2025 Mazda CX-70 First Look

The new two-row crossover reflects Mazda's upmarket ambitions.

Ronan Glon | 

Jan 30, 2024 | 3 min read

Christian Wardlaw

Mazda filled the gap separating the CX-50 and the CX-90 with the new CX-70. Due out for the 2025 model year, the crossover wraps the CX-90's underpinnings and technology in a smaller package.

Christian Wardlaw

2025 Mazda CX-70 Shares Its Looks With CX-90, But Has Seating For Five

Mazda built the CX-70 on the Large platform that also underpins the CX-90, and several styling cues link the two crossovers. Both feature a tall, upright front end with a shield-shaped grille flanked by horizontal headlights and a long dash-to-axle ratio that hints at the rear-wheel-drive-based platform.

Honeycomb-shaped inserts in the grille and a redesigned bumper help differentiate the CX-70 from the bigger CX-90. Out back, the CX-70 wears a roof-mounted spoiler and horizontal lights that stretch into the hatch. Gloss black accents and available 21-inch wheels add a finishing touch to the look.

Christian Wardlaw

Inside, the CX-70 offers space for five occupants on two rows of seats; Mazda will direct buyers who need three rows to the CX-90. The two models look a lot alike from the driver's perspective. There's a three-spoke steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen on the dashboard for the infotainment system.

Mazda bucked the industry's shift to all-digital interiors and left buttons for the climate control system, among other functions, on the bottom of the center stack.

Mazda will offer several upholstery options, including red leather with matching stitching and black accents. This color is inspired by the upholstery seen in the 100th Anniversary Edition MX-5 Miata.

Christian Wardlaw

CX-70 to Offer Amazon Alexa Integration, Driver-Assistance Tech

The CX-70's list of standard and optional equipment includes features that reflect its upmarket ambitions. It's the first Mazda crossover compatible with Amazon Alexa connectivity, which lets the passengers use voice commands to ask for weather information, control the smart devices in their home, and more.

Power-folding rear seats facilitate the task of loading bulky items into the vehicle, and Mazda's Cruising and Traffic Support suite of driving aids gains an Unresponsive Driver Support function that automatically brings the car to a stop if the driver doesn't respond to various alerts.

Christian Wardlaw

CX-70 Goes Hybrid Only, With PHEV Option

Mazda is yet to release technical specifications, but it notes CX-70 buyers will initially have two powertrain options to choose from. The first is a turbocharged, 3.3-liter inline-six linked to a mild-hybrid system. The second is a plug-in hybrid system capable of running on electricity alone. Mazda has not yet published power figures for these powertrains, but they're likely to hold close to the 280- to 340-hp range seen in the CX-90.

All-wheel drive is available, but there's no word on whether a rear-wheel-drive trim will be offered. For context, the CX-90 is only offered with all-wheel drive in spite of its rear-wheel-drive platform.

Mazda hasn't published pricing for the 2025 CX-70. More details will emerge in the coming months.

Christian Wardlaw

Ronan Glon

Ronan Glon is an American journalist and automotive historian based in France. He enjoys working on old cars and spending time outdoors seeking out his next project car.