Mazda CX-70 (2026)
Sporty, upscale, and capable, but firm-riding and less refined than luxury rivals.
The Mazda CX-70 (2026) is a stylish, driver-focused two-row SUV for families and commuters who want more cargo room and personality without committing to a third row. Its strong turbocharged inline-six, upscale cabin, and rear-biased standard AWD support Mazda’s near-luxury claims, while expert and owner feedback confirms engaging handling and useful practicality. The tradeoff is less convincing refinement: a firm ride, occasional rattles, and clumsy low-speed shifts can undercut the premium experience. With pricing below many luxury rivals and available 32-mile electric range, it offers compelling value, especially for drivers who can charge regularly. Overall, its appeal depends on how much you prioritize performance and equipment over seamless comfort and easy parking.
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Benefits
Calmer road noise and supportive seats make everyday commuting and longer trips easier.
A roomy rear area and flat cargo floor handle family gear without third-row compromise.
Precise steering, standard AWD, and strong power make ordinary drives feel composed and enjoyable.
The PHEV’s roughly 32-mile electric range covers many errands without using gasoline.
Trade-Offs
Sharp bumps come through clearly, making rough streets and long drives less comfortable.
Pulling away or creeping in traffic can feel jerky, interrupting otherwise smooth driving.
Changing navigation or music takes extra attention with the rotary controller.
Its broad body and heavy steering make tight parking spaces and crowded streets more work.
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Publications
5 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver is clearly positive on the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Hybrid, with reservations about its positioning. The reviewer appreciates its quick 323-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, agile handling, upscale five-seat cabin, and useful cargo space, while the improved 30-mile electric range and more than $10,000 price cut strengthen its appeal. A 5.9-second sprint to 60 mph confirms that this is an unusually lively midsize SUV. Still, the CX-70’s biggest weakness is that the nearly identical CX-90 Hybrid offers the same driving experience plus a third row, making the two-row model feel redundant. The gasoline engine can drone loudly, the infotainment controls may frustrate some users, and there is no complimentary maintenance. Overall, the review portrays the CX-70 as a polished, sporty, luxurious PHEV and recommends the well-equipped entry-level trim, but only conditionally because its sibling may be the smarter buy.
By Drew Dorian
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock is cautiously enthusiastic about the Mazda CX-70, seeing it as a more convincing two-row SUV than the CX-90 is a three-row. The CX-70 offers engaging driving dynamics, strong Turbo S performance, useful cargo space, and a choice of mild-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The PHEV is particularly peppy in EV mode, while the Turbo S reaches 60 mph in a tested 6.3 seconds. Still, the praise is measured: slow steering, an indecisive transmission, a firm PHEV ride, non-flat-folding rear seats, and cheap-looking exterior plastics keep it from feeling fully polished. Its carryover CX-90 shifter is also confusing. Overall, Rehbock views the CX-70 as a comfortable, capable daily driver with appealing performance and practicality, but one that falls short of delivering a truly refined experience.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver is clearly positive on the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Hybrid, with reservations about its positioning. The reviewer appreciates its quick 323-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, agile handling, upscale five-seat cabin, and useful cargo space, while the improved 30-mile electric range and more than $10,000 price cut strengthen its appeal. A 5.9-second sprint to 60 mph confirms that this is an unusually lively midsize SUV. Still, the CX-70’s biggest weakness is that the nearly identical CX-90 Hybrid offers the same driving experience plus a third row, making the two-row model feel redundant. The gasoline engine can drone loudly, the infotainment controls may frustrate some users, and there is no complimentary maintenance. Overall, the review portrays the CX-70 as a polished, sporty, luxurious PHEV and recommends the well-equipped entry-level trim, but only conditionally because its sibling may be the smarter buy.
By Drew Dorian
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock is cautiously enthusiastic about the Mazda CX-70, seeing it as a more convincing two-row SUV than the CX-90 is a three-row. The CX-70 offers engaging driving dynamics, strong Turbo S performance, useful cargo space, and a choice of mild-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The PHEV is particularly peppy in EV mode, while the Turbo S reaches 60 mph in a tested 6.3 seconds. Still, the praise is measured: slow steering, an indecisive transmission, a firm PHEV ride, non-flat-folding rear seats, and cheap-looking exterior plastics keep it from feeling fully polished. Its carryover CX-90 shifter is also confusing. Overall, Rehbock views the CX-70 as a comfortable, capable daily driver with appealing performance and practicality, but one that falls short of delivering a truly refined experience.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver is clearly positive on the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Hybrid, with reservations about its positioning. The reviewer appreciates its quick 323-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, agile handling, upscale five-seat cabin, and useful cargo space, while the improved 30-mile electric range and more than $10,000 price cut strengthen its appeal. A 5.9-second sprint to 60 mph confirms that this is an unusually lively midsize SUV. Still, the CX-70’s biggest weakness is that the nearly identical CX-90 Hybrid offers the same driving experience plus a third row, making the two-row model feel redundant. The gasoline engine can drone loudly, the infotainment controls may frustrate some users, and there is no complimentary maintenance. Overall, the review portrays the CX-70 as a polished, sporty, luxurious PHEV and recommends the well-equipped entry-level trim, but only conditionally because its sibling may be the smarter buy.
