Overview
Mazda is currently offering a pair mid-size hybrid SUVs which are as difficult to distinguish from each other as a pair of identical twins. The CX-70 Hybrid is a clone of the CX-90 hybrid, but with two rows and five seats, instead of three rows and a maximum number of passengers of eight. Like its higher-capacity brother, the CX-70 Hybrid is distinguished by a refined interior, higher-class cabin materials and exterior styling that is easy on the eyes.
Under the hood is a 323 hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that not only enables up to 40 kilometers of electric driving per charge, but also improves performance compared to its petrol counterpart. It’s a fast and economical setup, although it lacks the seamless hybrid operation of some other PHEVs in this segment. That powertrain stumbles aside, the CX-70 is a frugal five-seat family crossover that leans toward luxury.
Expert tip: While the CX-70 Hybrid was the style leader in the midsize hybrid SUV class, it has recently been redesigned Hyundai Palissade hybrid stole his crown.
What’s new for 2027?
The Mazda CX-70 Hybrid is still a relative newcomer to Mazda’s portfolio, debuting for the 2025 model year. As we enter its third season, we don’t expect any groundbreaking changes.
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Prices and which ones to buy
As last year, the CX-70 Hybrid is offered in just two trim levels: Select Choice and Select Choice Premium. If it were our money, we’d opt to save a few thousand by choosing the Select Choice. Despite being an entry-level model, it is well equipped with desirable features such as 19-inch wheels, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam headlights.
Engine, transmission and performance
- Hybrid powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, together 323 hp
- Transfer: 8-speed automatic
- Powertrain: four-wheel drive
The CX-70 Hybrid gets the same plug-in powertrain as the three-row CX-90 Hybrid. This means a combined power of 323 hp from a combination of a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting, and all-wheel drive is standard. In our experience, this powertrain provides plenty of punch for city and highway driving, but it’s not as smooth as other plug-in hybrid setups in vehicles like the Kia Sorento hybrid or Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Because the electric motor is sandwiched between the gas engine and the eight-speed transmission, shifting interrupts the smooth flow of electric power to the wheels, creating a slightly strange feeling behind the wheel.
During our test drivewe found the driving experience of the CX-70 Hybrid to be comparable to the CX-90 Hybrid. It offers agile handling for a mid-size SUV, and the electric motor and battery pack provide decent electric driving range in the real world.
0-60 MPH times
- CD 60 mph test: 5.9 seconds
For comparison: Being virtually identical to the CX-90 Hybrid, the CX-70 Hybrid is just as fast as its sibling; both models reached 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. That’s half a second faster to 60 mph than our long-term non-hybrid CX-90 when new.
Towing and loading capacity
The CX-70 Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Mazda offers an Essential Tow package as an option on all versions, including tow bar and wiring harness.
Range, charging and battery life
A 17.8 kWh battery pack can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 90 minutes on a 240-volt connection, and the EPA says the CX-70 Hybrid can travel 25 miles on electric power on a full charge.
Fuel economy and real MPG
- EPA city rating: 24mpg
- EPA Highway Rating: 27mpg
The EPA estimates that the CX-70 Hybrid will return fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, 25 mpg combined and 56 mpg combined. The non-hybrid six-cylinder CX-70 records nearly identical EPA fuel economy figures of up to 24 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. We haven’t had a chance to take the CX-70 Hybrid into our real-world 75mph highway fuel economy test yet, but we’ll update this section as soon as we get a chance to test one. For more information about Land Cruiser fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and luggage
First row: If the first two rows of the CX-90 Hybrid are roomy enough for you, then you’ll find the CX-70 Hybrid’s cabin a comfortable place to be: the two SUVs are virtually identical inside, but for the CX-70’s lack of a third-row seat. The interior design is luxurious and stylish with a touch of sportiness, especially when equipped with the optional red leather upholstery.
Second row: The CX-70’s second row is comfortable and well-appointed, but not as roomy as the rear seats of models like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
Loading capacity: The CX-70 Hybrid offers 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. That’s virtually identical to what the CX-90 offers with the third row of seats stowed.
Infotainment and connectivity
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio system: Premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers
A 12.3-inch infotainment display is nestled in the dash and is controlled via a click wheel on the CX-70 Hybrid’s center console. While the rotary dial is a good enough solution for navigating infotainment functions, it’s starting to feel a little dated and takes some getting used to in an age of touchscreens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo.
Safety and driver assistance features
All CX-70s come with a suite of driver assistance features called i-Activsense, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and more.
- Standard safety features: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control
For information on the CX-70 Hybrid’s crash test results, please contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Road Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Mazda offers buyers of new CX-70s an adequate protection plan. What it doesn’t offer is something that both the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Toyota Highlander hybrid Thu: free scheduled maintenance.
- Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Free maintenance: no
CD Test results and specifications
Every year we subject hundreds of vehicles to our rigorous, instrumented testing regime. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, it is because this vehicle has not changed since the last test and the test results remain accurate.
Specifications
2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus
Vehicle type: front engine, front engine, four-wheel drive, 5 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/as tested: $58,905/$59,355
Options: Fusing copper metallic paint, $450
Powertrain
DOHC 2.5-liter inline-4 16-valve engine, 189 hp, 192 lb-ft + AC engine, 173 hp, 199 lb-ft (combined power: 323 hp, 369 lb-ft; 14.8 kWh [C/D est] lithium-ion battery pack; Built-in charger of 7.2 kW
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: wishbones/multilink
Brakes, front/rear: 13.7″ ventilated disc/13.8″ ventilated disc
Tyres: Falken Ziex CT60A A/S
275/45R-21 107W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Length: 200.8 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 68.2 inches
Passenger volume, F/R: 57/51 ft3
Cargo volume, rear F/R: 75/40 ft3
Curb weight: 5184 pounds
CD TEST RESULTS
100 km/h: 5.9 sec
1/4 mile: 14.4 sec at 97 mph
160 km/h: 15.2 sec
The above results show a 1-foot rollout of 0.3 sec. away.
Rolling start, 5-100 km/h: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 50-80 km/h: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 80-110 km/h: 3.9 sec
Top speed (gov ltd): 190 km/h
Braking, 110–0 km/h: 171 ft
Road holding, 90 meter skidpad: 0.82 g
CD FUEL CONSUMPTION
Observed: 27 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/24/27 mpg
Combined gasoline + electricity: 56 MPGe
EV range: 42 km
CD TESTING EXPLAINED
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