any driving situation. Even at higher speeds, it doesn’t feel like it’s lacking. The eight-speed automatic transmission also does a great job, with quick and smooth shifts.
Where the CX-70 really stands out is in the handling. That rear-wheel bias makes a huge difference compared to other SUVs in its class. As you’d expect from a Mazda, it’s got great handling—better than most competitors. The steering feels responsive and gives you great control, so it’s a joy to drive, especially around corners. For families who want a practical SUV but still care about enjoying the drive, the CX-70 is a top pick.
It also nails the balance between performance and comfort. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with the suspension doing a great job of handling bumps and potholes without bothering anyone inside. On top of that, the cabin stays nice and quiet, with very little road or wind noise, which only adds to the feeling of luxury. It’s just a great all-around experience.
Interior & Space
Mazda is known for building some of the most beautiful interiors out there, and the CX-70 is no exception. Inside, it feels way more premium than its price tag would have you believe, while still being super functional. In a market where a lot of brands are going for minimalist designs that can feel cheap or boring, Mazda sticks to its roots, blending style and practicality. The controls in the CX-70 are laid out logically, clearly labelled, and easy to use without needing to fumble around. Visibility is great too, and the 360-degree camera system helps when parking or maneuvering this SUV.
The interior colour options—black, red, and tan/brown—give you some nice choices to match your style. Honestly, the CX-70’s interior could go toe-to-toe with some German luxury brands, and in some cases, it’s even better. That tan/brown option especially makes the cabin feel super high-end.
Space-wise, the CX-70 doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in both rows and in terms of dimensions, it’s nearly the same as the bigger CX-90, just without the third row. Which makes you wonder a bit about its place in Mazda’s lineup. Once you fold down the third row in the CX-90, you have a CX-70. It kind of raises the question—why didn’t Mazda make the CX-70 a little smaller to create more of a difference between the two? It might leave some buyers scratching their heads about why they need both models in the same size range.
Technology
The CX-70 holds its own when it comes to tech, especially in the fully loaded Signature trim with its sleek 12.3-inch screen that fits perfectly into the cabin design. Mazda’s user interface may not be the best out there, but it’s simple and gets the job done. That said, the rotary control knob for navigating the system might take some getting used to—it’s not as intuitive for everyone. On the plus side, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, so you can easily connect your phone without messing with cables.
The fully digital gauge cluster is a nice touch, giving the interior a more high-tech feel, but it’s a bit limited when it comes to customization. Unlike some competitors that let you tweak the display a bunch of different ways, Mazda keeps it pretty basic. Still, it shows all the important info clearly and looks sharp.
Another cool feature is Amazon Alexa integration. You can use voice commands through Alexa to control things like navigation or climate settings, which is a great little addition to the driving experience.
Mazda also makes sure you’re covered on safety tech, with most of the advanced driver aids coming standard in the CX-70. Key features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring work smoothly and add to your peace of mind on the road.
Storage
The CX-70 gives you 1,122L of cargo space behind the second row, which is pretty solid if you don’t need the extra seating but still want more room than the three-row CX-90 offers. It’s not the most spacious in its class, but it’s enough for most people’s needs.
As for interior storage, the CX-70 does a decent job, though some competitors do offer more space. The sleek, modern design looks great, but it does mean you sacrifice a bit of utility. It’s not as focused on maximizing storage as some of the more function-first vehicles out there, but it still works well enough for everyday use.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy in the CX-70 depends on the trim. The mild-hybrid inline-6 turbo is rated at 10.3/8.5/9.5 L/100km for city, highway, and combined driving. During our tests, we averaged about 10.1 L/100km with a mix of driving, mostly in the city. If you’re looking to save more on fuel, the plug-in hybrid is a great option, giving you around 42 km of electric range and overall better range compared to the standard version. It’s a nice way to get more efficiency without sacrificing performance.
