The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Costs More Than Identical CX-90, Has Fewer Seats
Their trim by trim prices are the same, but their starting prices are different.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is essentially a CX-90 with no third-row option. Both models share their dimensions, styling, and interiors (seats excepted), meaning the two-row-only CX-70 is meant for those who prefer cargo carrying abilities over passenger-hauling ones. That makes sense, but then again, you could always drive your CX-90 with its third-row seat stowed flat and get the same basic experience, no? Therefore, we expected the CX-70 would offer buyers something in exchange for permanently giving up the 90's third-row seat—like, say, a discount. Turns out we were wrong.
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The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is actuallymoreexpensive than the 2024 CX-90 when you compare their starting prices, but the CX-70 doesn't have as many trims as the CX-90, making their trim for trim price exactly the same. Starting at $41,865, the CX-70 3.3 Turbo Preferred costs more than the $39,220 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select, a trim not available in the CX-70.
Another important thing here is that Mazda lowered the price on the all the turbo versions of the CX-90 to match the CX-70 (PHEV prices went up a bit). Obviously, paying more for the 70 when you have the advantage of a third row in the 90 makes no sense to us.
Just like the CX-90, the CX-70 is powered by three different powertrains—two variants of a mild hybrid 3.3-liter turbo inline-six, or the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. The only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Prices vs. 2024 CX-90 Prices
The base CX-70 makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and gets the dark theme outside, with 19-inch gray alloy wheels, dark chrome and darker elements on the window trims, rear spoiler and roof rails.
Inside, things are pretty good for a base model. A 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system is standard and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A push-button start, powered seats and heated front seats are also standard.
One level up, the 3.3 Turbo Premium adds a towing mode, which allows you to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The wheels increase to 21 inches in diameter, and the exterior adds a powered liftgate, panoramic sunroof, and black door handles. We should point out that during the 70's reveal, we criticized those black handles' cheap plastic because they felt just like the low-buck Nissan Versa's door handles. Inside, the Turbo Premium adds a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, and the new Mazda Online Navigation, which allows over the air updates to the nav system.
The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, replaces leather with Nappa leather, which is available in black or red. This trim also adds heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 150-volt outlet. Power-folding and auto-dimming door mirrors are also added. A 360-degree camera view is also standard on this trim and up.
Only two trims are available if you'd like the high output 3.3 engine, which makes 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S Premium can be distinguished by its honeycomb grille, and Mazda's Signature headlights and taillights, which the low output model doesn't get. This model builds on the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus and adds a 12.3-inch digital driver display with a head-up display.
While the 3.3 Turbo S Premium trim is well-equipped, the Turbo S Premium Plus adds windshield wiper de-icer, quilted leather seats in tan finish, and a two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel, along with suede inserts on the dash.
Switching to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Mazda only has two trims available—Premium and Premium Plus. Both are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery that make 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque together. Mazda says the CX-70 PHEV can travel up to 26 miles on electric range only, and delivers 56 MPGe. Unlike the turbo models, the plug-in hybrid can only tow 3,500 pounds.
Like the Turbo S Premium, the PHEV Premium rides on 21-inch wheels with black finish, and boasts LED headlights and taillights, rain sensing wipers and a powered liftgate. Inside, a 12-speaker Bose audio system and wireless phone charger enhance the in-cabin experience.
The top-trim PHEV Premium Plus adds Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, leather on the dashboard with black or red stitching, and a 150V outlet in the cargo area. A 360-degree camera view, auto dimming mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer are also on the features list.
Time will tell whether buyers will take the more expensive CX-70 over the CX-90, despite having two less seats, or whether Mazda will equalize the pricing when the CX-90 turns over the new model year, but the situation as it sits is... odd.
Miguel Cortina is Mexico Editor at MotorTrend, covering the auto industry in the U.S. and south of the border. He joined MotorTrend in January 2015 and is an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys playing golf, surfing, and running in his free time.
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