The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a CX-90 Without the Third Row. What?
The dark chrome grille surround is a sinister touch (image: Mazda)
Mazda just unveiled its latest model, the 2025 CX-70. Unbeknownst to you, you’ve seen it before. How? Well, the new CX-70 is actually a CX-90 with the third row removed. That’s right. The chassis, body, interior, and powertrains are the same. So, why on earth would Mazda do this? Well, first of all, the CX-90 is a damn fine vehicle. It’s a three-row SUV that’s not so big that it’s hard to get around tight spots around town. It’s also supremely well-outfitted with premium materials and some of the best ergonomics in the business.
Most importantly, pretty much every Mazda model drives sportier than its equally-priced competitors. If you haven’t driven a Mazda, you’re missing out. Aside from premium brands like Porsche and BMW, Mazda just so happens to be the one automotive brand that cares more about the driving experience than anyone else. From their smallest vehicle (CX-30) to their largest (CX-90), every trip is thrilling behind the wheel. The CX-70 should prove to be no exception to the proven Mazda formula.
So, aside from the missing third row, what’s different about the CX-70? Well, The CX-70 gets black accents on the grille, exterior mirrors, and door handles, as well as a unique wheel design exclusive to the model. The result is that the CX-70 looks more menacing than its three-row sibling. Take a look at the profile view and the photo of the vehicle head-on. There’s no silver-tone chrome to speak of. The dark trim of the grille and side windows make the CX-70 look pretty mean, and it matches the black trim around the wheel wells, unlike the CX-90.
The CX-70 will also differ from the CX-90 in that it won’t have the eight trim levels, hard to follow by even automotive journalists. The powertrains, however, will be the same: a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine in two power ratings, as well as a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. The good news is that both mills are tremendously good to drive, especially the inline-six gas engines. We’ve driven the CX-90, and it’s even better than our own 2022 Mazda-CX-90 Signature, which could use a bump in power. The CX-70 should also be slightly lighter than the CX-90 due to the third-row seat deletion, but we’re spitballing here.
If that doesn’t look like premium brand interior, I’m a monkey’s uncle (image: Mazda).
Another unique feature of the CX-70 is the underfloor storage system behind the second-row seats. Flip up the load floor, and there are four compartments. One compartment even has the ability to store long objects. We love the fact that you can keep things out of sight without using a cargo cover, and the storage system doesn’t encroach into your cargo area. The generous cargo area behind row two is estimated at 40 cubic feet. If you fold the second row flat via its power fold button, there are 75 cubes of cargo space. That’s pretty big, even a few cubes more than the 3-row Audi Q7.
More automakers should provide storage choices like the CX-70’s hidden compartment (image: Mazda).
One more draw to the CX-70 is the fact that buyers can configure it with bold red Nappa leather which nods to the 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5 Miata roadster. Just take a look below. Those are some scrumptiously handsome seats, especially with the black vertical stripe. The Nappa leather is very supple, as we’ve experienced in the CX-90 Turbo Premium Plus. Red leather isn’t for everyone, but it adds a dose of raciness to the equation.
Official pricing hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the 2025 Mazda CX-70 should be priced a notch below the CX-90’s $39,595 base MSRP. The new model should be in showrooms sometime this year as a 2025 model. It should drive nearly identical to the CX-90, which is a very good thing. For now, we’ll have to settle for a tasty clip of the CX-70. Check it out:
