Mazda expands its groundbreaking e-SkyActiv PHEV powertrain to the midsize 2025 CX-70 SUV crossover

Jump To Special Features

Engineered for Electrification
2025 Mazda CX-70 Pricing
PHEV Performance
Battery Charging
Ride and Handling
Safety Features
The Crafted Cabin
Colossal Cargo
Why Buy the Mazda CX-70 PHEV?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a bewildering example of “Second verse, same as the first!” The CX-70 is a new nameplate for the brand, but it is not, technically, a new vehicle. It is a variant of the CX-90 and largely unchanged except for having two fewer seats. Both 2025 CX models, on sale now, have several updates.

The CX-90 is a midsize, all-wheel-drive, three-row SUV crossover with six-cylinder or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The two-row, five-seat CX-70 is a perplexing addition because it has the same dimensions and powertrains as the CX-90.

Manufacturers often create variant SUV models, such as the Volkswagen Atlas and its variant, the Atlas Cross Sport. It is genius marketing because the “coupe” or sport variant crops rear interior space in favor of fashion. And the flashier body style can cost more.

Mazda made no body-style changes to the CX-70 but charges more for it—about $2,700 more than the gasoline-powered CX-90. The CX-70 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) has a larger price premium—$4,455 more than the CX-90 PHEV. However, Mazda says the CX-70 “has a higher level of equipment out of the box and has a slightly more streamlined list of trims, compared to CX-90.”

Deleting the third row only saved about 69 pounds, with no improvement to the fuel economy. But there is a lot of subfloor cargo space, with an optional organizer for $100.

Time will tell if buyers favor the CX-70 for its added cargo space or the CX-90 for its three-row functionality.

Engineered for Electrification

The CX-70 is built on Mazda’s large platform, shared with the CX-90, and engineered for electrification. The CX-70 has two powertrains featuring some form of electrification. The e-SkyActiv G 340-horsepower 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine integrates M-Hybrid Boost. The second choice is the advanced e-SkyActiv G PHEV, with the same charge-while-driving feature as the CX-90.

The salvation comes from a second plug-in hybrid model with Mazda’s e-SkyActiv PHEV powertrain. From my research, only Volvo offers a charging mode while driving for its XC60 T8 Recharge and XC40 Recharge SUVs. Volvo’s “Hold and Charge” function can charge and bank electric power for later use or charge the battery while driving.

Mazda’s e-SkyActiv PHEV powertrain consists of an inline four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. The direct-injected 2.5-liter engine makes 189 hp with premium fuel or 185 hp with regular unleaded. The engine is paired with a 68-kW electric motor, which adds 173 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque at a very low 400 rpm.

Combined system power is 323 hp when using premium fuel or 319 hp with regular unleaded. Peak torque of 369 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm is the same with regular or unleaded fuel.

The CX-70 PHEV has an estimated battery-powered driving range of 26 to 32 miles and a combined driving range of 490 miles. That peak range, however, depends on the use of air conditioning, seat heaters, and other electronic features.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Pricing

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is sold in two turbocharged powertrains: a gasoline inline six-cylinder and a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid PHEV.

Inline-six-cylinder models are offered in five trim levels of CX-70 3.3-liter. Starting prices range from about $42,000 to $57,405, including the freight charge of $1,455 from Hofu, Japan. All CX-70 models are richly equipped with entry-luxury features and interior materials. Standard equipment includes:

• Keyless entry;
• Leather-trimmed upholstery;
• Eight-way power driver seat;
• Extensive safety features and technologies.

The six-cylinder powertrains are turbocharged with 48-volt mild-hybrid boost. An eight-speed automatic transmission helps stretch fuel economy. EPA mileage ratings are 24 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined on the recommended premium fuel. The engine also functions on 87 octane but at slightly reduced power ratings.

The 2025 CX-70 PHEV plug-in hybrid is sold in two all-wheel-drive trim levels with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The entry PHEV Premium starts at about $56,000, with interior color choices of gray or black. Standard equipment includes 21-inch alloy wheels, a power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof, and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System.

Today’s review of a CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus costs $59,275, with one option for Melting Copper paint, $450.

For a pricing comparison, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has starting prices of $51,400, $56,355, and $59,405. Pricing includes the $1,455 freight charge.

CX-70 Options and Special Offers

There is a choice of six paint colors for both CX-70 models, but only Jet Black Mica is no-cost. Of course, there is Mazda’s special Soul Red Metallic, $595, and Rhodium White, also $595. My tester came in the striking Melting Copper Metallic, $450.