By Drew Dorian
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock is cautiously enthusiastic about the Mazda CX-70, seeing it as a more convincing two-row SUV than the CX-90 is a three-row. The CX-70 offers engaging driving dynamics, strong Turbo S performance, useful cargo space, and a choice of mild-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The PHEV is particularly peppy in EV mode, while the Turbo S reaches 60 mph in a tested 6.3 seconds. Still, the praise is measured: slow steering, an indecisive transmission, a firm PHEV ride, non-flat-folding rear seats, and cheap-looking exterior plastics keep it from feeling fully polished. Its carryover CX-90 shifter is also confusing. Overall, Rehbock views the CX-70 as a comfortable, capable daily driver with appealing performance and practicality, but one that falls short of delivering a truly refined experience.
By Billy Rehbock
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15 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosAlex on Autos is positive about the CX-70 itself but sharply critical of Mazda’s decision to create it as a separate model. He finds its handsome design, smooth and characterful inline-6, rear-biased AWD, strong handling, towing ability, and upscale cabin appealing, even comparing its dynamics favorably with several rivals. However, the missing torque converter makes low-speed power delivery occasionally lurchy, the ride is firm, rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and cargo practicality barely improves over the CX-90. He prefers the smoother, quicker PHEV, but ultimately recommends buying a CX-90 instead because it costs only about $700 more.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, admiring its handsome styling, upscale cabin, physical controls, roomy rear seat, and enormous cargo area. The inline-six provides character and the steering feels direct, but refinement falls short: cold shifts can be jerky, driveline vibration is noticeable, harsh impacts expose a choppy ride, and the cabin’s storage and wireless charger are poorly packaged. He views it as distinctive and well-equipped for the money, yet less polished than the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Korean alternatives, making it appealing mainly to buyers willing to trade refinement for Mazda’s design and driving personality.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-70, though reliability and refinement remain concerns. Owners praise its upscale interior, distinctive styling, strong turbocharged performance, smooth ride, spacious cabin, and appealing value. The two-row layout suits shoppers who want cargo room without third-row seating, and many would buy again. Criticism centers on the vehicle’s unchanged, oversized CX-90 dimensions, occasional rattles, intrusive i-Stop behavior, inconsistent blind-spot monitoring, missing features on some trims, and low-speed transmission roughness. Earlier-generation issues make cautious buyers recommend waiting, but software updates and newer model years appear to be improving the ownership experience.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Strong Inline-Six PowerReviewers note smooth, characterful acceleration.
- •Engaging Road MannersDesigned to deliver planted, rear-biased handling.
- •Useful Towing CapacityAdvertised to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- •Practical Electric CommutingPromoted as offering 32 miles of EV range.
Considerations
- •Firm Ride QualitySharp bumps and vibrations reach occupants.
- •Low-Speed Shift BehaviorTransmission can hesitate, jerk, or feel coarse.
- •Dated Infotainment ControlsRotary interface feels slower and less intuitive.
- •Bulky Urban FootprintLarge dimensions complicate parking and maneuvering.
Mazda’s CX-70 brings the brand’s driver-focused character to a premium-leaning two-row SUV for families, commuters, and outdoor-minded owners who do not need a third row. Positioned against models such as the Honda Passport and Lexus RX, it combines a distinctive cabin with standard AWD, a choice of responsive inline-six engines, and a PHEV designed for short electric trips. Its strongest differentiators are rear-biased handling, up to 5,000-pound towing, and roughly 32 miles of electric range, though the large footprint and firm ride complicate the luxury-SUV brief. The following sections examine performance, comfort, packaging, efficiency, towing, and all-weather capability—areas where expert enthusiasm meets real-world caveats. If you value driving enjoyment more than effortless refinement, these details will show whether the CX-70 is a clever alternative or simply a CX-90 with the third row on vacation.
