The Mazda CX-70 should be given due consideration while shopping for a mid-size SUV.

By Keith Griffin

The Mazda brand is consistently magnificent, yet too often overlooked by new car buyers. That’s unfortunate because the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a midsize SUV worth strong consideration, especially for families.

In fact, U.S. News and World Report named it the Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families. [Disclosure: I used to work at U.S. News and find it a consistently reliable source of automotive information.] Overall, the award is given based on safety, comfort, and connectivity. The CX-70 was hailed as a “large and capacious new entry in the shrinking two-row midsize SUV class, but it offers many features.”

The CX-70 implements several new features for Mazda, all designed to enhance everyday utility for families and improve the driving experience. This includes remote-folding rear seats, which allow for more effortless loading into the rear of the vehicle, as well as a rear cargo area that has been optimized for storage with additional compartments, hooks for bags, and other equipment. Along with that is a sub-trunk design that allows CX-70 owners to stow valuables and other small items out of sight.

One of the accessories in the 2025 Mazda CX-70. Courtesy photo

Performance

Built on Mazda’s large platform, the CX-70 has been engineered from the outset with electrification in mind, with all CX-70 powertrains featuring some form of electrification. There is either an e-SkyActiv G 3.3-liter Inline 6 Turbo engine with M-Hybrid Boost, which puts out 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, or one that delivers 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. There is also an e-SkyActiv G PHEV, which provides customers with the best of both worlds in performance and efficiency.

All things considered, opt for the base engine. It has more than enough power. Models with the base engine get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, and models with the more powerful inline-six get 23/28 mpg city/highway. Both models are estimated to get 25 mpg combined.

The CX-70’s sense of utility and functionality to the driver is further enhanced with several new assistance technologies. One of these is an addition to Cruising & Traffic Support, called Unresponsive Driver Support, that adds an emergency-only system to automatically decelerate and stop the vehicle if the system detects the driver is unresponsive to escalating alerts. Mazda already offers a stop sign alert feature that works brilliantly.

Where the CX-70 really shines is on the inside. It has a handsome leather interior that suggests a much more expensive vehicle. Some think price is an issue with the CX-70. It has a base MSRP of $40,455, which is higher than those of competitors made by Hyundai and Kia. However, the Mazda is a lot more fun to drive.

For 15 years, a Mazda was parked in my driveway. I have reviewed many variations over the years. Like its siblings, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 consistently delivers a positive driving experience. Make sure to give it due consideration while shopping for a mid-size SUV, especially if you have a family of five or fewer.

Interior of Mazda CX-70. Courtesy photo

Longtime West Hartford resident Keith Griffin is a veteran auto journalist whose work has been published in U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe and online for various New York Times companies. He is a past president of the New England Motor Press Association.

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