The 2026 Mazda CX-70 receives a mixed reception (57/100) from Auto Buyers Guide, earning particular praise for its striking design—including an attractive front end, best-in-segment headlights, and clean rear styling—plus strong driving technology with drive modes and 360-degree cameras, and solid performance from its smooth inline-6 engine and rear-wheel-drive balance. However, the vehicle struggles with livability concerns like limited second-row legroom and only two-way lumbar support, while reliability remains a red flag with transmission smoothness complaints affecting both the CX-70 and CX-90. The reviewer's harshest critique is that the CX-70 feels like a pointless variant of the CX-90 with minimal differentiation, leading them to recommend buyers simply purchase the three-row model instead. The CX-70 is best suited for design-conscious buyers who prioritize styling and driving engagement over practicality and don't need three-row seating.

SavageGeese gave the 2025 Mazda CX-70 a positive 63/100 score, praising it as an incredible value proposition that delivers luxury-car styling and engaging driving dynamics at $40,500-$50,000. The vehicle excels in design (100/100) with its rear-wheel-drive architecture and double-wishbone suspension that inject soul into the class, strong economy (100/100) with the PHEV achieving up to 27-28 MPG and 15 miles of electric range, and impressive livability with unique interior space that feels far more upscale than its price tag. However, performance (11/100) is a significant weakness—the PHEV only tows 3,500 lbs versus competitors, acceleration is underwhelming with 0-60 in the low sixes, and there's an awkward, non-seamless handoff between the electric motor and gas engine at lower speeds; additionally, cabin technology lags behind Toyota and Honda offerings despite attractive physical controls. The CX-70 suits buyers who prioritize distinctive styling, engaging handling, and value over outright performance and cutting-edge tech, and can accept some powertrain quirks for a truly unique driving experience.

Redline Reviews gave the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S a solidly positive 70/100 score, praising its class-leading cargo space (over 40 cubic feet with seats up), excellent fuel economy (23/28 mpg), and top-tier driving tech including standard adaptive cruise control and available 360-degree cameras. The design impresses with a sportier front end and Mazda's signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic color, while the cabin benefits from a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, though the rotary control system for native functions is cumbersome. The main drawbacks are pricing—the as-tested model costs nearly $58,000, comparable to competitors but on the expensive side—and a mixed performance story where the 340-hp turbo engine achieves low-six-second 0-60 times but doesn't feel particularly spirited. The CX-70 suits buyers prioritizing practical space, modern tech, and fuel efficiency in a stylish package, though those seeking a sportier or more affordable entry to Mazda's lineup may want to look elsewhere.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Premium Plus a moderately positive rating of 64/100, praising its strong reliability and cabin technology, including features like 1,500W rear power outlets, walk-away auto lock, and the reviewer's appreciation for Mazda's use of actual buttons instead of touchscreen controls. The vehicle also impresses with its roomy backseat and 323-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain that achieves 0-60 in 6.1 seconds, though the reviewer notes the infotainment system is "awful" and the unpainted plastic trim detracts from its otherwise attractive design. A significant drawback is the value proposition—the CX-70 starts at around $40,900 but costs only $500 less than the comparable CX-90, and Mazda's new premium sport CX-90 trim mimics its styling, diminishing the CX-70's uniqueness. The CX-70 is best suited for buyers prioritizing interior quality and tech conveniences over pricing competitiveness or cutting-edge design language.

TheStraightPipes gave the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S a strong 89/100 rating, praising it as an excellent family SUV with impressive livability (94/100), outstanding driving technology (100/100), and great value compared to competitors like the BMW X5, particularly thanks to hard-button climate controls and a starting price of $49,750 CAD. The 3.3L turbo engine delivers 340 hp with quick acceleration and can tow 5,000 lbs, while the adaptive cruise and lane centering work seamlessly on highways without being intrusive. The design scores lower (58/100 mixed) due to its similarity to the CX-90, and notably, U.S. buyers can't order the plug-in hybrid with color-matched cladding like Canadian buyers can. The CX-70 is purpose-built for families with one or two kids who want spacious cargo room without a third row, not for those planning to expand their family.

