Mazda’s Electrification Ambitions Take Shape With The New Yet Familiar CX-70 PHEV

Summary

• The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid offers a powerful and efficient powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total output of 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
• The CX-70 features Mazda’s signature i-Activ all-wheel drive system, ensuring agile and confident handling in various weather conditions. It also has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The CX-70’s exterior design is a unique blend of familiar Mazda design cues and edgier elements. It features a more aggressive front fascia and dynamic bodywork, but some aspects like the rear hatch and roofline may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it carves its own path within the Mazda lineup.

For generations, Mazda has carved its own path in the automotive world. Renowned for its “zoom-zoom” spirit, sleek designs, and relentless innovation, the Hiroshima-based marque has consistently defied expectations. From the iconic rotary-powered RX-7 to the nimble MX-5 Miata, Mazda’s vehicles have embodied a spirit of driving joy, captivating enthusiasts and carving a loyal following.

However, Mazda’s ambitions haven’t solely resided in the realm of sports cars. Recognizing the growing demand for practicality and versatility, the brand ventured into the world of SUVs, redefining the segment with its blend of elegant design, refined dynamics, and premium amenities.

The CX lineup, born with the compact CX-5, quickly established Mazda as a serious contender. The larger CX-9 followed suit, offering spacious interiors and three rows of seating for families. But Mazda’s ambitions know no bounds. Recognizing the shift towards electrification and environmental consciousness, the brand embarked on a bold journey. In 2023, the CX-90 arrived, a flagship SUV marking a significant turning point. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform and boasting powerful engines alongside a plug-in hybrid option, the CX-90 signaled a new era of performance, luxury, and technological prowess.

Now, Mazda stands poised to unveil the next chapter in its SUV saga – the 2025 CX-70. Stepping out of the shadow of its larger sibling, the CX-70 promises to offer a unique proposition. While sharing the CX-90’s platform, it sheds the third row of seating, opting for a two-row layout that prioritizes driving dynamics, cargo space, and a more intimate cabin experience but it also comes with a plug-in hybrid option just like the CX-90.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda and other reliable sources.

Electrifying Performance With Efficiency In Mind

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid takes another step into the electrified realm with a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup marries a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a robust 68-kilowatt electric motor, drawing power from a 17.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The combined output translates to a healthy 323 horsepower and a stout 369 pound-feet of torque, promising spirited acceleration and confident cruising.

While specific fuel economy figures remain under wraps, the electric motor and sizable battery pack hint at the potential for impressive mpg figures during city commutes and short errands, especially when diligently plugged in. For longer journeys, the efficient gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, ensuring you reach your destination without range anxiety.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Specs

(Specs sourced from Mazda)

Mazda Has Also Offered The i-Activ AWD

Mazda’s signature i-Activ all-wheel drive system comes standard on the CX-70 Hybrid, distributing power to the wheels with a rear-bias for a blend of agility and surefooted handling. This system continuously adapts to road conditions and driving dynamics, optimizing traction and stability in all weather scenarios. While towing capacity takes a slight dip compared to the non-hybrid CX-70, the hybrid still manages a respectable 3,500 pounds, proving itself capable of handling everyday hauling needs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid’s powertrain strikes a compelling balance between exhilarating performance, commendable fuel efficiency, and practical capability. Its plug-in nature caters to eco-conscious drivers seeking to minimize their environmental impact, while the potent hybrid system ensures the CX-70 Hybrid doesn’t compromise on driving thrills.

A Blend Of Familiar And Edgy

The 2025 Mazda CX-70’s exterior carves its own path within the brand’s design language. While sharing some familiar elements with its larger sibling, the CX-90, the CX-70 adopts a more aggressive and distinctive stance.

Front-End Assertiveness

The most striking difference lies in the front fascia. Gone is the CX-90’s flowing grille insert, replaced by a bolder, more chiseled design. The headlights, too, adopt a sharper look, flanking the prominent grille with a confident squint. This assertive front end might be more appealing to those who find the CX-90’s design a tad too gentle.

