The Mazda CX-70 has recently made its debut in the North American market, nearly a year after the launch of the CX-90 three-row model. Serving as the third member of the brand’s extensive lineup and the second one to utilize the Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture with a longitudinal front-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, similar to the CX-90.
While its styling closely resembles the CX-90, the CX-70 features a revised front bumper with more prominent side sections and a glossy black finish, as opposed to the chrome part used in the CX-90. The rear of the CX-70 has undergone minor changes compared to the CX-90, and its bumper now includes additional external mesh inserts. The rolling stock showcases a new 21-inch wheel design.
Similar to its larger three-row stablemate, the Mazda CX-70 two-row model has been designed from the ground up for electrification and is introduced with two powertrain options. The first is the organic e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged gasoline engine, while the second is the plug-in hybrid e-Skyactiv G; both are connected to the i-Activ all-wheel drive.
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The 3.3-liter mild hybrid engine will be available in two versions in the United States, starting with the base 280 hp (284 PS) version, and an upgraded S version boasting 340 hp (345 PS) power output. These production figures align with the CX-90 launched in the same market last year.
One of the two powertrains is the 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, similar to the CX-90 for the European market. In the CX-60 and CX-90, this engine combines a 2.5-liter natural aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine with 136 PS, generating a total power of 327 PS and torque of 500 Nm.
Like the Mazda CX-90, the CX-70’s 3.3-liter turbo mild hybrid engine features a 48-volt M Hybrid Boost electric drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission located between the engine and transmission. The CX-70 itself has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,270 kg).
The CX-70’s driver assistance system includes Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) Unresponsive Driver Support, described by Mazda as an emergency system that slows down and stops the vehicle if the driver does not respond to increasing warnings, such as detecting closed or distracted eyes and when the driver’s hands are off the steering wheel.
Internally, the Mazda CX-70 largely mirrors the CX-90’s interior, albeit with two rows, and is available in red leather. The second-row seats in the CX-70 can be folded using a remote control, and additional storage space beneath the cargo floor allows drivers to discreetly store small and valuable items.
In terms of infotainment, the CX-70 stands out as Mazda’s first crossover with Alexa integration, aimed at reducing driver distractions and enhancing the user-friendliness of the system. Through voice commands, drivers can make hands-free adjustments to temperature settings, change radio stations, or control connected smart devices at home.
According to the automaker, the Mazda CX-70 is set to hit the market in the United States and Canada in the spring of 2024.
