Cavernous Cargo: We test two versions of the 2025 Mazda CX-70

Mazda’s marketing team wanted to offer a two-row, mid-size crossover. It had one, the CX-7, but that was discontinued more than a decade ago.

As an engineering and fiscal challenge, this was a no-brainer.

Delete the third row of seats from the Mazda CX-90.

The new-for-2025 Mazda CX-70 is literally a CX-90 without the extra seats.

The body is no different inside or out. The two share the same, multi-solution scalable vehicle architecture with longitudinal rear-drive powertrain.

The CX-70 has unique wheels and black exterior trim. It also boasts an updated infotainment system with Amazon Alexa integration and there is extra storage space beneath the cargo floor.

The powertrain of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the same as that of the CX-90.

There are two choices – conventional and plug-in hybrid. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. This automatic uses a clutch instead of a torque converter. The good news is that it allows a smaller package and less intrusion on passenger space. The bad is the somewhat clunky operation under some conditions.

We tested the CX-70 Signature model.

It had the most powerful production engine ever developed by Mazda – a turbocharged 3.3-litre straight six introduced with the CX-90 last year.

It produces 340-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Save your money and use regular, you lose only 21 horsepower, but that is no sacrifice, it has the same amount of torque. The engine is programmed to accept both.

We also sampled a CX-70 PHEV GT.

This plug-in hybrid uses a normally-aspirated 189-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 173-horsepower electric motor sandwiched between it and the transmission.

The result is a combined output of 323 hp and the same 369 lb-ft. of torque as the six-cylinder non-hybrid! Both models scoot to 100 km/hr in less than six seconds – pretty impressive for something weighing more than 5,000 lbs!

The PHEV has a 17.8 kWh battery pack beneath the floor, providing power to the electric motor. This allows it to go up to 37-km on electricity alone.  When the battery is depleted, it switches over to the internal combustion engine. Like all plug-in hybrids, this eliminates the range anxiety associated with electric power.

The battery pack can be recharged from a standard 110-volt household outlet in roughly 11 hours, or in less than two and one-half hours on a Level 2 (220-volt) charger.

All-important battery placement by Mazda

Mazda has placed the batteries below the passenger area floor rather than in the cargo area. This eliminates intrusion on cargo space, and by placing that weight low and in the centre of the vehicle, greatly enhances the driving dynamics

Unlike the competition, the CX-70, née 90, has a rear-drive architecture with inline engines, coupled to an automatic transmission in a north-south alignment. The others have the engine and transmissions mounted sideways.

This is another contributing factor to the exceptional improved driving dynamics.

The CX-70 has the same tires, brakes and suspension as the CX-90. This is a good thing as it means the same fun-to-drive experience the CX-90 is noted for.

If you select Sport mode, the speed-sensitive steering becomes heavier and the suspension stiffer. Great fun for enthusiastic driving, but not too comfy on rougher surfaces. Most drivers will never change from Normal mode, which is well-programmed for all-round use.

Both normal and PHEV versions of the CX-70 are exceptionally well-equipped.

The interiors are upscale in both appearance and content. Leather seating is standard, in burgundy or tan, with contrasting dark gray with perforated brushed aluminum and chrome trim.

Dual 31-cm screens are standard, for the driver and infotainment. The infotainment system offers wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are Type-C USB outlets in addition to the usual type-A connections.

The wireless phone charger in the console supplies 15 watts of AC power and you can ask Alexa to play music, check the weather, or access the navigation system without taking your eyes or hands off the wheels and road.

The main purpose for opting for the CX-70 over the CX-90 is the cavernous cargo space.

The second-row seats can be folded via buttons on the side wall in the cargo area. There is under floor storage divided into three sections, accessible from the tall and wide rear doors that open to almost 90 degrees. Child seat users rejoice!

So might those interested in climate change. Environmental contributions include the use of bio-engineered plastics derived from plant resources for the grill and instrument panel. The bumpers, under floor covers and several internal components are made from easily recyclable thermoplastics.

The Mazda CX-70 is a two-row crossover with the space of a three-row model. That same amount of cargo space is available in the CX-90 by folding down the third row of seats, making the choice between the CX-70 and CX-90 difficult. Mazda obviously wanted to cover all the bases.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV GT & CX-70 Signature

PRICE

$63,350 PHEV

$62,300 Signature

SAFETY – BOTH

Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, blind spot monitor with vehicle exit warning, front, rear and cross traffic smart brake support- both. Signature adds emergency lane keep with head-on traffic avoidance assist, rear pedestrian detection, secondary collision reduction, turning across path warning

INFOTAINMENT – BOTH

31-cm digital instrument display, 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, satellite radio, Amazon Alexa. PHEV has 26-cm infotainment screen, Signature gets a 31-cm infotainment screen

STANDARD EQUIPMENT – BOTH

Colour heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, 21-in alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, , 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, eight-way power passenger seat with lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, dual zone automatic climate control, rear door sunshades, HomeLink wireless system,  Signature adds three-zone automatic climate control, front and rear park sensors, hands-free power liftgate, auto dimming and folding mirrors, power tilt & telescope steering wheel, 150-watt outlet

MECHANICAL – PHEV

Turbocharged 189-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 173-horsepower electric motor – combined output 323-horsepower on premium fuel, (319 on regular ), 369- lb.-ft. of torque, regardless of fuel, eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. 17.8 kWh battery, NRCan rating (litre equivalent/100km city/highway): 4.2, litres/100 km city/highway: 9.9/8.7

MECHANICAL – Signature Trim

Turbocharged 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine, 340-horsepower (premium fuel), 319-horsepower (regular fuel), 369- lb.-ft. of torque, regardless of fuel, eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100 km city/highway): 10.3/8.5

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,120 mm; width, wheelbase, 3,120 mm; weight, 2,344 kg

COMPETITION

BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Lexus RX, Toyota Grand Highlander