Designing a automobile 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 in case you’re a longtime Mazda fan. It has totally different execs and cons than most automobiles in its class, which is nice information for automobile customers.
In some methods, the CX-70 works brilliantly. In others, it has room for enchancment. Nonetheless, 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 splendid for some patrons.
My tester was probably the most well-equipped, costly model Mazda makes, a 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus mannequin. The one added-cost choice was Soul Crimson Crystal Metallic paint, which provides $595 and is among the prettiest, most jewel-like automotive reds accessible in 2024. The automobile’s complete value was $58,000, together with a $1,455 supply price.
Mazda’s Distinctive Vibe
The automotive press likes to type 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 bit of extra upscale than your common Ford or Toyota however not expensive sufficient to compete with BMW and Lexus.
Mazda is the rationale we’ve got these discussions.
Mazda autos are priced nearly like mainstream automobiles. Nonetheless, they are usually just a bit sportier, and their interiors only a bit extra upscale.
The CX-70 hits some elements of that method completely. On others, it’s not what Mazda followers anticipate.
The Most Mazda Mazda
In some methods, the CX-70 is the proper Mazda car — a near-luxury choice 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 example, 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 frequent in luxurious manufacturers however uncommon amongst inexpensive automakers. They’re famed for his or her smoothness. BMW will promote you an I6; Honda is not going to.
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 characteristic frequent to luxurious SUVs that prioritizes a sporty really feel. Most competitors at this value level gives all-wheel drive, however not the sporty variety.
Even inside, the CX-70 reads a bit of 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 methods.
All this, with a price ticket below $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 computerized, and it’s effective in every day use. Nevertheless 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 shortly, and the transmission shifts decisively. However speed up at a relaxed tempo, and also you’ll really feel a gentle bump each time because the factor searches for the fitting gear.
Is it a cause to not purchase the automobile? No. Loads of patrons gained’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 anticipate.
It nonetheless handles fairly effectively for one thing this huge.
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 screen I don’t perceive.
The CX-70 is filled with mildly compromised luxuries like that. Examine it to a Toyota product, and also you’ll be impressed with the lengthy listing of options. Examine it to a Lexus, and it’ll illustrate why we’ve got the time period “near-luxury.”
A 3-Row SUV With Two Rows
Lastly, there’s the straightforward matter of dimension.
Most automakers construct a 2-row midsize SUV and a bigger 3-row midsize SUV. Assume 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 12 months, 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 assist a 3rd row that doesn’t exist.
That offers 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 get pleasure from. Nevertheless it’s extraordinarily well-equipped for its value and undeniably handsome inside and outside. It treats inside design as a craft and gives extra cargo area than most rivals. That can make it the clear selection for some. In a subject of largely related SUVs, it’s a welcome oddball.
