Overview
Mazda currently offers a pair of mid-size hybrid SUVs that are as hard to distinguish as a set 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 passenger count of eight. Just like its higher-capacity sibling, the CX-70 Hybrid sets itself apart with a sophisticated interior, class-above 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 provides up to 25 miles of electric driving per charge but also ramps up performance compared to its gasoline counterpart. It’s a swift and thrifty setup, although it lacks the seamless hybrid operation of some other PHEVs in this segment. Those powertrain stumbles aside, the CX-70 is a fuel-efficient, five-seat family crossover that leans into luxury.
Expert Tip: While the CX-70 Hybrid used to be the style leader in the mid-size hybrid SUV class, the recently redesigned Hyundai Palisade Hybrid has stolen its crown.
What’s New for 2027?
The Mazda CX-70 Hybrid is still a relative newbie in Mazda’s portfolio, debuting for the 2025 model year. Going into its third season, we don’t expect any groundbreaking changes.
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As was the case last year, the CX-70 Hybrid is offered in only two trim levels: Select Choice and Select Choice Premium. If it were our money, we’d opt to save a couple grand by choosing the Select Choice. Despite being the entry-level trim, it comes well-equipped with desirable features such as 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beam headlamps.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 323-hp combined Transmission: 8-speed automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
The CX-70 Hybrid gets the same plug-in powertrain as the three-row CX-90 Hybrid. That means a 323-hp combined output from a combination of an inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and all-wheel drive is standard. In our experience, this powertrain provides plenty of pep for city and highway driving, but it isn’t quite as smooth as other plug-in hybrid arrangements found in vehicles such as the Kia Sorento Hybrid or Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Since its electric motor is sandwiched between the gas motor and eight-speed transmission, gearshifts interrupt the smooth flow of electric power to the wheels, making for a slightly odd feeling from behind the wheel.
During our test drive, we found the CX-70 Hybrid driving experience to be similar to the CX-90 Hybrid. It provides agile handling for a mid-size SUV, and the electric motor and battery pack provide decent real-world electric-only driving range.
0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 5.9 seconds
In Comparison: Since it’s nearly identical to the CX-90 Hybrid, the CX-70 Hybrid is just as quick as its sibling; both models reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That’s a half-second quicker to 60 mph than our long-term nonhybrid CX-90 managed when new.
Additional ResearchTowing and Payload Capacity
The CX-70 Hybrid is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. Mazda offers an Essential Tow package as an option on all trims that includes a trailer hitch 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 CX-70 Hybrid is rated to provide 25 miles of electric driving on a full charge, according to the EPA.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG EPA City Rating: 24 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 27 mpg
The EPA estimates that the CX-70 Hybrid will deliver fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined, and 56 MPGe combined. The nonhybrid, six-cylinder CX-70 notches almost identical EPA fuel economy numbers of up to 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. We haven’t had the opportunity to take the CX-70 Hybrid on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test yet, but we’ll update this section when we have the chance to test one. For more information about the Land Cruiser’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: If the CX-90 Hybrid’s first two rows are spacious enough for you, then you’ll find the CX-70 Hybrid’s cabin an accommodating place to be—the two SUVs are nearly identical inside, but for the absence of a third-row seat in the CX-70. The interior design is upscale 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 furnished, but it isn’t as roomy as the rear seats in models such as the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
Cargo Capacity: The CX-70 Hybrid offers 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with those rear seats stowed. That’s nearly identical to what the CX-90 offers when its third row is stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
A 12.3-inch infotainment display is nestled into the dashboard and controlled through a click wheel on the CX-70 Hybrid’s center console. While the rotary control knob is a fine-enough solution to navigate through infotainment functions, it is starting to feel a bit dated and takes some getting used to in an era of touchscreens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a 12.3-inch digital gauge 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, which includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control
For information about the CX-70 Hybrid’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mazda offers an adequate protection plan for buyers of new CX-70s. What it doesn’t offer is something that both the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid do: complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: noneC/D Test Results and Specs
Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that’s because this vehicle hasn’t changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,905/$59,355
Options: Melting Copper Metallic paint, $450
Powertrain
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 189 hp, 192 lb-ft + AC motor, 173 hp, 199 lb-ft (combined output: 323 hp, 369 lb-ft; 14.8-kWh [C/D est] lithium-ion battery pack; 7.2-kW onboard charger
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Falken Ziex CT60A A/S
275/45R-21 107W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.8 in
Length: 200.8 in
Width: 78.5 in
Height: 68.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 57/51 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 75/40 ft3
Curb Weight: 5184 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 118 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 27 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/24/27 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 56 MPGe
EV Range: 26 mi
