After a decade of evaluating cars, there remains one perplexing practice within the industry: the tendency of manufacturers to shorten an existing model and rebrand it as an entirely distinct vehicle. This phenomenon has been observed with Honda’s transition from the Pilot to the Passport and Volkswagen’s shift from the Atlas to the Cross Sport. Now, Mazda has joined this trend with their 2025 CX-70, a condensed iteration of the larger three-row CX-90. 

Same, But Different

Fortunately for Mazda, we favored the CX-90, and the newly introduced CX-70 continues to embody the same aesthetic sophistication and streamlined design. Although our CX-70 may not possess the same level of opulence as the CX-90 we tested with its maroon exterior and white leather interior, the CX-70’s soul red exterior paired with a black leather interior remains visually appealing and still impresses with its refined appearance and thoughtful design choices, maintaining Mazda’s reputation for producing vehicles that are both stylish and well-crafted. 

The target audience for the Mazda CX-70 remains somewhat ambiguous. It may appeal to DINKs (Dual Income No Kids) who prioritize ample rear leg and headroom without compromising on space. The second-row seats retain the CX-90’s features, including the ability to slide back and forth and recline for added comfort. Interestingly, a look into the trunk reveals leftover cup holders, hinting at the CX-70’s origins from its larger sibling. This blend of practicality and comfort suggests Mazda’s intent to cater to discerning buyers seeking both luxury and functionality in a midsize SUV. 

Kinetic Energy

Similar to the CX-90, the Mazda CX-70 offers three engine options, two of which are derived from a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance, producing between 280 and 340 horsepower depending on the selected model and a Plug-in Hybrid. During our scheduling for the CX-70 review, we had the choice between the 340-horsepower 3.3T and the new PHEV Plug-In Hybrid. Given our previous positive experience with the 3.3T in our CX-90 review, we opted to test the PHEV, eager to explore the capabilities of this innovative hybrid powertrain. 

Likes: Spacious cabin, premium interior, ample performance 

The plug-in hybrid’s initial debut in the CX-90 was less than stellar, plagued by software glitches and transmission issues that led Mazda to withhold it from media testing, acknowledging the premature launch. Fortunately, Mazda’s engineers addressed these issues in the CX-70, although the improvements are not without their caveats. 

Our experience with the CX-70 PHEV, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 68 kW electric motor delivering a combined output of 323 horsepower, began on a rocky note. While the powertrain is adequate for the vehicle’s substantial weight, the driving experience revealed some shortcomings. When the battery is depleted, the CX-70 operates as a traditional hybrid, switching to electric mode at low speeds and engaging the gasoline engine upon acceleration. The 8-speed automatic transmission, intended to manage this transition, presents noticeable issues: the shifts between first and second, and second and third gears, are accompanied by a jarring motion that detracts from an otherwise sophisticated driving experience. 

Negative Discharge, Positive Recharge

Upon arriving home, we immediately connected the CX-70 to our 110v Level 1 outlet. By morning, it was fully charged, indicating 36 miles of EV range. Initially, this seemed promising and left us optimistic. However, less than a mile into our drive, we observed a sudden drop of 4 miles in the range. By the time we had traveled 3 miles to reach the freeway, the EV range had decreased by nearly 15 miles. On our 42-mile commute, the vehicle exhausted its EV range just 10 miles into the journey. 

As I mentioned, our initial experience was not off to a good start. However, things began to improve unexpectedly. Despite the rocky beginning with the CX-70 PHEV, we noticed a positive change. After repeatedly recharging the batteries, we observed a gradual increase in the usable range. Eventually, we were able to achieve the full 36 miles of EV range for our 42-mile commute.  

Dislikes: Not very usable range at times, obnoxiously small sunroof when open, noticeable transmission jitters  

In EV mode, the CX-70 doesn’t feel particularly quick; it might even be slightly slower. However, pressing down on the accelerator activates Boost Mode on the digital dashboard, providing an additional burst of power. Over the course of a 300-mile week, we managed to exceed the EPA rating of 56 combined MPGe, achieving an average of 57.8 MPGe—a mix of fuel and electric usage. When operating solely as a hybrid, without EV assistance, the CX-70 returned a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg. 

In terms of drivability, the CX-70 mirrors the CX-90 in every respect—smooth, composed, and with a spirited driving demeanor. The steering is responsive, offering good feedback and a satisfactory weight. The braking system feels solid and composed, avoiding the spongy reflexes often found in some hybrids. 

The market for plug-in hybrid crossovers is relatively limited unless one ventures into the premium segment with options like the Volvo XC60 Recharge or the BMW X5 50e. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is another contender; however, its $75,000 price tag makes it considerably more expensive. In contrast, our Mazda’s top-tier Premium Plus PHEV is priced just under $60,000. With its advanced EV technology and premium interior, the Mazda CX-70 may have a few quirks that require time to adjust to, but it ultimately presents a compelling value compared to its higher-priced rivals. 

2025 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV PREMIUM PLUS
STARTING PRICE:	$54,400
AS-TESTED:	$59,420
PERFORMANCE:
ENGINE:	2.5-LITER FOUR-CYLDINER WITH 68 kW ELECTRIC MOTOR
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE:	323-HP / 399 LB-FT
TRANSMISSION:	8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
DRIVETRAIN:	ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
EPA MPG:	25 / 56
AS-TESTED MPG:	32 / 57.8
FEATURED OPTIONS:
SOUL RED METALLIC PAINT:	$595