2025 Mazda CX-70 evaluate | CarExpert

Mazda’s quartet of latest large-platform SUVs is now full.

The fourth and closing SUV primarily based on the Japanese model’s new rear/all-wheel drive ‘Giant Product Group’ platform structure has now arrived in Australia, the place it’s being launched concurrently the CX-80. Attempt to not get confused, as a result of there’s a number of overlap throughout all 4 fashions.

As the latest mannequin, the CX-70 is the main focus first up. It’s precisely the identical dimension because the ‘wide-body’ seven-seat CX-90 flagship, however the third row has been eliminated, which suggests it’s solely accessible as a five-seater.

So that you’d be forgiven for pondering it was extra intently associated to the mid-sized CX-60, which can be solely a five-seater, however in actuality it shares its ‘narrow-body’ design with the massive CX-80 seven-seater.

Subsequently the CX-70 is the dual to the CX-90, however regardless of the diminished seating capability it’s barely costlier on the backside of the vary and it’s solely accessible in two variants, though in opposition to the equal CX-90s it’s really round $10,000 cheaper.

However the value at face worth is what individuals can be being attentive to, so the CX-90’s narrowly decrease beginning value is understandably complicated.

Then there are the CX-60 and CX-80 twins, although the CX-80 rides on a wheelbase that’s 250mm longer which provides it three-row capability. The CX-80 can be cheaper than the CX-60 on the backside, although that’s as a result of its vary features a stripped-back entry variant whereas the CX-60’s doesn’t.

Even so, the CX-70 is significantly costlier than all however every of the range-topping CX-60 and CX-80 variants – and even then the distinction is marginal. It’s additionally value noting Australia is the one market globally to get all 4 fashions; you may breathe now.

Naturally then, the CX-70 sits in a bizarre place in Mazda’s lineup. Its gross sales targets replicate that too, with Mazda Australia anticipating to shift simply 60 examples of the CX-70 per thirty days.

For comparability, the model expects month-to-month gross sales of 650 for the CX-80, 550 for the CX-60, and simply 100 for the CX-90. If that isn’t a sign of simply how area of interest the CX-70 is, we don’t know what’s.

We had the possibility to check the CX-70 alongside the equally new CX-80 at their nationwide media launch in Brisbane lately.

Is there a spot for the CX-70 in Mazda Australia’s mannequin vary, and what does the the massive, US-focussed five-seat SUV supply in comparison with its bigger-selling brethren? We’ll try to reply these questions in our first evaluate.

How a lot does the Mazda CX-70 price?

The Mazda CX-80 ranges in value from $75,970 to $84,970 earlier than on-roads.

Which means it’s costlier than the most affordable CX-90 and all however one variant from every of the CX-60 and CX-80 lineups, although the CX-70 is obtainable in solely two top-spec variants in comparison with the extra in depth ranges of the opposite fashions.

In a like-for-like comparability, the CX-70’s GT and Azami variants are round $10,000 cheaper than their equal CX-90 grades.

To see how the Mazda CX-70 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s the Mazda CX-70 like on the within?

It’s stylish, however we don’t suppose it’s completely different sufficient to justify the value premium it instructions over the seven-seat CX-80.

Mazda refers back to the CX-70 as its “flagship two-row SUV”, which needs to be apparent given it’s the costliest five-seat SUV it affords in Australia. What is probably not apparent is the way it’s completely different to the CX-60, so let’s dive into it.

Each supply five-seat capability solely, however the CX-70 does it in a a lot bigger package deal – in reality, it’s precisely the identical dimension because the CX-90, which is a three-row seven-seater (with the choice to be a six-seater).

What which means is you get a wider cabin and a colossal boot, however we’ll go into element on that in a second. Beginning up entrance, you’d be hard-pressed to see any apparent variations between this and the CX-90, and even the considerably cheaper CX-60 and CX-80.

Whereas there’s a bit extra elbow and shoulder room contained in the CX-70 (which like CX-90 measures 1994mm vast on the skin) in comparison with the 1890mm-wide CX-60 and CX-80, the distinction isn’t instantly obvious and all 4 of of those new-gen SUVs share related interiors.

That stated, the CX-70 does set itself aside in Azami type with its burgundy inside, which is genuinely fairly luxe. Mazda’s SP Package deal can be accessible and brings tan upholstery.