Worthwhile accessories include the retractable cargo cover, $275, and a cargo net, $60. The premium carpeted floor mats are appropriate for this luxury SUV, $240, rather than the standard carpet mats. I would also opt for the padded carpeted cargo liner, which cost $275. Besides protection, the padded mat can add a layer of soundproofing. Mazda also offers several accessories for pet access and seat protection.

Find current Mazda pricing here. Look for special offers here.

At the time of publication, there were no special offers for the CX-70 PHEV. However, the CX-70 3.3 had a lease offer of $357 a month for 33 months, with $3,999 down. The term allows 10,000 miles a year.

There also was a purchase incentive of 3.9 percent financing for up to 60 months. Other offers include:

• $1,000 Mazda loyalty reward;
• $2,000 lease-to-lease reward;
• $500 military appreciation for lease or purchase.

Mazda Warranty Coverages

Mazda might be moving on up to a premium level, but its warranty coverage is basic: 3-years or 36,000-miles. However, hybrid components, including the battery, have a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. In California, the hybrid battery has coverage of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

CX-70 Performance

All Mazda CX-70 models have turbocharged powertrains with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with stop-start at idle.

Mazda’s plug-in powertrain integrates a turbocharged 2.5-liter e-SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine and a 68 kW electric motor. Total system power is 323 hp, and the battery-electric driving range is 26 to 32 miles.

The uplevel e-SKYACTIV G 3.3-liter gas Turbo S engine has 340 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm. Mazda recommends premium fuel for peak horsepower or 319 hp from 87 octane. It has fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined.

There is little mileage difference between the entry 3.3-liter Turbo engine, which has 280 hp and 332 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000 rpm using the recommended 87 octane. Its mileage ratings are nearly identical, with 24 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The engine-motor bay has the upscale features of hood struts, not a prop rod. However, when the 12-volt battery needs a jump start, getting a solid connection will be a challenge. The battery is in the far left back corner under a plastic shroud. Pop it off for access, but there’s another cable in the way. The battery’s positive post is under a separate cap, making securing a clamp difficult. Mazda should have included a separate positive charging post somewhere convenient under the hood.

Why Use An Inline-6 Engine?

There are many reasons why Mazda moved away from a V-6 engine to an inline 6. (The six-cylinder is used in non-hybrid models).

Among the reasons, an inline-6 keeps the engine nice and narrow, a spokesperson said. The design creates slight efficiency in the powertrain. Also, with the CX-70’s double-wishbone front suspension, the inline engine benefits steering feel and stability, he said. However, it also has a wider suspension compared to more economical suspensions. And that also benefits a tighter turning circle because the turn angle was increased. Still, the turning circle with 21-inch tires is a broad 41.2 feet — a deal killer for me. Rear-wheel steering would be a good option if tire sizes get any bigger.

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Power flow to the axles is rear-biased, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Gas models have manual steering wheel shift paddles, while PHEV models use the paddles to adjust the regen deceleration force.

I experienced rough transmission shifts, sometimes on deceleration or electric mode as I rolled on power. Could that be a problem down the road?

Mazda says its plug-in hybrid has a comparable level of performance to the inline-6 models. Sport gives a more immediate launch force but is not aggressive. Get on the gas hard, and acceleration can be swift. However, passing power takes a heavier foot at speed on the interstate.

Multifunctional Performance

The e-Skyactiv plug-in system has multifunctional performance, Mazda says.
In Normal mode, the hybrid system will prioritize EV battery driving when there is sufficient battery charge.

When the battery’s charge is below 20 percent, the system will keep the gas engine fired to charge the battery to make EV assist available.

An EV mode can be engaged through the Mi-Drive controller on the shift console.
When the accelerator pedal reaches the kick-down switch, the gas engine can turn on in EV mode. When this occurs, the system puts CX-70 back into Normal mode for quicker acceleration.

The PHEV performance while on gasoline power felt the same as with the electric boost.

PHEV Battery Charging

Electric vehicle charging times, to 100 percent:

• Level 1 (household 120-volt AC): 6 hours and 40 minutes;
• Level 2 (240V AC): 1 hour and 30 minutes.

I have a Level 2 home charger in my garage, but I didn’t need it for this test. While driving in town, the e-Skyactiv system added charge incrementally. However, it is a lot quicker to charge at highway speeds, where it becomes a dollars-and-sense asset to commuters.

Ride and Handling

The CX-70 PHEV feels to be of robust construction. It is not sporty to drive, but it has confident handling under pressure and in evasive maneuvers.

For handling control, Mazda’s so-called Kinematic Posture Control applies light brake force to the inside rear wheel during cornering. Because the CX-90 platform is rear-drive based, KPC minimizes the tippy feel for more natural poise through corners.

