Mazda doesn’t possess the reputation that Honda and Toyota have built regarding quality SUVs. But it keeps moving closer.
We recently test-drove the new 2026 Mazda CX-70 and came away impressed. It’s very similar to the CX-90, which is a good thing. Mazda has a habit of doing that – hence the CX-5 and the CX-50 being eerily similar SUVs as well.
Many people question why the company debuted the three-row Mazda CX-90 in 2024 and one year later welcomed the nearly identical two-row 2025 Mazda CX-70. The SUVs are built on the same platform, share an engine and offer nearly identical interior design, technology and road manners.
What also baffles us when comparing the two SUVs is the smaller CX-70 has a higher base price at roughly $42,300, while the CX-90 starts at approximately $38,900.
The CX-70 slots between the smaller CX-50 and the CX-90, the largest Mazda SUV. The CX-70 is known for its sporty handling and quick acceleration. Its two engine choices provide good gas mileage, and a third choice – the plug-in hybrid CX-70 – has a range of 30 miles in electric mode.
All versions of the CX-70 come standard with all-wheel drive and have an 8.1-inch ground clearance, high enough for some mild off-road excursions in light snow or on gravel roads.
The standard CX-70 engine is a turbocharged 3.3-liter, V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the alternative engine is a turbo 3.3-liter, V6 comes that produces 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 models go roughly 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, have fuel economy of 23-28 mpg, and the towing capacity lies between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds.
We like how the CX-70 handles in all driving situations. It has a sporty feel, the steering is sharp and the SUV can navigate challenging, curvy roads with ease, and maneuvers well in tight parking lots.
Standard driver safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, smart brake support, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control with stop and go, vehicle exit warning, rear seat alert, and emergency lane keeping.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 MAZDA CX-70
- Performance: turbocharged 3.3-liter, V6, 280 horsepower; turbo 3.3-liter, V6, 340 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 23-28 mpg; 23-28 mpg
- Price estimate: $42,300 to $56,700
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 3 years/36,000; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
The CX-70 interior could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand. It has a smart design and provides comfort for all five passengers. There’s excellent cargo space as well – 39.5 cubic feet behind the second row that expands to 75.3 cubes with the row folded down.
The SUV has a 12.3-inch infotainment system (not a touchscreen) and uses Mazda’s latest software. Unfortunately, not everything is intuitive; there’s a learning curve in mastering the overall system. There’s a control knob and several buttons on the center console that aid in monitoring the display. An eight-speaker system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with four USB ports.
In recommending a choice between the two SUVs, we would select the larger CX-90 over the 2026 Mazda CX-70 because folding down the third row makes them practically identical.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.bsky.social
