The New Mazda CX-70 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

The popularity of midsize SUVs is rapidly growing in North America, and Mazda knows it well. Following the success of the CX-90, their new three-row midsize utility vehicle, the Japanese brand is launching for the first time a midsize SUV with two rows of seats, the CX-70. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Mazda has chosen to retain the architecture of the CX-90 by removing one row of seats, thus offering those who do not need the third row the opportunity to enjoy a more generous cargo volume.

Highlights:

• •Mazda's gamble with the CX-90
• •Aesthetic and dimensional differences between the CX-70 and CX-90
• •Interior innovations
• •CX-70 powertrains
• •Expected arrival of the CX-70 in Quebec

The introduction of the CX-90 proved to be a risky gamble for Mazda in 2023. With significantly more limited financial resources compared to its competitors operating in the same archipelago – Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, the Japanese manufacturer had to make choices. Among these, the boldest was certainly investing some of its resources in the development of Mazda's most powerful engine to date, a 3.3-liter inline-six mild hybrid capable of producing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Why was this choice daring? Simply because the vast majority of the rest of the industry no longer invests in internal combustion engines, preferring to focus on electric power for several years now.

And Mazda pushed the daring even further by developing a new 8-speed gearbox, working in tandem with an all-wheel-drive system that prioritizes torque to the rear wheels. A 'rear biased' drivetrain, as Shakespeare might have called it. A delight for driving purists? Certainly! But for economists and environmentalists, the thrill of excitement for purists was replaced with question marks in their eyes.

Fortunately, to reassure them, Canada's Natural Resources assessed the CX-90's fuel consumption rating as the lowest in the segment of 3-row SUVs with 6-cylinder engines (9.5L/100 km combined), despite its considerable power surplus. Then, Mazda's second boldest choice bewildered all skeptics: the development of a plug-in hybrid powertrain by introducing the CX-90 PHEV, even more fuel-efficient with its rating of 4.2Le/100 km thanks to its 42 kilometers of electric range.

Living in the hybrid reality of the present rather than in a still somewhat utopian electric future, the CX-90 proved to be Mazda's greatest home run in the North American market since the arrival of the Mazda 3. In marketing, a product like the CX-90 is called a cash cow, and Mazda has just given birth to its calf, the CX-70.

At first glance, the new Mazda CX-70 is very similar to the CX-90. So, here's a comparison of their respective features.

Aesthetically, the new Mazda CX-70 stands out with a more muscular front bumper featuring larger faux air intakes and a grille with sportier patterns. However, it's primarily the absence of chrome trimmings on the exterior that gives the CX-70 a more aggressive look. For instance, the grille surround, mirrors, window beltline, roof rails, larger rear spoiler, and exclusive 21-inch black wheels all contribute to this effect.

Unfortunately, Mazda has not yet revealed the official specifications of the CX-70 at the time of writing this article. However, we do know that it will have the same wheelbase of 3,120 mm as the CX-90 and that its total length will be slightly shorter due to the more concise bumpers.

Since the Mazda CX-70 does not have a third row of seats, its designers had the luxury of offering it a flatter cargo floor, under which you'll find a clever storage section with multiple compartments. Although still unknown, the cargo volume of the CX-70 is expected to be slightly higher than the 2,101 liters offered by the CX-90 when its seat rows are folded down.

While there are no changes noted in the dashboard compared to the CX-90, the CX-70 is nevertheless available with different color choices, including red Nappa leather.

In terms of technology, the 2025 CX-70 will be the first Mazda vehicle equipped with the Amazon Alexa voice control system, allowing the driver to adjust certain functions such as air conditioning and radio while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Also, note that an SOS button has been integrated to contact emergency services more quickly in case of an accident, another first for Mazda.

With the myriad of engine options found under the hood of Mazda's SUV lineup including the CX-30, CX-50, CX-5, and CX-90, you likely have several questions regarding the engine of the CX-70. Here are some answers that may address your inquiries:

Although Mazda has not yet revealed the precise mechanical specifications of the CX-70, we know that three engine options will be available:

*CX-90 Specifications

Yes. All versions of the CX-70, including the PHEV, will come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Also, note that the CX-70's all-wheel-drive system prioritizes power to the rear wheels, enhancing driving pleasure.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 will be able to tow up to 5,000 lbs with the required equipment. In its base version, the CX-70 has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Mazda plans to deliver the first units of the CX-70 to Quebec dealerships as early as this spring and will be sold as a 2025 model. As for the prices, although they have not been officially revealed yet, they are likely to be lower than those of the equivalent CX-90 version.

More details to come.