Mazda does not use adaptive dampers to help smooth the ride. The steel spring suspension underpinning the CX-70 lays down a luxuriously compliant — almost carpeted — ride on smooth surfaces. But the attitude swiftly changes over rough roads with jarring impacts. There is much trucky head toss over speed bumps and driveway entrances. But that suspension is hefting a curb weight of 5,198 pounds.

The variable assist steering force feels overly firm at low speeds, at least too stiff for two-finger tooling through mall garage parking.

At speed on the interstate, the CX-70 is settled and confident.

I have grown to appreciate (and somewhat trust) Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist in heavy traffic. These systems keep watch on the lanes and will work with navigation to speed up and slow the vehicle, usually to a stop in heavy traffic. Mazda has enhanced its driver-assist technologies for full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

The hands-on assistance is accurate in lane centering without a freak-out of loud alerts should an overtaking vehicle cut in too close.

Safety and Advanced Technologies

Mazda has armed the CX-70 with layers of safety features and advanced technologies.

Among the features are eight air bags, hill start and hill descent assist, off-road traction assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking sensors.

Driver-assist technologies are thorough, including:

• Radar cruise control with stop-and-go and automatic speed limit adjustment;
• Blind-spot assist;
• Emergency lane keeping;
• Traffic sign recognition (which does not require a data plan);
• Secondary collision-reduction system;
• Smart brake support reverse;
• Front cross-traffic alert with front cross-traffic braking.

New to the CX models is Cruising & Traffic Support, an automatic system also called Unresponsive Driver Support. This emergency-only system will decelerate and stop the vehicle if it detects that the driver is unresponsive to escalating alerts.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 PHEVs have earned a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. Read the report here.

The Crafted Cabin

Contemporary materials and harmonious colors and textures have a near-luxury presence throughout the cabin. Perforated Nappa leather seats in the Premium Plus model are supportive and comfortable for the hours between fuel stops. The steering wheel and shift lever are wrapped in rich, glove-soft leather.

The driver seat has eight-way power adjustments with a strong lumbar inflator. In the Premium Plus package, the front passenger also gets an eight-way power adjustment, up from the standard four-way power.

Most controls and readouts are ergonomically placed, with a functional mix of digital and manual buttons and switches. The 12.3-inch digital gauge array changes configurations according to the drive mode. Some categories, however, could be clearer to page through.

The 12.3-inch full-color center infotainment display is simple to access with the shift-console controller. It contains the usual lineup for phone connections, apps, navigation, connected services, audio, and other elements. The screen peeks above the center stack of AC and other climate controls, where the display is not prone to glare.

The rearview camera screen is divided into a broad view and an overhead view. Mazda has also added a unique “See Through View” for a wide-angle rear or front view.

The shift console is large and broad but constrained in space, yet there are other areas for small-item storage. The seatbelt reminder alert is especially annoying and insistent.

There are four charging USBs throughout the cabin, all of which are Type C. The wireless charging pad is in a nook at the base of the instrument panel. There is also a 12-volt plug at the charging e-bin for those with an older radar speed detector.

Interior Function

There is full-bodied cabin space in the first and second rows. Because the PHEV’s battery pack is situated in the center of the floor structure, it does not compromise interior space.

Front headroom of 39.6 inches with the panoramic sunroof should suit most adults 6-foot-plus. With shoulder room of 59.2 inches (door to door), there is room to spread out while resting elbows on nicely padded armrests at the doors and center console.

Sightlines are unobstructed across the hood and out the back glass. Side mirrors are on the doors, not the windshield pillars, eliminating sightline issues while cornering. Spray-arm wipers are a smart feature for precise windshield cleaning.

Cabin soundproofing is traffic-calmed around town, but there is noticeable highway wind noise at the roof and side windows.

New for 2025 is Alexa built-in, a first for a Mazda crossover. Drivers can ask Alexa to change the temperature, the radio station, and even to control smart home devices.

Among the desirable features of the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus are Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated and heated front seats, and keyless locking with push-button start. The tester’s list of features and advanced safety technologies is in the specifications box below.

Colossal Cargo

All CX-70 models have a split 60/40 second-row bench with seatback recline and a center foldout armrest. (Only the CX-90 offers second-row Captain’s chairs.)

The second row has tall headroom of 38.4 inches and max legroom of 39.4 inches, with fore-aft slide and recline. Back doors open wide to almost 90 degrees, an asset when buckling toddlers in child seats.

With the back seat folded, the rear cargo space could almost fit a sheet of plywood. The liftgate entry is 42 inches wide and 30 inches tall. Fold the back seat about 8 feet in length.

