Last year, Mazda impressed us all when it unveiled the 2024 CX-90, an all-new three-row SUV designed to take the place of the dependable CX-9. The CX-90 was a vehicle of many firsts, introducing a new rear-wheel drive platform, a new turbocharged inline-six engine, and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, further burnishing Mazda’s credentials as a luxury brand. Now, Mazda has leveraged the development of the CX-90 to create a new class of two-row luxury SUVs built on the same platform with the same powerful and efficient engine options. While many expected the 2025 CX-70 to be a smaller midsize model that would compete with the likes of the BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Cadillac XT5, it is instead a much larger vehicle that emphasizes luxury and cargo space while providing a sporty aesthetic and powerful engine options.
Mazda Goes Big
If there has been one flaw in Mazda’s SUV lineup, it’s that all of its models tend to be on the smaller side. For instance, the brand’s top-selling CX-5 is a full six inches shorter than the Honda CR-V and offers 17 cu.ft. less cargo space. That did wonderful things for its vehicle’s handling but made the brand a tough pick for many drivers who prioritize roomy vehicles. With its new generation of SUVs, Mazda has focused on the American market and has started building significantly larger models––the new CX-50 is actually an inch longer than the CR-V, while the CX-90 is larger than competing American vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango. However, the CX-70 takes things up a notch again.
With the same 122.8-inch wheelbase as the CX-90 but only two rows of seats, the CX-70 finds itself virtually in a class of its own. Just about the only competitors in terms of size are a handful of outliers like the two-row versions of the Tesla Model X and Lexus LX. The question is, has Mazda gone too far in its attempt to appeal to space-conscious drivers, or is it pioneering a new segment for the crowded SUV market? While there have been plenty of critical takes on the new CX-70 from commentators expecting an Americanized version of the significantly smaller CX-60, there’s a good chance that Mazda is on to something here.
Setting a New Standard
What was missed by many critics is that releasing the CX-60 in the American market would have been repeating Mazda’s past mistakes of designing vehicles that are just a bit too small for many drivers. In fact, measuring in at just 186 inches overall, the CX-60 is virtually identical in size to the CX-50, which is a North America-exclusive model. Mazda needed to offer something substantially larger to differentiate the CX-70 from the rest of the Mazda lineup. While there was certainly an option to produce something that slotted more neatly between the CX-50 and CX-90 in terms of size, that would be competing in a very crowded segment filled with well-established models from well-established brands.
Instead, Mazda decided to set a new standard by going big with the CX-70 and making it almost the same size as the CX-90. This decision recognizes that many drivers appreciate the incredible versatility of a large SUV but do not particularly desire three rows of seats. By building its two-row midsize model on the same wheelbase as its three-row midsize model, Mazda dodged a common pitfall in this segment, where going up a size gets you more second-row legroom but does nothing to increase your cargo room. The Chevy Blazer, for instance, is eight inches longer than the Chevy Equinox but has less than one cubic foot of additional cargo space. The CX-70 neatly solves this problem by providing both.
What We Like in a New Package
On top of sharing its wheelbase with the CX-90, the CX-70 borrows the same high-performance powertrain options and luxury features. With the choice between a powerful turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist and a plug-in hybrid that we expect to provide at least 26 miles of electric range, the CX-70 appeals to a wider range of drivers. It can also tow up to 5,000 lbs with either engine option, doubling down on its versatility and making it a good choice if you need a light-duty tow vehicle but want something more elegant than a pickup truck. Inside, the CX-70 displays the premium cabin expected from a modern Mazda, adding a beautiful red leather interior option and becoming the first Mazda SUV to offer Alexa integration. If you liked what you saw with the 2024 CX-90 but wanted something a little sportier and less family-oriented, then the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is here to fill that niche.
