2025 Mazda CX-70: An In-Depth Review

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-70. Mazda’s latest offering in the SUV segment has stirred quite a buzz, and today, we’re diving deep into its design, powertrain, features, and overall performance. Whether you’re a long-time Mazda enthusiast or simply in the market for a new SUV, this detailed analysis will help you understand everything the CX-70 brings to the table.

Mazda cx70

Mazda has positioned itself as a brand known for blending style, performance, and innovation. The CX-70 is no exception, but how does it truly stand out in an increasingly competitive SUV market? Let’s explore.

Powertrain and Performance

The heart of any vehicle is its engine, and Mazda has equipped the CX-70 with a robust and innovative powertrain. The CX-70 offers two powertrains identical to its larger sibling, the CX-90: an inline 6-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid model. For this review, we’ll focus on the plug-in hybrid system, a marvel of engineering that sets the CX-70 apart.

Mazda cx70 Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 2.5L 4-cylinder
• Injection: Direct injection
• Valvetrain: Dual overhead cam with variable valve timing (electronic for intake, hydraulic for exhaust)
• Additional Features: Hydraulic lifters and roller rockers

The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is a familiar unit in Mazda’s lineup but has been slightly modified for the hybrid system. The engine is positioned far back in the engine bay, creating a large space at the front, which contributes to better driving dynamics.

Mazda cx70 Hybrid System

Mazda’s hybrid system in the CX-70 is unique and noteworthy. Unlike many hybrids that use a simple electric motor, the CX-70 features a single motor system with two clutches, placed between the engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission.

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic, no torque converter
• Motor: Single electric motor
• Clutches: Two clutches between engine/motor and motor/transmission

This setup allows for seamless transitions between different driving modes, enhancing both efficiency and driving experience.

Mazda cx70 Driving Modes and Performance

The CX-70 offers multiple driving modes to suit various driving conditions and preferences:

1. EV Mode: In this mode, the engine is off, and the battery powers the vehicle. The clutch between the motor and the engine disengages, while the clutch between the motor and the transmission engages. This allows the electric motor to drive the transmission and, subsequently, the car, mimicking the feel of a traditional vehicle thanks to the 8-speed transmission.
2. Hybrid Mode: Both the engine and the electric motor work together, with clutches engaging and disengaging as needed. This provides a balance between performance and efficiency, seamlessly switching between power sources.
3. Charge Mode: A standout feature, Charge Mode, lets you set a desired battery charge level (from 10% to 100%). The engine runs continuously to charge the battery while driving, ensuring you have electric power available later. This is particularly useful for long trips where charging infrastructure may be scarce.
4. Engine-Only Mode: When the battery is depleted, the engine takes over entirely, driving the car and generating power to recharge the battery.

Performance Highlights

• Smooth Transitions: The hybrid system’s ability to shift the 8-speed transmission even in EV mode provides a unique and pleasant driving experience.
• Regenerative Braking: Effective regeneration helps maximize efficiency, especially in urban driving conditions.
• Dynamic Handling: The engine’s rearward placement enhances weight distribution, improving handling and driving dynamics.

The driving experience of the CX-70 is remarkably smooth and refined. The transitions between EV mode and hybrid mode are almost imperceptible, thanks to the innovative clutch system. When driving in EV mode, the SUV feels quiet and serene, providing a peaceful driving environment. The regenerative braking system is efficient, capturing energy and converting it back into electrical power, thus extending the range of the vehicle.

On the open road, the CX-70 shines with its dynamic handling and responsive steering. The well-balanced chassis and the placement of the engine contribute to a stable and confident ride, even at higher speeds. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, providing the right amount of power when needed. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the CX-70 offers a satisfying driving experience.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Exterior Design

Mazda has always been known for its design language, and the CX-70 is no exception. It carries forward the elegant and sophisticated look seen in the CX-90, with some unique touches that give it its own identity.

Front Design

• Headlights: Sleek, small headlights that integrate well into the design.
• Grille: Prominent grille with chrome accents that adds to the premium feel.
• Hood Line: Smooth, curved lines that flow seamlessly into the A-pillars.

The front fascia of the CX-70 is both aggressive and elegant, a signature of Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy. The sleek, small headlights add to the sophisticated look, while the prominent grille with chrome accents gives the SUV a bold and upscale appearance. The hood’s smooth, curved lines flow seamlessly into the A-pillars, creating a harmonious and aerodynamic profile.

Side Profile

• Wheel Arches: Unpainted, giving a rugged yet sophisticated look.
• Doors: Solid build, though the handles feel somewhat cheaper for a luxury SUV.
• Rear Door: Opens 90 degrees, providing easy access to the rear seats.

The side profile of the CX-70 is characterized by unpainted wheel arches, which add a touch of ruggedness while maintaining a sophisticated look. The solidly built doors ensure a secure and confident feel, although the door handles could be improved to match the overall luxury aesthetic. The rear doors open to a full 90 degrees, offering easy access to the spacious rear seats, a thoughtful design feature that enhances practicality.

Rear Design

• Tail Lights: Elegant and minimalistic, mirroring the front design.
• Bumper: Small and subtle, fitting the modern SUV trend.

