(TestMiles) – Mazda has decided to make a bold move with its latest offering, the 2025 Mazda CX-70, shrinking the larger CX-90’s ambitious design into what may be the right size for those not needing a caravan-sized vehicle. Priced between $40,445 and $55,950, this mid-size luxury SUV straddles the fine line between the more compact CX-50 and its bigger brother, the CX-90, seemingly tailored for those who’ve bid farewell to the bustling household era and now revel in the quiet after the storm.
At the heart of the CX-70’s charm is a choice of two engines. The traditionalists can opt for the robust 3.3-liter six-cylinder, or, for the eco-minded, a plug-in hybrid that promises efficiency with a 2.5-liter engine paired with an electric motor, whipping up 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter not only caters to the green-hearted but does so with gusto, boasting up to 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and covering 26 miles purely on electric zeal—a perfect companion for city sprints and countryside jaunts alike.
As we delve deeper, the CX-70, which begins at a premium entry price of $54,400 for the PHEV Premium trim, doesn’t shy away from showing off its sophisticated attire. Available in eye-catching hues like Soul Red Crystal and Zircon Sand Metallic, it stands proudly on available 21-inch wheels, framed by a striking wide front fascia and black contrasting accents. It’s quite the looker but doesn’t just play to the gallery. Inside, the cabin mirrors the upscale ambiance of the CX-90, adorned with options such as black upholstery festooned with gold stitching or sumptuous red Nappa leather, all underpinned by Mazda’s commitment to ergonomic and aesthetic finesse.
But it’s not just about looks or lounging in luxury. The CX-70 is as practical as it is plush. Absent a third row, it offers a spacious cargo area, complete with remote-folding rear seats and hooks for bags—ideal for those who travel with more than just a briefcase. The technological suite is nothing to scoff at either. A 12.3-inch central infotainment display ensures connectivity and control are at your fingertips, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an array of driver-assistance systems including radar cruise control and a novel unresponsive driver support system.
Competing head-on with the likes of the Honda Passport and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Mazda’s trimmed-down transporter raises a compelling argument: does bigger necessarily mean better? In the arena of mid-sized SUVs, where every inch and option is scrutinized, the CX-70 presents a contrarian viewpoint that less might indeed be more, particularly for the discerning empty nester or the environmentally conscious driver.
Despite some naysayers describing the CX-70 as a possibly lukewarm makeover of the CX-90, the optimism surrounding its driving dynamics and high-quality interior suggests that Mazda may just have trimmed the fat rather than the muscle. So, while it might not be reinventing the wheel, with the CX-70, Mazda reinforces that sometimes, a little less is exactly enough.