A good thing about the shared interiors is that every little thing is simply as good as it’s within the different automobiles. The supplies are high-quality, the presentation is clear and logical, and as soon as once more Mazda’s rock-solid construct high quality shines by means of.

As a result of the GT and Azami are the 2 most costly trim ranges on any of Mazda’s new SUV mannequin, even the ‘base-spec’ CX-70 shares lots of their high-end luxuries.

You get a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen that’s operable each by way of the central dial or contact, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather-based upholstery, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as customary.

There’s not an entire lot to complain about with the CX-70’s cabin because of this. It’s a superbly snug place to spend time in, and there aren’t too many complications available whereas making an attempt to determine the place every little thing is and what all of it does.

Whereas it’s $10,000 cheaper than the equal CX-90, the latter’s lower-spec Touring variant does marginally undercut the CX-70 vary however misses out on a few of the nicer gear.

When it comes to worth then, the cheaper CX-90 appears higher primarily based on the inside setup alone.

As with the remainder of the brand new CX vary, storage and practicality is superb. There’s a large centre console with a split-opening storage field, two cupholders under a sliding cowl, a standard glovebox, and bottle holders within the doorways.

Contained in the centre field are two USB-C ports, whereas there’s additionally a wi-fi cellphone charger forward of the gear shifter.

All CX-70s profit from powered seat and steering wheel adjustment, one thing reserved just for higher-grade variations of the opposite CX-badged SUVs. Seat heating can be customary, however you’ll must step as much as the Azami to realize a air flow operate.

The local weather management interface is customary throughout all fashions too, with the variety of button blanks depending on what number of options your SUV has. Once more it’s a sturdy unit, and whereas there could appear to be an amazing quantity of controls, it’s nonetheless rather more preferable than a screen-only setup.

Every part right here features because it ought to, and appears good whereas doing it – however that’s the identical as within the others.

Transferring in direction of the again reveals the massive variations between this and its siblings. Within the second row you’ll discover a three-seat bench, however the five-seat setup means the non-obligatory SP Package deal doesn’t embrace captain’s chairs prefer it does within the CX-80 and CX-90.

In its one and solely configuration, there’s a great deal of area again right here. Even passengers seated within the center gained’t have an excessive amount of to complain about, although they are going to be blocking using that fold-down armrest.

The second row affords loads of creature comforts too, because the outboard seats embrace a heating operate as customary in all CX-70s. They’re upholstered in precisely the identical method because the entrance seats, with that leather-based (Nappa within the Azami) all the time a tasty bonus.

Within the center is similar rear-facing local weather management system with related air vents, in addition to two USB-C charging ports. If in case you have children, there are a handful of ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors to utilize too.

Whereas trying round you’ll additionally realise how ethereal the area feels, achieved by the massive facet home windows and sunroof above. You even get retractable sunglasses on these facet home windows, which nearly makes up for the non-continuous sunroof above.

That’s all properly and good, even when it is extremely just like the second rows within the 70, 80, and 90. The actual points begin once you look behind the CX-70’s rear seats, when the massive query merely turns into ‘why?’.

The very first thing you’ll discover is the sheer quantity of flooring area on supply. It actually is sort of spectacular, but it surely looks like it’d maintain little real-world worth except you have been continuously transporting issues like giant sports activities luggage or sizeable a great deal of groceries.

Its dimension is solely a product of Mazda’s seat elimination, because the CX-90’s third row is thrown away to create the CX-70. A big five-seat SUV configuration like this may increasingly go well with an American purchaser for one cause or one other – however will it enchantment to Australians?

Maybe for those who wished the luxurious of the CX-90 at a less expensive value it’d make sense, however even then you may get away with utilizing the cheaper CX-90 in two-row mode and nonetheless have three rows for those who want them.

Furthermore, the CX-90’s third row can fold utterly flat, which might provide the very same quantity of boot area because the two-row CX-70.

There are even remnants of the third-row bench left over. On both facet you’ll nonetheless discover cut-outs for cupholders and the third-row air vents – albeit not adjustable in comparison with the others.

Above which can be blanks on both facet the place the USB-C ports would’ve been. You get a light-weight, 150W AC outlet and 12V outlet all the identical, however the CX-70 does add handy buttons to shortly fold the rear seats out of the best way for those who can’t be bothered going round to the facet.