The rear design of the CX-70 continues the theme of elegance and minimalism. The tail lights are sleek and understated, mirroring the design elements of the front headlights. The small and subtle rear bumper fits well with the modern SUV trend, creating a clean and cohesive look.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Interior Design and Comfort

Stepping inside the CX-70, you’re greeted with a cabin that exudes luxury and comfort. Mazda has taken great care to ensure that the interior feels premium, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

Seating

• Front Seats: Comfortable and supportive, perfect for long drives.
• Rear Seats: Spacious, with ample legroom. The lack of a third-row seat means more space for rear passengers.

The front seats of the CX-70 are designed for comfort and support, making them ideal for long drives. The seating position is ergonomic, and the materials used are of high quality, adding to the overall luxurious feel. The rear seats offer generous legroom, and the absence of a third-row seat translates to more space and comfort for rear passengers.

Dashboard and Controls

• Infotainment: Touchscreen display with a user-friendly interface.
• HVAC Controls: Simple and intuitive, with easy access to all functions.
• Materials: High-quality leather, soft-touch plastics, and elegant trim pieces.

The dashboard of the CX-70 is a blend of modern technology and classic elegance. The large touchscreen display serves as the central hub for the infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The HVAC controls are simple and intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments to the climate settings. The use of high-quality leather, soft-touch plastics, and elegant trim pieces throughout the cabin enhances the overall sense of luxury.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Technology and Features

The CX-70 is packed with technology that enhances both convenience and safety. Mazda has integrated a suite of features that make driving this SUV a pleasure.

Infotainment System

• Display: Large touchscreen with crisp graphics.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports.
• Sound System: Premium audio system that delivers excellent sound quality.

The infotainment system in the CX-70 is top-notch, featuring a large touchscreen with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports, ensuring that passengers can stay connected and entertained on the go. The premium audio system delivers clear and powerful sound, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Safety Features

• Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Parking Assistance: Rearview camera with parking sensors.
• Other Features: Automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection.

Mazda has equipped the CX-70 with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring help to reduce the stress of driving and enhance safety. The rearview camera and parking sensors make parking and maneuvering the SUV easier, while features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection add an extra layer of protection.

Practicality and Usability

While the CX-70 shares many similarities with the CX-90, it differentiates itself by being a two-row SUV. This decision impacts its practicality and usability in several ways.

Cargo Space

• Rear Cargo Area: Without the third row, the CX-70 offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it ideal for families and road trips.
• Storage Solutions: Various compartments and pockets throughout the cabin for added convenience.

The CX-70 excels in practicality, offering a generous amount of cargo space thanks to the absence of a third-row seat. This makes it an ideal choice for families, travelers, and anyone needing ample storage for their belongings. The SUV also features various compartments and pockets throughout the cabin, providing convenient storage solutions for smaller items.

Utility

• Charging Port: Easy-to-access charging port for the plug-in hybrid model.
• Flexibility: Foldable rear seats for expanded cargo capacity.

The utility of the CX-70 is enhanced by thoughtful features such as an easy-to-access charging port for the plug-in hybrid model and foldable rear seats that expand the cargo capacity. These features add to the versatility and practicality of the SUV, making it well-suited for a variety of uses.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

While the CX-70 has a lot to offer, it’s not without its flaws. Here are some areas where Mazda could improve:

Noise and Vibration

• EV Mode Noise: The electric motor is loud in EV mode, detracting from the luxury experience.
• Transition Clunkiness: Shifting between hybrid and EV modes can be jerky and unrefined.

One of the primary criticisms of the CX-70 is the noise level in EV mode. The electric motor is noticeably loud, which detracts from the otherwise luxurious experience. Additionally, the transitions between hybrid and EV modes can be jerky and unrefined, which impacts the overall smoothness of the drive.

Value Proposition

• Pricing: The CX-70, despite being a two-row SUV, is priced similarly to the three-row CX-90, making it less appealing from a value perspective.
• Feature Parity: Lower trims of the CX-70 lack some features available in the CX-90, yet the price difference is negligible.

Another area for improvement is the value proposition. The CX-70 is priced similarly to the larger CX-90, despite being a two-row SUV. This makes it less appealing from a value perspective, as buyers may find better value in the three-row CX-90. Additionally, the lower trims of the CX-70 lack some features available in the CX-90, further impacting its value proposition..

Final Verdict

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a strong contender in the midsize SUV market. Its hybrid powertrain is innovative, offering multiple driving modes that enhance efficiency and performance. The design, both exterior and interior, reflects Mazda’s commitment to luxury and sophistication. However, the noise levels in EV mode and the jerky transitions between driving modes are areas that need improvement.

From a value perspective, the CX-70 is in a challenging position. Its pricing is close to that of the three-row CX-90, which may offer better value for families needing more space. However, for those prioritizing a luxurious two-row SUV with advanced hybrid technology, the CX-70 presents a compelling option.

In conclusion, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a beautifully designed and well-engineered SUV that offers a unique driving experience. It’s a strong choice for those who appreciate Mazda’s blend of style, performance, and innovation, provided they can overlook a few imperfections and justify the price point.