Powertrain Performance
The CX-70 offers genuinely strong power, though its transmission can dilute the polish. The standard 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft on regular fuel, while the Turbo S produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium, reaching 60 mph in roughly 6.3–6.5 seconds in testing. The PHEV’s 323-hp powertrain is quicker and smoother in some reviews, with instant electric torque, but its engine can sound coarse. Low-speed shifts and mild-hybrid transitions are recurring weak points.
Towing Capacity
The CX-70 is well suited to light recreational towing, particularly with its gasoline inline-six models. The Turbo and Turbo S are rated for up to 5,000 pounds, and higher trims can add useful equipment such as an integrated trailer-brake controller. That is a meaningful advantage for boats, campers, or utility trailers, though real-world capability still depends on trailer loading and proper equipment. The PHEV’s 3,500-pound rating is lower, so electrification comes with a clear towing compromise.
AWD and Off-Road Ability
Standard AWD gives every CX-70 confident all-weather traction, but this is not a dedicated off-road SUV. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD is rear-biased for responsive road handling, while Mi-Drive adds Sport and Off-Road modes and independent suspension helps maintain control on uneven surfaces. Reviewers report capable snow performance, although the PHEV has less ground clearance and can trail more specialized rivals such as the Honda Passport or Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Its strengths are stability and composure, not serious trail work.
Cargo and Packaging
The two-row layout gives the CX-70 useful cargo flexibility, but not a smaller footprint. Mazda lists about 75.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and roughly 39.6–40 cubic feet behind them, with a notably practical, near-flat loading floor. That makes it appealing for families who want storage without a third row, and reviewers generally praise rear-seat access and cargo volume. Still, its cabin storage is mediocre, the rear seats do not fold completely flat, and packaging is barely different from the CX-90.
Ride and Handling
The CX-70 feels more like a driver’s SUV than a soft family hauler. Its rear-biased all-wheel drive, precise steering, and controlled body motions earn consistent praise, especially in Turbo S form, where testers find it agile and planted. The tradeoff is a firm ride and seats that expose sharp bumps, with some owners reporting rattles or tiring highway behavior. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control supports composure, but refinement varies more than the premium styling suggests.
PHEV Range and Efficiency
The PHEV makes the most sense for owners who can charge regularly. Its 32-mile electric range can cover short commutes and errands without using gasoline, while regenerative braking and EV-only mode improve local efficiency. Reviews praise its brisk electric response, and one test recorded about 8.1 L/100 km, but results depend heavily on charging habits and trip length. The roughly 2.5-hour charging time is convenient, yet the heavier system reduces towing capacity and does not eliminate engine noise on longer drives.
Conclusion
Pulling the threads together, the CX-70 is a two-row SUV for drivers who want character before cushiness: its turbocharged inline-six feels strong and distinctive, while rear-biased AWD delivers planted, enjoyable handling. Gas models add serious versatility with 5,000-pound towing, and the PHEV offers a useful 32-mile electric range for charged-up daily errands, though it gives up towing capacity. The roomy cargo area suits families who skip a third row, but the vehicle remains bulky, and its packaging is not dramatically different from the CX-90. Expert praise for performance, equipment, and cabin quality is tempered by user complaints about the firm ride, occasional rattles, and clumsy low-speed shifts. Buyers seeking engaging road manners and near-luxury value should shortlist it; those prioritizing seamless refinement, easy parking, or maximum passenger flexibility should look elsewhere. Its appeal is substantial, but the compromises make it a considered rather than automatic recommendation.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Powertrain Efficiency
4/5
Acceleration and Throttle Response
4/5
Reliability and Durability
3/5
Combined Driving Range
4/5
Charging Convenience
3/5
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
4/5
Ownership Cost
3/5
Resale Value
3/5
Feature to Price Ratio
4/5
Design
Interior Space and Packaging
4/5
Exterior Styling Appeal
4/5
Ergonomics and Controls
4/5
Cargo Flexibility
4/5
Ride and Handling Balance
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Material Toxicity
TBD
Noise and Vibration
3/5
Safety
Crash Protection
TBD
Active Driver Assistance
3/5
Battery Safety
TBD
Child Safety and Seating Anchors
TBD
Sustainability
Tailpipe Emissions Reduction
4/5
Lifecycle Battery Impact
TBD
Recyclability and End of Life
TBD
Fuel Source Flexibility
4/5
Experience Style
Tech and Connectivity Richness
4/5
Ease of Use and Simplicity
4/5
Comfort and Luxury Appointments
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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