Familiar Flow, With A Twist

While the CX-70 retains the CX-90’s rounded roofline, the overall bodywork takes on a more dynamic character. The shoulder line kicks up slightly towards the rear, giving the SUV a sense of forward motion. The triangular rear quarter windows, however, might not perfectly complement the flowing lines of the body, creating a slightly disjointed feel.

Echoes Of The Past

The rear hatch, with its pronounced oval shape, might evoke memories of the 1990s Ford Taurus for some. However, Mazda attempts to combat this association with a revised bumper design that adds a touch of sculptural interest to the back end.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70’s exterior is a blend of familiar Mazda design cues and some edgier elements. The more aggressive front end stands out, while the overall flow of the bodywork offers a dynamic stance. However, some aspects, like the rear hatch and the interplay between the roofline and bodywork, might not resonate with everyone. Ultimately, the CX-70’s exterior design is likely to elicit a range of opinions, but there’s no denying that it carves its own unique path within the Mazda lineup.

2024 Mazda CX 90 Exterior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Mazda)

Upscale Comfort And Tech Define The 2025 CX-70’s Cabin

Stepping into the 2025 Mazda CX-70 feels familiarly luxurious, mirroring the ambiance of its larger sibling, the CX-90. Plush leather seating dominates the cabin, with a unique optional red upholstery featuring a contrasting black accent stripe exclusive to the CX-70.

Black leather is also available, both options complemented by red stitching on the doors and steering wheel. While most interior materials impress with their quality, some gray plastic trim with a printed carbon fiber pattern feels slightly out of place amidst the otherwise upscale surroundings.

The absence of a third-row seat, compared to the CX-90, translates to a spacious and airy cabin for five occupants. Gone are the rearmost seats, replaced by a generous cargo area offering ample room for luggage and groceries, with hidden storage compartments beneath the flat floor for additional practicality.

This Mazda Captivates With Tech

Dominating the center console is a large 12.3-inch infotainment display, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. Mazda’s latest interface shines here, offering intuitive navigation and clear menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration, while a crisp 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps drivers informed. Audiophiles will be delighted by the optional 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, promising immersive listening experiences.

Marking a first for Mazda, the CX-70’s infotainment system boasts built-in Amazon Alexa integration. This adds voice control functionality for various onboard features, including climate adjustments and infotainment commands. Additionally, Alexa seamlessly connects with compatible smart home devices, allowing drivers to manage their homes from the comfort of the CX-70’s driver’s seat.

Confidence Behind The Wheel

Mazda’s commitment to driver-centric engineering extends to the realm of safety in the 2025 CX-70. The CX-70 boasts a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense technologies, designed to enhance awareness, prevent collisions, and provide invaluable assistance on the road.

Foundational Safety Systems

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This crucial feature utilizes a forward-mounted sensor to detect potential frontal collisions with cars and pedestrians. If an imminent impact is predicted, the system automatically applies brakes, potentially mitigating or avoiding a collision altogether.
• Standard Blind Spot Monitoring: Tiny cameras in the side mirrors monitor the blind zones around the vehicle. When a vehicle enters the blind spot, a warning light illuminates the corresponding mirror, alerting the driver to the potential hazard.
• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for highway driving. Adaptive cruise control utilizes radar technology to detect the preceding vehicle and automatically adjusts the CX-70’s speed to maintain a pre-set distance.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Features

Beyond these essential safety features, the CX-70 offers a range of standard advanced driver-assistance technologies to further elevate confidence behind the wheel. Some notable highlights include:

Enhanced Cruising With Traffic Support

The CX-70 introduces Mazda’s next-generation driver-assistance technology, Enhanced Cruising with Traffic Support. This advanced system builds upon traditional adaptive cruise control by incorporating lane-centering assistance, enabling semi-autonomous driving on highways. The system maintains a safe distance from the preceding vehicle, keeps the CX-70 centered within its lane, and can even bring the car to a complete stop in stop-and-go traffic. However, it’s crucial to remember that Enhanced Cruising with Traffic Support is a driver-assistance feature and does not replace the need for driver attentiveness and responsibility.