2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV: The Perfect Midsize 2-Row Luxury SUV?

Mazda CX-70: A CX-90 Without the Third Row

• 💡 The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is essentially a CX-90 without the third row, featuring retuned suspension and a revised cargo area.
• 🎯 This makes it a compelling option for those who don't need or use a third row, offering a more practical two-row configuration.

Exterior Design and Features

• ✨ The CX-70 is showcased in Mazda's signature Soul Red color, highlighting its sleek design.
• ⚠️ Criticisms include fake vents on the front bumper, though functional corner air curtains are present.
• 🚀 Specific to the CX-70 are 21-inch machined aluminum wheels with gloss black accents.
• 🔌 The "PHEV" designation signifies a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system, offering EV-only driving capabilities.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚡ The plug-in hybrid model features a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
• 🔋 It utilizes a 14.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, enabling up to 26 miles of pure EV range.
• 💨 The powertrain is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 24 MPG city / 27 MPG highway for the engine alone, with a combined 56 MPG when utilizing the hybrid system.

Interior Luxury and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior boasts a full leather interior, soft-touch materials, and contrasting stitching, with a focus on premium appointments.
• 📱 A large 12.3-inch infotainment system is present, with touchscreen functionality primarily for wireless Apple CarPlay and navigation controlled via a rotary dial.
• 🔊 Features include a 360° camera, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.
• 📊 The digital gauge cluster is customizable, offering various display modes like Sport, Normal, and EV, with excellent graphics and information.

Rear Seat and Cargo Space

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The rear seats offer ample legroom, heated seats, two AC vents, two USB-C ports, and manual sunshades.
• 📦 The cargo area provides 40 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 75 cubic feet when folded down (60/40 split).
• 🔌 Convenient features include a home power source and a 12V outlet in the cargo area, along with charging accessories stored underneath the floor.

Driving Experience

• 🚗 In Sport mode, the CX-70 offers a connected and balanced driving experience, with responsive handling and good grip on wet pavement thanks to its all-wheel-drive system.
• 🔋 The plug-in hybrid's lower center of gravity due to the battery pack enhances its composure, especially in corners.
• 🔊 While the 4-cylinder engine can be buzzy, the instant torque from the electric motor provides effective acceleration, and fuel savings are a significant benefit.