Mazda's new CX-70 brings a lot of goodness to the plug-in hybrid SUV market

By Jim Bray
August 29, 2024

If you're looking for a reasonably large, two row SUV that also offers some nice fun-to-drive to the mix, check out Mazda's brand new CX-70.

Available in three versions, Mazda Canada sent the PHEV, plug-in hybrid, model for review. This isn't the one I would've chosen – there's another one with a lovely inline six-cylinder engine that I was really looking forward to try – but it's a fine vehicle nonetheless and if you're in the market for such a beast, this one is well worth your time.

The CX-70 is essentially a CX-90 with the third row removed, welded shut, or whatever it is they did to eschew extra seating. And that's fine! I liked the CX-90 a lot but the only time I'd ever use the third row is if the kids and grandkids are travelling with us, which is a tiny minority of the time. Therefore, I'd be more interested in the CX-70 anyway, for everyday driving.

Click on the image to open an image gallery

The CX-70 PHEV starts at $58,750 for the GS-L trim level, according to Mazda's Canadian website, whereas the same trim level with the extra row – the CX-90 – starts at $59,950. Oddly, you can save a few bucks with the CX-90 by opting for the lower end GS trim level, which starts at 54,900. So far, however, Mazda doesn't offer a GS option for the CX-70.

Other versions of the CX-70 include that lovely "mild hybrid" inline turbo six that I enjoyed so much when I reviewed the CX-90. That one is actually cheaper to get into, its GS-L trim level starting at $49,750. It's a lovely power plant that's an absolute blast to be in charge of and I hope Mazda drops it into some other models. Heck, I'd love to see it in the 3, which might tempt them to bring back the Mazdaspeed badge.

I have read that they're planning to offer this power train in a new version of the 6 sedan, and I hope they do that; it would be a hoot!

But it was the PHEV I had and I have to admit it was one of the more pleasant such vehicles I've had. It was also one of the best ones to charge at my home, where (since it's just a temporary thing) I simply run an extension cord from an outside plug by my front door, across my front lawn, to the street in front of the house. The last time I tried charging a vehicle this way (which, to be fair, wasn't a PHEV but was a "full" EV) it didn't work very well at all and I ended up going to a public charger.

This time, however, the CX-70 charged beautifully, overnight, bringing it to a full charge (you have to tell it to give a full charge in the settings menus, but it isn't a big deal). Well, there was one time someone "accidentally" unplugged the extension cord and therefore it didn't charge a whit, but you can't blame the Mazda for that!

Mazda's sample wore the GT trim level in attractive "melting copper metallic" paint, and its price came in at $63,650, including $300 of options (the paint).

The powertrain Mazda offers for the PHEV consists of an electric motor mated to a 2.5 litre four-cylinder gas engine. The combination produces a combined oomph output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque (if you feed the gas engine 93 octane). Mazda claims it can go up to 42 kilometres on electric power, though thanks undoubtedly to my lead foot, I never achieved that performance. I could go for a tootle around the city using only electricity, though, and if I had to commute to work each day (depending on how far the commute would be, of course) it's perfectly feasible to stick to electricity and then recharge overnight. That could be a heckuva gas saving!

The powertrain is coupled to an eight-speed transmission, with paddle shifters, and it works very well. I'm glad Mazda chose not to inflict any more gears than the eight it has; it toes a nice line between excessive shifting (to keep the revs down so you can save the earth) and actual driving enjoyment.

All CX-70's in Canada come with all-wheel drive. You also get "Mi-Drive" with different modes: normal, sport, off-road, EV and towing modes (CX-70's are said to be able to tow up to 3,500 lbs.).

Mazda's sample wore 21-inch wheels, had a wonderful panoramic sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, auto-folding outside mirrors (auto-dimming on the driver's side), LED lighting and "advanced keyless entry".

Inside, the CX-70 looks and feels like a Mazda, and that's just fine with me. The interior (at least on my GT trim level tester) offers a more luxurious feel that you might expect, placing the CX-70 kind of above some other competitors, almost as if Mazda is aiming at more upmarket brands such as Lexus, Genesis, or Audi.

Interior materials are first rate, therefore, including Nappa leather, power seats, a head's up display and a fine audio system. As is usual with Mazda's it offers a dash-top-mounted LCD screen you operate via a knob on the centre console. This interface has been around seemingly forever and I like it: it works and it doesn't require you to go to school to figure it out.

Mazda also offers an integrated Amazon Alexa interface you can use for making hands-free commands. It works okay, though it might not be so tolerant if you speak with an accent or whatever.

The seats are comfortable, the interior is roomy and equipped with pretty well everything you could want from a modern vehicle. And, something that makes Mazda even more attractive to me, you can shut off all the stupid "safety nannies" and they stay off (though some little icons on the instrument panel never let you forget what a scofflaw you are).

You still get the privilege of paying for them, though, even if you don't want them. This isn't a Mazda thing, though, and I'm grateful they at least let you turn the damn things off. Some carmakers force you to shut some of this stuff off every time you fire up the car, which is extra annoying.

Behind the wheel, the CX-70 drives just like a Mazda should. Oh, you won't forget it's a rather large (well, they call it mid-size) SUV, but it's a midsize SUV that never forgets that some drivers like to actually drive, instead of merely steering. I personally would rather have something the size of the CX-5 or CX-50, but to each his/her/its own.

I really don't understand why Mazda chose to introduce a new model that's basically another model with the third row welded shut, but as is typical of the company it has crafted a wonderful vehicle that's competitive, efficient, comfortable, and about as much fun as you can have in an SUV.

Now, bring on the Six!