Designing a automotive that’s just about just like the others in its class is a pointless endeavor. But, it’s what most automakers appear to do more often than not. Mazda hasn’t accomplished it with the 2025 CX-70.
This 2-row SUV is genuinely distinctive. It is probably not the one you’re anticipating should you’re a longtime Mazda fan. It has totally different professionals and cons than most automobiles in its class, which is nice information for automotive consumers.
In some methods, the CX-70 works brilliantly. In others, it has room for enchancment. Nevertheless, in every week of driving it, I by no means as soon as thought it was a typical midsize SUV. Its odd mixture of traits will make it best for some patrons.
My tester was essentially the most well-equipped, costly model Mazda makes, a 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus mannequin. The one added-cost possibility was Soul Crimson Crystal Metallic paint, which provides $595 and is without doubt one of the prettiest, most jewel-like automotive reds obtainable in 2024. The automotive’s whole worth was $58,000, together with a $1,455 supply payment.
Mazda’s Distinctive Vibe
The automotive press likes to kind automobiles into two classes: mainstream (or inexpensive) and luxurious. Mazda likes to attempt to straddle each. We’re typically left questioning whether or not we want a 3rd class someplace between the 2 to explain automobiles which can be a little bit extra upscale than your common Ford or Toyota however not dear sufficient to compete with BMW and Lexus.
Mazda is the rationale we now have these discussions.
Mazda autos are priced nearly like mainstream automobiles. Nevertheless, they are typically just a bit sportier, and their interiors only a bit extra upscale.
The CX-70 hits some components of that components completely. On others, it’s not what Mazda followers count on.
The Most Mazda Mazda
In some methods, the CX-70 is the right Mazda automobile — a near-luxury possibility for many who need some sport and creature comforts however don’t need to spend Mercedes cash.
On paper, an outline of the CX-70 reads lots like an outline of the $65,000-plus BMW X5.
As an illustration, most inexpensive 5-seat SUVs use a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, whereas many luxurious fashions use an inline 6-cylinder mill. So-called “straight six” engines are widespread in luxurious manufacturers however uncommon amongst inexpensive automakers. They’re famed for his or her smoothness. BMW will promote you an I6; Honda won’t.
The CX-70 has an inline-6.
At 340 horsepower, it’s extra muscular than something present in a Honda Passport or Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
The CX-70 additionally makes use of an all-wheel drive (AWD) system biased towards the rear, a function widespread to luxurious SUVs that prioritizes a sporty really feel. Most competitors at this worth level gives all-wheel drive, however not the sporty variety.
Even inside, the CX-70 reads a little bit like a European luxurious SUV. My tester had quilted Nappa leather-based seats with heating and air flow and 3-zone local weather management. Designers introduced actual artistry to the cabin. The faux-suede dashboard featured stitching impressed by conventional Japanese bookbinding strategies.
All this, with a price ticket underneath $60,000? That’s what Mazda followers know and love.
The Least Mazda Mazda
In different methods, the CX-70 misses what Mazda often tries to do.
The obvious instance is a unusual transmission. It’s an 8-speed automated, and it’s superb in every day use. However it behaves oddly at low speeds, typically looking for gears.
The frequent shifts aren’t harsh, however they’re noticeable. Draw back from a stoplight rapidly, and the transmission shifts decisively. However speed up at a relaxed tempo, and also you’ll really feel a light bump each time because the factor searches for the precise gear.
Is it a motive to not purchase the automotive? No. Loads of patrons received’t discover it, however from the “zoom-zoom” firm, it’s bizarre. When you’re transferring up from a CX-5, the CX-70 will really feel barely much less sporty than you count on.
It nonetheless handles fairly properly for one thing this massive.
Then there’s the matter of the touchscreen. It’s solely typically a touchscreen. When it’s linked to your telephone and working Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it operates like a traditional touchscreen. When it isn’t, you use it with a rotating puck controller. Why Mazda can produce a touchscreen and doesn’t allow you to simply contact the display I don’t perceive.
The CX-70 is stuffed with mildly compromised luxuries like that. Evaluate it to a Toyota product, and also you’ll be impressed with the lengthy checklist of options. Evaluate it to a Lexus, and it’ll illustrate why we now have the time period “near-luxury.”
A 3-Row SUV With Two Rows
Lastly, there’s the straightforward matter of measurement.
Most automakers construct a 2-row midsize SUV and a bigger 3-row midsize SUV. Suppose Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse, as an example. They’re clearly a part of the identical household. However you couldn’t confuse one for the opposite. They’re wildly totally different sizes.
That’s not true at Mazda. Final yr, Mazda launched an all-new 3-row SUV, the CX-90. They then transformed it into the CX-70 by eradicating the rear seats. Park them side-by-side, and the one apparent distinction is within the nameplate. The CX-70 even has armrests and cupholders molded into the partitions of the cargo space — there to help a 3rd row that doesn’t exist.
That provides it one of many largest cargo areas in its class.
Uncommon Is Good
The Mazda CX-70 doesn’t fairly have the zoom-zoom character Mazda lovers take pleasure in. However it’s extraordinarily well-equipped for its worth and undeniably handsome in and out. It treats inside design as a craft and gives extra cargo house than most rivals. That can make it the clear alternative for some. In a discipline of principally related SUVs, it’s a welcome oddball.