The Mazda CX-70 delivers big-SUV comfort, plug-in efficiency and a genuinely upscale interior without the luxury price tag
The Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid combines large-SUV proportions with an upscale, restrained design.
The Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid makes a strong case that you don’t need a luxury badge to get a genuinely upscale, fuel-efficient large SUV.
In Canada’s crowded SUV market, that matters. With many mid-size and large SUVs now pushing well past $70,000 after adding standard options, trims and packages, buyers are increasingly weighing price, fuel costs and everyday usability alongside badge prestige.
I recently test drove a top-end CX-70 plug-in hybrid GT, finished in Melting Copper Metallic. With freight and dealer preparation, the as-tested price came in at $65,845. That places it firmly in the upper end of the mainstream market, but still below many luxury-brand competitors offering similar size and equipment.
The CX-70 rides on the same platform as the Mazda CX-90 and shares the same dimensions, making it one of Mazda’s biggest vehicles. With a wheelbase of 3,120 mm and an overall length of 5,120 mm, it delivers the kind of interior space Canadian families often associate with three-row SUVs, even though the CX-70 itself uses only two rows.
That two-row layout is the key distinction between the CX-70 and CX-90. The CX-90 adds a third row, while the CX-70 does not. For drivers who will never use a third row, the CX-70 avoids carrying extra seats that are likely to remain folded most of the time, while offering slightly more cargo space and a marginally lower price.
Under the hood, the differences are less about layout and more about balance. Power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a 17.8 kWh battery and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is 323 horsepower on 93-octane fuel, or 319 horsepower on 87 octane. The all-wheel-drive system operates smoothly, and the plug-in hybrid setup allows the CX-70 to travel up to 42 km in pure electric mode.
That electric range is shorter than some plug-in hybrid rivals, but for many Canadians, it will be more than adequate. In smaller cities and towns, daily driving often falls well within that distance. Plug the vehicle into a standard 110-volt household outlet overnight and it’s ready to go again the next morning. Depending on driving habits, some owners could go weeks or even months without burning a drop of gasoline.
One area where the CX-70 is merely good rather than impressive is power delivery. It’s adequate for daily driving and highway cruising, but it doesn’t quite match the level of polish suggested by the vehicle’s size, interior quality and price.
When efficiency matters more than outright acceleration, the CX-70 plays to its strengths. On longer trips, the gasoline engine takes over without fuss, providing a total range of 789 km. Even drivers who regularly exceed the electric range benefit from reduced fuel use. In gasoline-only mode, fuel consumption is rated at 9.9 litres per 100 km in the city and 8.7 litres per 100 km on the highway. When electric driving is factored in, combined consumption drops to an impressive 4.2 litres equivalent per 100 km.
The CX-70’s interior is one of its strongest selling points. It looks and feels genuinely upscale, with stitched seats and dashboard surfaces and aluminum trim on the console. Heated and ventilated front seats are upholstered in Black Nappa leather, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the passenger. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, a 10.25-inch centre display and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster come standard. The overall effect is tasteful and restrained, and it feels more expensive than the price tag suggests.
Mazda’s approach to infotainment deserves special praise. Instead of forcing drivers to lean forward and poke at a touchscreen, the CX-70 uses a rotary controller positioned exactly where your hand naturally rests on the console. Surrounding buttons allow quick access to navigation and audio functions. Once selected, zooming, scrolling and choosing sources are handled by twisting the knob. The system is intuitive, tactile and far less distracting than touch-only setups, particularly on longer highway drives.
Judged on its own merits, the CX-70 is a compelling large SUV for Canadian buyers. It combines real space, a well-executed plug-in hybrid system, an upscale interior and one of the least distracting infotainment setups on the market. If you don’t need a third row of seats, the CX-70 makes a strong case as the more focused and sensible choice in Mazda’s large-SUV lineup.
Our Verdict:
The Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid feels genuinely upscale without wearing a luxury badge. It’s quiet, efficient and well finished, with power that’s adequate rather than exciting.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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