Mazda was supposed to launch the CX-70 before the end of this year, but it changed its mind and decided to release the new SUV at some point next year. In October, the company hinted the engine range might mirror that of the CX-90, and now we have stronger evidence that this could be the case.

Filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), first unearthed by AutoGuide, reveal the CX-70 will be offered with the same powertrains as its larger brother. This move makes sense considering the CX-70 will ride on the same platform that underpins the CX-90. The main difference between the two will be the number of seats – whereas the CX-90 has seven, the CX-70 will have a two-row layout.

The seven-seat SUV is sold with a 3.3-liter electrified inline-six engine generating 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine with 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of twist. All-wheel drive is standard for both engines and the CARB documents suggest the same will also apply to the CX-70.

Mazda has yet to confirm the launch date of the CX-70 in the United States. The model is expected to become an integral part of the brand’s lineup as it aims to deliver around 500,000 vehicles in the country by the middle of the decade. For 2023, the plan is for 350,000 cars to be sold in the US.

If you're struggling to tell how the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is different from the existing CX-90, give yourself a break. The CX-70 has a slightly different bumper and grille insert, plus the availability of gloss black exterior trim. Mazda didn't reveal dimensions, but they should be identical to the CX-90's apart from a whisker of an inch on account of that different bumper. The biggest difference is that the CX-70 is a two-row SUV. The CX-90 has three rows. That's it. Both the turbo inline-size and plug-in-hybrid powertrains will be available, and the interior design is identical. What you're looking at here is basically a two-row CX-90.

OK, so how on Earth does that warrant a whole other name? A marketing person wasn't on hand to confirm this guess during our sneak preview, but logically it seems like it's easier to sell a CX-70 than a "CX-90 Two-Row" or "CX-90 S." Smaller name number = fewer seats. Simple, understandable.


OK, so why would anyone want a two-row CX-90? Three-row midsize crossovers are wildly more popular than their two-row counterparts -- the Honda Passport sold 53,133 units to the Honda Pilot's 143,062 back in 2021, the last full model and calendar year both SUVs belonged to the same generation. And as much as the Passport can be dismissed as a shortened, two-row Pilot, the similarities are vast compared to the CX-70 and CX-90.

Mazda says that there is indeed an admittedly small subset of buyers not interested in three-rows, and who would rather have some extra cargo versatility. This would be empty nesters or DINKs. It would also be more premium/luxury-minded customers, which explains why the CX-70 will only be available in upper trim levels and therefore start at a higher price (which is still TBA, BTW). While the CX-90 straddles the line between mainstream and luxury segments, the CX-70's needle is pinged more to the fancy end. Think Lexus RX rather than Honda Passport or Chevy Blazer here.

OK, so why would a luxury-minded customer want the car with the lower number? That's a question still to be answered. It's also important to note that you don't add that much cargo versatility.



Above you can see the difference between the CX-70 and Passport's cargo areas since they are similar in concept. The Passport keeps the Pilot's useful underfloor bin adjacent to the liftgate and relocates the spare tire from down below the car to inside just behind the back seat. This is because the shorter Passport has less space behind the wheels. The CX-70 has effectively the same body, so its spare tire remains in the same spot: inside, and below that large plastic piece adjacent to the liftgate. The Mazda's bins are entirely where the third-row would be, which is difficult to access. I question how often someone would actually use these spaces, and if it really would be used more frequently than a third row, even by those who don't really see themselves needing one.

Ultimately, though, it's hard to get too worked up about what is a very low lift on Mazda's part. Really, why not? The subset of people who do want a two-row SUV really does exist, even if smaller than those who want three rows. Honda would probably say that moving 53,133 Passports out the door was better than zero. Mazda also made the point that it currently lacks a midsize SUV and that it sees the segment growing. Perhaps no one will buy it, but at least Mazda didn't dump loads of resources into something no one wants. Or maybe loads of people will buy it, and the ROI will be tremendous. Again, why not?

Mazda North American Operations announced the first-ever 2025 Mazda CX-70. Utilizing Mazda's most advanced powertrains that offer responsive and electrified performance, CX-70 provides intuitive handling that keeps the driver engaged and in control, whether driving around the city or engaging in lifestyle activities.

As expected of a Mazda vehicle, CX-70 is designed with drivers in mind, with an emphasis on superb driving dynamics, elegant yet sporty design cues, and a focus on generous cabin and cargo space to encourage owners to pursue their passions and hobbies.

Built on Mazda's large platform, CX-70 has been engineered from the outset with electrification in mind, with all CX-70 powertrains featuring some form of electrification. Customers can choose from an e-SkyActiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine with M-Hybrid Boost, or an e-SkyActiv G PHEV, which provides customers with the best of both worlds in performance and efficiency.

Design is a clear point of pride with Mazda CX-70. The natural, athletic posture bestowed by the large platform is further enhanced with thoroughly modern and sporty touches. CX-70's aggressive appearance is immediately noticed with the wide and low front fascia and chiseled front end. Mazda further emphasized Mazda CX-70's dynamic look with contrasting black accents throughout the exterior, and available black metal and machine cut finished 21-inch wheels, giving the vehicle a great stance, even when parked.

Just as striking as the exterior is the meticulously sculpted interior, which feels wide and open, yet personable and comfortable. An expressive, varied interior color palette is complemented by high quality materials and finishes, such as the contrast gray metallic inlays, which all work harmoniously to create a timeless, yet sporty ambiance. The available red Nappa leather is coupled with red stitch detailing throughout the cabin and is inspired by the 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5, offering a distinctly sporty theme.

Effortlessly blending the ideas of function and form, Mazda CX-70 implements several new features to Mazda, all designed to improve everyday utility and encourage our customers to engage with their active lifestyles and improve the driving experience. This includes remote-folding rear seats, which allows for easier 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 unique sub-trunk design that allows CX-70 owners to stow valuables and other small items out of sight.

Mazda 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. There is also the integration of Alexa, which allows the driver to make hands-free commands for prompts like changing the temperature, or radio station, to controlling their smart home devices. CX-70 is the first Mazda crossover to feature Alexa, with the goal of reducing driver distraction and improving ease of use. Mazda's purposeful approach in designing CX-70 for its customers elevates CX-70 to a higher standard.