The 2026 Mazda CX‑70 is a mid‑size crossover SUV that blends modern design, strong performance, and advanced safety features for daily commuters, family buyers, and anyone looking for a fuel‑efficient, reliable family car. It offers a roomy spacious cabin, advanced infotainment system, hybrid system option, and a striking design that stands out in the crowded SUV market.
The Mazda CX‑70 is Mazda’s two‑row mid‑size SUV designed to appeal to drivers wanting everyday comfort, practicality, and a touch of premium feel. It comes with both gasoline turbocharged engines and a plug‑in hybrid option, making it a fuel‑efficient car for city driving and long highway trips alike. Built for daily use practicality, the CX‑70 strikes a nice balance between driver comfort, cargo space, and advanced technology. In this review, we break down the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of this SUV to help you decide if it’s the right choice for long‑term ownership and daily commuting.
Exterior Design & Styling
The CX‑70 features a modern design with smooth lines and a bold stance. Mazda’s KODO design language gives the SUV a sleek, premium look with sharp LED headlights and a refined front grille. The exterior feels upscale compared with many competitive pricing rivals in the same class. Standard features like LED daytime running lights and roof rails add both function and style. Overall, the CX‑70 looks more refined than many typical commuter SUVs while still feeling practical for family use.
Interior & Cabin Space
Inside, the spacious cabin makes the CX‑70 ideal for both families and daily commuters. Quality materials are used throughout, giving the interior a feel closer to premium brands. There’s ample legroom in both rows, ensuring comfort on long highway drives. Cargo space is generous, with rear seats that fold down to handle bulky items for trips or big shopping hauls. The design is simple and intuitive, which helps reduce distraction while driving.
Engine & Performance
The CX‑70 offers a choice of powerful engines:
- A 3.3‑liter turbocharged inline‑6 engine with approximately 280 hp or 340 hp depending on the trim.
- A plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 2.5‑liter engine with an electric motor for about 323 hp, offering brief electric‑only range and better efficiency.
All trims have i‑Activ all‑wheel drive and an eight‑speed automatic transmission. The stronger engine options make highway passing and merging effortless compared with some rivals in the mid‑size SUV segment. The hybrid system also helps improve fuel economy & mileage, especially in city traffic.
Fuel Economy & Mileage
Fuel efficiency is solid for a vehicle of this size. Gas‑only models deliver roughly 23‑24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the plug‑in hybrid can get up to 56 MPGe combined and around 26 miles of electric range on a full charge.
This makes the CX‑70 a more fuel‑efficient car than many traditional SUVs, especially for families or commuters aiming to reduce fuel costs. However, real‑world fuel economy will vary based on driving style and conditions.
Technology & Features
Mazda equips the CX‑70 with a robust infotainment system that includes:
- A large 12.3‑inch center screen with Mazda Connect.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
- Bluetooth, multiple USB‑C ports, and optional Bose premium sound.
- Built‑in Alexa voice support on newer trims.
The system is generally intuitive, though some users find Mazda’s rotary dial interface less responsive than touchscreen‑focused systems. Still, the breadth of tech and connectivity features is excellent for a vehicle in this class.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is a strong point for the CX‑70. Standard advanced safety features include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert
- Lane Keep Assist & Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Smart Brake Support
- Driver Attention Alert
The SUV performed well in early safety testing and includes new driver support systems like Unresponsive Driver Support, which can help prevent collisions if a driver becomes incapacitated. These systems add peace of mind for families and daily commuters alike.
Driving Experience & Ride Quality
The CX‑70’s drive is balanced and composed, with responsive steering and a refined ride. The rear‑biased AWD system gives confidence on wet or slippery roads, while suspension tuning smooths out bumps for highway comfort. Compared with many SUVs in the commuter and family car segment, the CX‑70 feels more engaging and comfortable at higher speeds. Some owners note that road noise can be slightly more noticeable on rough surfaces, but generally, the ride is quiet and relaxed.
Pricing & Trim Levels
The 2026 CX‑70 lineup offers several trim options to fit different needs and budgets:
- Turbo Preferred – Base model with strong engine and key tech features.
- Turbo Premium / Premium Plus – Added comfort and convenience features.
- Turbo S Premium / Premium Plus – Higher‑powered engine and luxury touches.
- PHEV Premium / Premium Plus – Plug‑in hybrid for best fuel economy and electric range.
Pricing spans from roughly $40,000 to near $60,000 depending on trim and options. This places the CX‑70 in a competitive pricing position against other midsize SUVs, especially considering standard AWD and tech inclusions.
Competition & Rivals
In the mid‑size crossover SUV market, the CX‑70 competes with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Passport, Ford Edge, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Compared with many rivals, Mazda focuses more on driver engagement and premium cabin feel. The plug‑in hybrid variant also adds an edge over competitors that do not offer such electrified performance. Realistic comparisons show that while some rivals may offer slightly better cargo room or pricing, the CX‑70 shines in highway performance and refined driving dynamics.
Who Should Buy This
The Mazda CX‑70 is a good match for:
- Daily commuters seeking comfort and fuel‑efficient performance.
- Small families who want solid safety and family car practicality.
- Buyers who want SUV utility without third‑row seating.
- Those prioritizing modern design and advanced safety features.
It might be less ideal for buyers who need the third row, want the absolute lowest price, or prefer a purely electric vehicle.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX‑70 stands out as a well‑rounded mid‑size crossover SUV that balances performance, comfort, and practicality. Its modern design, advanced infotainment system, spacious cabin, and broad trim options make it a strong contender in its class. Fuel efficiency is good, especially with the hybrid option, and standard safety technology is comprehensive. While some rivals may undercut it on price or cargo space, the CX‑70 delivers a compelling blend of family‑friendly features and driving enjoyment that suits both city driving and highway cruising.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a parent running errands, or someone looking for a reliable SUV for long‑term ownership, the CX‑70 makes a convincing case—offering balanced performance, strong tech, and real‑world usability without heavy marketing exaggeration.