A standard 1,500-watt converter is an uncommon perk and an option for most other makes. It is handy for powering an air compressor, device chargers, or other gadgets.

Also new to the CX-70 are power folding rear seats from two buttons on the cargo side wall.

Why Buy the Mazda CX-70 PHEV?

There are more than a dozen choices of plug-in hybrids in many price ranges. Mazda’s CX-90 and CX-70 plug-in hybrids are unique for their on-road charging capability.

Mazda marketers say the 2025 CX-70 is aimed at well-off empty nesters. However, this roomy SUV crossover will appeal to any well-off owner, with or without children.

I am not convinced that a CX-70 has more appeal than a three-row CX-90. The third row folds flat, providing as much cargo capacity as the CX-70. I understand that Mazda wanted another CX in the showroom; I just wish it were not as big as the CX-90.

There is a Mazda CX-60 in Australia, Japan, and Europe. Its powertrain choices are similar to those of the CX-70 in the U.S., including a plug-in hybrid. The big difference between the CX-60 and the CX-70 is size. It is 14 inches shorter, making it closer in size to the U.S.-spec Mazda CX-50.

Of course, Mazda will not speak of “future product,” only to say, “We’re focused on our current product line-up.”

You do not have to buy the top-line CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus model, but the tester shows how Mazda is moving its design and interiors upscale.

Get insider owner intel from the CX-70 forum.

Mazda CX-70 PHEV Specifications

Body style: midsize 5-passenger, 5-door AWD SUV crossover

Hybrid powertrain: 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and 68 kW electric motor;

Engine power: 189 hp at 6,000 rpm (185 hp with regular unleaded);

Engine torque: 192 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm with premium fuel, 184 lb.-ft. on regular unleaded;

Electric motor: 68 kW e-Skyactiv PHEV; 173 hp at 5,500 rpm; 199 lb.-ft. torque at 400 rpm;

Combined system power: 323 hp, using premium fuel; 319 hp with regular unleaded

Peak torque: 369 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm, with regular or unleaded fuel;

Battery: 17.8 kWh lithium-ion

Battery weight: 178 pounds

Estimated driving range: 26 to 32 miles battery electric; 490 miles combined driving range;

Transmission: 8-speed e-Skyactiv Drive automatic transmission with manual shift; with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive; drive modes of Sports/Off Road/Towing/EV

Fuel economy equivalent: 56 MPGe, combined gasoline and electric

Charging times, to 100 percent:

• Level 1 (household 120-volt AC): 6 hours and 40 minutes
• Level 2 (240V AC): 1 hour and 30 minutes

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons

Cargo space: 39.6 to 75.3 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.6*/41.7 inches *w/moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 38.4/39.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 200.8/122.8 inches

Width/height: 84.9*/68.7** *mirror to mirror; w/shark fin antenna

Curb weight: 5,198 pounds

Turning circle: 41.2 feet

FEATURES

Standard CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus equipment includes: keyless locking and push-button start, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and 2-position memory, 8-way power adjustable passenger seat, Kinematic posture control, quilted Nappa leather upholstery (1st and 2nd-row outboard seats), power panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, carpeted floor mats (both rows);

Digital assets: 12.3-inch full-color center display; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth phone and audio; Bose 12-speaker audio system; 360-degree camera system with trailer hitch view;

Driver-assist systems: Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go with speed limit assist; emergency lane keeping; blind spot assist and monitoring; road keep assist; head-on traffic avoidance assist, Cruising and Traffic Support, driver attention support; front cross-traffic alert; front and rear parking sensors; lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist; rear cross-traffic alert; traffic sign recognition.

Safety features include: 8 air bags, blind-spot monitoring, ABS with brakeforce distribution; stability and traction controls with trailer sway control; hill-descent control and hill-launch assist; roll-stability control; secondary collision reduction.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Braking: 4-wheel ventilated discs with brakeforce distribution and brake assist; 13.7-inch vented rotors front, 13.8-inch solid rotors rear;

Steering: Electric power rack-and-pinion with variable assist; 41.2-foot turning circle;

Suspension: 4-wheel independent with front double wishbone and rear multilink with stabilizer bar;

Tires and Wheels: 21-inch alloy wheels with machine-cut finish; Falken Ziex CT 60R all-season tires, 275/45; temporary spare.

PRICING

Base price CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus: $58,825, including $1,395 freight charge; price as tested: $59,275

Options on test vehicle: Melting Copper metallic paint $450

Where assembled: Hofu, Japan

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24-hour roadside service; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain; hybrid components including battery 8-years/100,000-miles, and 10-years/150,000-miles for California