Redline Reviews is extremely positive about the 2025 Mazda CX-70, giving it a 96/100 OctaneScore driven by outstanding performance and fuel economy ratings. The standout strengths include a turbocharged inline-6 engine with mild hybrid technology producing up to 340 horsepower, an expected 25 mpg combined fuel economy, and compelling value at $35,000-$40,000 for a midsize two-row SUV that sits squarely between the CX-50 and CX-90. Design and livability also impress, with bold exterior styling, full LED headlights, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, and significant cargo space with hidden compartments—though cabin tech features lag slightly at 79/100 with the base model offering a modest 10.3-inch touchscreen. The CX-70 is the ideal choice for buyers seeking a well-rounded midsize SUV with strong power and efficiency without the premium price tag of luxury competitors.

Edmunds rates the 2025 Mazda CX-70 very positively at 89/100, praising its standout performance with a longitudinally-mounted 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 engine on a rear-drive biased platform, excellent livability with spacious rear passenger accommodations and cargo capacity comparable to the larger CX-90, and thoughtful cabin design with physical toggle switches for climate controls alongside a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The main drawback is the non-touchscreen Mazda infotainment system that requires a scrolly controller while the industry has moved to touchscreen interfaces, and the rear 3/4 view aesthetics don't impress from certain angles despite a strong overall design. The vehicle's success hinges on competitive pricing between the CX-50 and CX-90, and it faces internal company cannibalization since both vehicles are essentially identical with folded rear seats. The CX-70 is ideal for buyers wanting a mid-size luxury SUV with engaging performance, generous space, and premium materials without the complexity of modern touchscreen infotainment systems.

TheStraightPipes gave the 2025 Mazda CX-70 an exceptional 98/100 rating with 31 positive highlights and no negatives. The standout strengths are its design (color-matched cladding, black spoiler, attractive body lines), cabin tech (hard button climate controls, rotary infotainment knob, 12-volt trunk power), and livability (excellent headroom for tall drivers, super long trunk with hidden storage compartments). The reviewer found no significant drawbacks, though livability scored slightly lower at 90/100 compared to other dimensions, and praised the competitive pricing positioned below the three-row CX-90. The CX-70 is ideal for buyers wanting a well-equipped, driver-focused midsize crossover with strong performance options and practical storage without paying for a third row.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2025 Mazda CX-70 a highly positive review with an OctaneScore of 87/100, praising its cabin technology, fuel efficiency features, and interior quality—including rear climate control zones, a new smooth-running 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 engine, and soft-touch materials throughout. The vehicle's livability stands out with its wide-opening doors and decent headroom, plus the rear-wheel drive platform promises better weight balance and sportier dynamics despite slightly compromised rear legroom compared to front-wheel drive competitors. Design elements like the lack of a third row improving proportions and the addition of full LED headlights with steering-responsive lamps are positives, though the rounded rear proportions are noted as divisive. The CX-70, especially in its plug-in hybrid variant with an expected 30-mile EV range and aggressive pricing, is positioned as an ideal choice for buyers seeking a fun, premium, and efficient mid-size crossover alternative to competitors like the RAV4 Prime.

SavageGeese gives the 2026 Mazda CX-70 a mixed rating of 44.1/100, finding a vehicle with genuine strengths undermined by practical compromises. The CX-70 excels in design and tech, featuring attractive styling that looks more expensive than its price point and an impressive array of physical controls—mechanical buttons for climate, a rotary infotainment knob, and a physical shifter—that feel substantial and intuitive. However, the vehicle stumbles in practicality (20.0/100) due to a large transmission tunnel that wastes cabin space and a non-functional wireless phone charger, plus performance issues including jerky cold-start transmission shifts and noticeable drivetrain vibrations. The CX-70 is best suited for buyers who prioritize styling and tactile controls over packaging efficiency and refined driving dynamics, and who can tolerate the compromises that come with Mazda's ambitious first-generation execution.