2025 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus
2025-10-06
Shahed Hussain
Mazda has shifted its product line into primarily SUVs, a reflection of market realities. The new CX-70 is based on a platform shared with the CX-90. The 5-passenger CX-70 is positioned below the 7-passenger CX-90. Five CX-70 models are available: 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 3.3 Turbo Premium, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, 3.3 Turbo S Premium, and 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. Pricing starts at $40,445 (3.3 Turbo Preferred) and ranges up to $55,950 (3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus).
We tested a 2025 CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD ($55,950) painted in Rhodium White Metallic ($595) and the no charge Turbo Premium Plus Package. Including the $1,375 delivery totaled up to $57,920. Significant standard equipment includes Nappa leather seats, heated/ventilated front seats, heated 2nd row seats, 8-way power driver and front passenger seats, heated steering wheel, power panoramic moonroof, 12.3-in infotainment display, navigation, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 21-in. alloy wheels, power rear liftgate, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Safety technologies include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and radar cruise control.
Mazda's turbocharged 3.3L inline-6 is available in two power ratings: 280-hp (Turbo) or 340-hp (Turbo S). The all-aluminum dual-overhead cam six develops 340-hp @5,000 RPM and 369 lb.-ft. @ 2,000 RPM. A standard 48V mild hybrid system drives the front axle with a 11-kW electric motor powered by a small 0.33 kWh battery pack. An 8-speed automatic delivers power to all four wheels. EPA fuel consumption is rated at 23/28 MPG (city/hwy.). We achieved 22 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving.
The CX-70 suspension consists of a double wishbone setup with coil springs and dampers in front. At the rear is a multi-link design with coil springs and dampers. Vented discs are at all four wheels: 13.7-in. rotors front and 13.8-in. rear. Both 19-in. or 21-in. alloy wheels are available depending on the model. Our test vehicle was equipped with 275/45R21 Falken all-season tires mounted on 21-in. alloy wheels. A motor-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system is geared for 3.3 turns lock-to-lock. Curb weight ranges from 4,709 lbs. (Turbo) to 5,243 lbs. (PHEV). The CX-70 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. with the optional towing package.
Mazda's interior design continues a theme of understated luxury. Polished aluminum trim on the steering wheel, dash and doors adds modern ambiance. A dual-tone interior with tan seats and dash contrasts with the black center console and upper door trim. The configurable electronic gauge cluster displays an analog tachometer, speedometer, along with smaller fuel and coolant temperature gauges. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio, phone and cruise control buttons on the spokes. Paddles mounted on the steering wheel enable manual gearshifts. A 12.3-in. touchscreen is mounted on the dash. Under the center dash vents are the climate control and seat heating/ventilation settings. A stubby electronic shifter on the center console is offset toward the driver. Dual cupholders are located next to the shifter. Knobs and buttons for the audio system are on the console for convenient access. Second-row passengers also get their separate climate controls and dual USB-C ports behind the center console.
The CX-70's simulated suede and quilted Nappa leather seats front seats offer decent lateral support and comfort. Front headroom is acceptable for occupants up to 6 ft. tall. The folding rear bench seats accommodate two occupants comfortably, although a hard seatback in the center position limits its usability.
Mazda's refined inline-6 delivers excellent midrange acceleration and minimal turbo lag. The stop/start system shuts down the engine at idle, using the electric motor to power accessories and restarting the engine when accelerating from a stop. The 8-speed automatic shifts seamlessly, but downshifts are delayed. Using the paddles made no difference in shift speed, so we left the transmission in automatic mode for most driving. Mazda's AWD system works unobtrusively to distribute power to the front and rear axles depending on wheel slip.
As expected from a luxury SUV, the suspension is tuned for a compliant ride. On well-maintained pavement ride quality is acceptable, but on patched surfaces the 21-in. wheels and low-profile Falken tires deliver more road impacts than expected. On winding roads, the Mazda's slow steering response coupled with moderate body roll and understeer encourage a relaxed pace. At 80 MPH cruise, the CX-70 tracks accurately, requiring minimal steering corrections. Wind, engine and tire noise are subdued at highway speeds. The brakes have progressive pedal actuation and excellent stopping power from highway speeds.
The CX-70 is a significant step forward for Mazda in the premium midsize SUV market. From our perspective, CX-70's value proposition is especially compelling in the less expensive 3.3 Turbo Premium and Premium Plus models which start under $50K. Mazda hopes that customers will consider the CX-70 as a luxurious alternative to its more popular American and Japanese competition.
