Anthony FongaroMazda lept into the luxury three-row crossover segment with the CX-90 a few years ago. It introduced Mazda’s first inline-six-cylinder and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine. Although both drivetrains had some faults, the CX-90 won many due to its styling, driving dynamics, and luxury. Mazda knew they needed a two-row vehicle, but what they did was surprising. Mazda removed the rear seats of a CX-90, made some minor changes to the exterior, and plopped on a CX-70 badge. This means the CX-70 is essentially a two-row version of the CX-90. If that’s the case, why not just get the CX-90?
Since this is a CX-90 minus 20, the CX-70 is a handsome SUV, especially in Polymetal Gray Metallic and 21-inch wheels. The front features a large black honeycomb grille with a large Mazda badge and a large silver trim. Aggressive-looking LED lights and fake vents flank the sides. Since this has a 3.3-liter inline-six engine, there is an inline-six badge on the front fenders. At the rear are semi-slim lights, Mazda logos, and fake vents. It’s a handsome-looking crossover, but it could fool most buyers into cross-shopping the CX-90.
The CX-90’s luxurious interior remains intact, with plenty of leather and physical buttons for climate control. This CX-70 wore a tan and black interior. The front seats were heated and ventilated and were quite comfortable. Controls for the steering wheel and climate controls are simple to use, with this CX-70 utilizing a large head-up display. The weak point of the interior is the infotainment system. It isn’t the most intuitive to use and the dashboard covers part of it. Mazda does include a small rotary knob to use the system, but it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear captain’s chairs are heated and have their own climate control and USBs. Without a third row of seats, the trunk is vast, but it still has the cupholders from the CX-90.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six producing 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the CX-70 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds. Mazda needs to refine this powertrain since it’s jerky off-the-line and feels inconsistent. Thankfully, the steering and brakes are up to par, giving the CX-70 a surprising amount of grip. Don’t expect to get more than 20-22 MPG. This vehicle came with Mazda’s safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring making the CX-70 simple to use.
Pricing for the CX-70 is almost the same as the CX-90, starting at $41,000 and rising to $57,000 for this Turbo S Premium Plus. Non-Turbo S models have detuned inline-six engines, but they still produce 280 horsepower. My recommendation would be the $49,000 Premium Plus. It has the same features as the Turbo S Premium Plus, minus the upgraded engine. Since the CX-90 exists, is the CX-70 redundant? Yes and it’s a little disappointing, but that doesn’t negate the positive qualities of the CX-70. The good thing is, if you only need seating for five and a big trunk, the CX-70 is excellent.
Images Courtesy of Mazda
