Last year we saw Mazda take their largest and most luxurious SUV, the CX-90, and remove its third-row seat, creating the CX-70. The CX-70 is a virtual twin to the CX-90, with the same powerplants offered as the CX-90, just with a lesser seat count. Why Mazda decided to come up with a new model is a little odd, but at the end of the day it really doesn't matter, as both are great luxury SUVs. Let's look at the 2026 Mazda CX-70.
Like the CX-90, the CX-70 stands out with its elegant styling and fun-to-drive nature. It possesses a handsome profile with a long hood and setback passenger cabin. While the CX-70 shares the same exterior body as the CX-90, the CX-70 features black accents as opposed to the CX-90s chrome accents.
The CX-70 features a plush cabin that seats five. The layout is set up well with the use of physical buttons for major controls such as the audio system and climate controls. And it's all done in an elegant, but simple design. The center console is wide, which is great to house many of the buttons and switches but also impedes on front interior room. Again, the CX-70 shares the same interior as the CX-90 (minus the third row) although the CX-70 is offered in a flashy red leather option that is not available in the CX-90.
As is the case with other Mazdas, the infotainment system in the CX-70 is controlled by using the center mounted rotary control knob. The knob itself is nicely weighted and feels expensive, and the system is easy to use, but touchscreens are the "in" thing in modern electronics, and the lack of that in the CX-70 does make it feel somewhat dated.
The Mazda CX-70 is available in three models that are distinguished mainly by their powertrains: 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S and the plug-in hybrid PHEV. The 3.3 Turbo uses 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine making 280 horsepower. The 3.3 Turbo S uses the same engine, but power is increased to 340 hp. The plug-in hybrid PHEV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system to make a combined output of 323 hp. Mazda estimates it will drive about 26 miles on all-electric power before switching to regular hybrid operation. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, much like the rest of the Mazda SUV lineup, the CX-70 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The tester arrived as a CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium dressed in Jet Black Mica and with the red Nappa leather interior. With it comes a price tag of $55,985.
Along with luxury, Mazda does an excellent job of adding in performance and economy in the CX-70. My Turbo S can leap to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. If that is not quick enough, go for the hybrid PHEV model as it can do the same feat in just 5.9 seconds. Not only is the CX-70 quick off the line, but it has excellent midrange punch, making squirting through traffic easy - all while bringing in 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving (23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway).
And the CX-70 doesn't just perform well in a straight line. The steering is nicely weighted, and the CX-70 feels planted and secure around corners. The brakes are also impressive, although they can be touchy at first.
For its second year of production, the CX-70 receives only minor changes. All trim levels are now fitted with heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, while the upper trim levels get a new towing drive mode that increases towing capacity to 5000 pounds.
As most SUVs try to isolate and take away the driving experience, Mazda has always looked the other way, making their SUVs more fun and entertaining to drive, and the CX-70 is no exception. Whether you choose to power the CX-70 from a turbocharged system or a hybrid system, the CX-70 offers plenty of muscle, along with its sporty suspension to make every drive exciting. And with great styling, the CX-70 does a fantastic job at standing out and being unique, without being flashy. With the CX-70, Mazda has another fun-to-drive, useful vehicle in its fleet of SUVs.