To its credit score and in contrast to the CX-80, the CX-70 does supply a space-saver spare wheel. There’s even some further cupboard space under the ground – helpful if the acres above aren’t sufficient.

However past all that, it does look like the purpose-built five-seat CX-60 could be a way more logical buy for two-row SUV consumers; it’s extra logical than a re-configured seven-seater at the very least.

If you happen to completely will need to have a large five-seater just like the CX-70, then eat your coronary heart out as a result of that is on no account an disagreeable inside. However for many consumers we expect its CX-80 and CX-90 siblings are extra compelling purchases that provide extra occupant capability, whereas the smaller CX-60 is a good five-seat SUV that’s additionally loads cheaper.

To see how the Mazda CX-70 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s below the bonnet?

Very similar to the CX-90, there are solely six-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel choices accessible for the CX-70, with no affirmation of four-cylinder plug-in hybrid energy on the time of publishing. All variants function mild-hybrid tech as customary.

To see how the Mazda CX-70 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

How does the Mazda CX-70 drive?

As per the ideas in our earlier critiques of the CX-60, CX-80, and CX-90, it’s arduous to hop behind the wheel of the CX-70 with no few preconceptions.

These preconceptions are largely centered across the trip, as a result of that’s a recognized flaw in all three of these different SUVs. In truth, Mazda is rolling out one other repair to enhance the CX-60’s trip in mid-2025.

Sadly, the CX-70 is affected by related points. Our feeling is that it rides simply as firmly – if not much more so – than the CX-80, which we drove back-to-back at Mazda’s launch occasion for each SUVs.

It’s necessary to say that the trip isn’t insufferable. Most individuals might dwell fortunately with the best way the CX-70 is, although in all probability provided that they lived close to smoother or lower-speed metropolitan roads and well-maintained highways.

However take the CX-70 out on nation roads and its shortcomings turn out to be obvious. The largest subject is the best way it crashes and clatters over bumps, particularly on typical rural routes with 100km/h pace limits.

It’s disappointingly jarring, however given Mazda selected to forgo any native chassis tuning regardless of widespread criticism of the CX-60 and CX-90, that isn’t shocking.

Equally – and we observed an identical subject within the CX-80, although to not the identical extent – there’s an odd really feel within the brake pedal. It’s the type of feeling you get when a brake disc is glazed, as an illustration, in that it looks like smaller inputs have little impact on slowing the automobile down.

It creates the impression that you simply actually must step on the brakes to reign within the circa-two tonnes of mass. Coming from some other automobile with stronger brakes would require some adjustment because of this.

As soon as you might be used to the best way the CX-70 drives you doubtless gained’t discover something untoward, and for those who’re the kind of driver who likes to decelerate early you might not have any points.

To shift the tone, there are positives to contemplate too. Although there’s a slight variation in kerb weight between the petrol and diesel engines, they’re each marginally lighter than their equal CX-90s.

Neither SUV has PHEV tech, which saves round 400kg of weight if the PHEV-petrol comparability within the CX-80 is something go by.

In distinction to the above feedback, the CX-70 doesn’t really feel unwieldy. It might clatter over bumps, however at no level does it really feel prefer it’s about to step out or get away from you.

In truth, the upside is that it’s physique management is spectacular, and that interprets to cornering capability. Regardless of its dimension it’s surprisingly succesful within the bends, and whereas the CX-70 is certainly not the automobile of alternative for a mountain highway carving, you’ll doubtless end up scooting away from different giant SUVs in such situations.

The tyres must work arduous to maintain every little thing in examine, one thing that’s transmitted to the cabin by means of noticeable tyre squeal for those who start to push the boundaries.

Very similar to the CX-80, it’s good to know your automobile is able to no matter on-road conditions you might throw at it, even for those who hardly push it exterior its consolation zone.

What backs that up are the powertrains, which – fortunately – are the higher options of the CX-70.

The petrol G50e brings 45kW extra energy than the G40e discovered within the CX-60 and CX-80, and since it’s the identical as what you’ll discover within the CX-90, it’s nonetheless Mazda’s strongest series-production engine ever.

Stepping on the throttle produces a correctly good sound too. Like its siblings, the CX-70 pumps a number of synthetic noise into the cabin, however its petrol inline-six turbo imitation sounds rather more convincing than what you might anticipate.

It helps to offer the automobile character, and it’ll all the time make you’re feeling such as you’re going sooner than you’re really travelling. The engine by itself has greater than sufficient grunt to drag the CX-70 out of any sticky state of affairs, and it’ll don’t have any drawback lugging up hills or out of sharp bends.

The compromise for that’s gasoline financial system. Whereas we weren’t capable of get a consultant gasoline financial system determine on our take a look at route, Mazda’s declare for the petrol engine is significantly worse than what the diesel is claimed to be able to.

If you happen to’re giving it a tough time, anticipate to see that determine properly above the 10L/100km mark.

The diesel is an fascinating case. It affords the identical outputs because the diesels throughout the remainder of the vary, and it stays a stable possibility because of this.

Energy and torque outputs are sturdy, whereas the gasoline financial system declare is respectable. It comes all the way down to a matter of non-public choice, although there are a few pointers which have us leaning in direction of the petrol various.

The primary is the added weight of the diesel, even when the distinction is lower than 50kg. Its pure leaning in direction of torque means you sacrifice some top-end energy and the satisfaction of revving the engine out, but it surely’s a lot better suited to towing and carrying heavy masses for a similar cause.

The second is the sound. As soon as once more there’s synthetic sound pumped into the cabin, however in comparison with the petrol it sounds rather more pretend.

Because of this, it’s not essentially the most nice factor to take heed to when the automobile is below load. Nonetheless, each actually have their strengths, and every exists to offer option to clients who might have the CX-70 for one particular utility or one other.

Each engines are mated to the identical eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automated transmission, which is claimed to mix the most effective attributes of torque converters and dual-clutch transmissions.

It utilises a standard torque converter and planetary gears, although load is taken off the torque converter with the addition of a multi-plate clutch.

The supposed impact of that’s the automobile’s low-speed behaviour is rather more typical of a torque converter-type transmission, with minimal stumbles and easy acceleration between the decrease gears.

When you’re up and shifting, the multi-plate clutch is designed to shift seamlessly between gears, mimicking the fast shifting traits of dual-clutch autos. It’s not fairly as snappy as a dual-clutch, however it may be managed by way of the paddles on the wheel.

It might slur by means of gears below excessive load, however that lazier attribute very a lot fits the character of the CX-70, as with the CX-80. As for the clunkiness reported by others in earlier critiques of its siblings, there’s no such grievance right here and we even observed the mild-hybrid system kicking out and in from time to time.

As one could hope, the CX-70 packs a full suite of security tech. It’s all stable too, with minimal points to report – minimal, however not zero.

Our largest grievance entails the motive force monitoring system. On quite a few events it pinged us for being distracted, which was a traditional case of an excessively delicate system getting aggravated with mirror and head checks.

Its lane-keep system labored properly to softly pull us again if we started to stray over the road, and it stayed in its lane (pun supposed) with out turning into intrusive when tasked with slender nation roads.

A gripe is that site visitors help – adaptive cruise management with lane-centring tech – is just supplied on the top-spec Azami. For the value the CX-70 instructions in its ‘base’ trim stage, we’d have hoped for it to trickle down.

As a substitute, you make do with solely adaptive cruise management within the GT and do the steering your self. Hassle.

If you happen to can dwell with the tough trip, the CX-70 is a good automobile to drive. So this massive SUV has an identification disaster, however for essentially the most half its on-road expertise is healthier than the CX-60’s.

Maybe there can be a fast replace to the 70 to match the incoming 60 replace, however till then house owners should make do with the best way it’s proper now.

To reiterate, there’s nothing inherently flawed with the CX-70 past its stiffish trip, and it could have a lot extra enchantment with extra suspension compliance.

To see how the Mazda CX-70 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What do you get?

In contrast to the CX-60, CX-80, and CX-90, there are simply two trim ranges accessible – GT and Azami – although the latter will be had with an non-obligatory SP package deal.

The CX-70 GT comes customary with the next tools:

21-inch black alloy wheelsSpace-saver sparePower-folding, heated exterior mirrors with memoryAdaptive LED headlightsRain-sensing wipersRear intermittent wiperPanoramic sunroofHands-free energy tailgate12.3-inch infotainment screenWireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android AutoDAB+ digital radioSatellite navigation12.3-inch digital instrument clusterHead-up display12-speaker Bose sound system10-way energy driver’s seat with two-position memory8-way energy passenger seatHeated entrance seatsHeated outboard rear seatsHeated steering wheelLeather upholsteryLeather-wrapped steering wheel and shifterTri-zone local weather controlPersonalise system (auto restoration of settings)Electrical parking brake with auto holdElectric steering wheel adjustmentHill descent management

The Azami provides:

Physique-coloured wheel-arches, decrease cladding and door handlesVentilated entrance seatsNappa leather-based upholsteryAmbient lightingInterior ‘foot lamp’ (entrance and rear)Frameless inside mirrorPersonalise system with Straightforward Entry & Driving Place Information

All CX-70 variants include Mazda Linked Providers, which let you use the MyMazda app to remotely management the locks and lights. Different options on this suite embrace:

Emergency SOS callGeofencing capabilityCurfew notificationVehicle locator servicesStolen automobile assistanceVehicle standing and well being

Choices

There’s just one possibility package deal accessible within the native CX-70 vary. Whereas the identical package deal is obtainable with different CX fashions, the CX-70’s choice is cheaper and relatively sparse.

The non-obligatory SP package deal, priced from $3500 and accessible on the Azami, consists of:

Tan Nappa leather-based upholsterySuede dashboard panelTwo-tone steering wheel

Is the Mazda CX-70 protected?

The Mazda CX-70 has but to be assessed by ANCAP.

Normal security tools on the CX-70 consists of:

Adaptive cruise controlAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Pedestrian and bicycle owner detectionReverse AEBJunction assistBlind-spot monitoringDriver consideration monitoringFront cross-traffic alertRear cross-traffic alertEmergency lane-keep assistLane-keep assistSafe exit warningSurround-view cameraFront and rear parking sensorsTraffic signal recognitionTyre strain monitoringFront and front-side airbagsDriver’s knee and far-side airbagsFront and rear curtain airbags

The Azami provides:

See-through view for surround-view cameraCruising and Visitors SupportUnresponsive Driver Assist, which may alert a driver and sluggish and/or cease the automobile in the event that they don’t take motion

How a lot does the Mazda CX-70 price to run?

Mazda Australia backs its autos with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. 5 years of roadside help is obtainable as customary.

Capped-price servicing is obtainable for the primary seven years, with costs various relying on the powertrain. Detailed pricing is as follows:

To see how the Mazda CX-70 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-70

The remainder of its siblings have a clearly outlined place in Mazda’s lineup and goal completely different purchaser sorts, however the CX-70 seems to be wandering aimlessly.

Other than extra capability, it doesn’t do a lot the five-seat CX-60 doesn’t do regardless of being costlier, it’s pricier at base stage than the seven-seat CX-90, and it affords a lot much less versatility than the CX-80 for a a lot increased value.

As such, the CX-70 is an extremely arduous promote. What’s unlucky is that in isolation it’s really fairly a stable automobile, with an enormous, snug inside and engaging aesthetics – if not slightly bit out-of-proportion.

It will get the extra highly effective model of the 2 petrol engines accessible throughout the fashions, and its base GT spec has loads to supply – even when in actuality it’s pretty excessive within the pecking order.

That boot can be unimaginable you probably have a number of gear and luggage to move, whereas the second row is spacious and well-appointed with that remoted local weather management setup and outboard seat heaters.

However within the grand scheme of Mazda’s giant CX vary, all of it simply will get a bit misplaced.

Its trip isn’t compliant sufficient to supply any consolation profit over the others, and its dimension can appear a bit an excessive amount of for a five-seater.

We discover it arduous to think about there are various consumers out there for a five-seat giant SUV just like the CX-70 and Mazda is aware of that. However there could been even fewer of them when the CX-60 turns into extra approachable with its 2025 replace.

Maybe it can enchantment to individuals who desire a CX-90 however don’t want seven seats, however even then they’ll purchase a CX-90 for much less and simply hold the third row folded away.

That’d obtain the identical consequence for all sensible functions, whereas nonetheless having seven seats for when the the children wish to deliver their mates.

We just like the CX-70 regardless of its tough trip, however within the context of Mazda’s different new SUVs we merely don’t suppose it makes a lot sense.

Occupied with shopping for a Mazda CX-70? Get in contact with certainly one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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