2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV

Mazda, the little brand that could, continues its audacious march upmarket. Not content with merely nipping at the heels of premium players, it’s actively shouldering its way into the conversation with vehicles like the CX-90 and, more recently, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 – a model expected to stride confidently into 2026 with minimal changes.

While sharing its bones and brawn with the three-row CX-90, the CX-70 carves its own niche as a sophisticated, two-row mid-size SUV.

We’re focusing here on the intriguing Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant, a powertrain promising both potent performance and eco-conscious commuting.

But does this blend of Mazda’s engaging driving dynamics and plug-in practicality hit the premium sweet spot?

Sculpted Presence: More Than Just a Shorter CX-90?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the CX-70 is, dimensionally and aesthetically, remarkably similar to its larger CX-90 sibling, minus the third row.

Some might see this as a missed opportunity for differentiation, but it also means the CX-70 inherits the CX-90’s inherently premium proportions.

Built on Mazda’s longitudinal-engine, rear-biased all-wheel-drive platform (a layout typically reserved for European luxury brands), the CX-70 boasts a long hood, a confident stance, and short overhangs.

Mazda’s Kodo design language, emphasizing sculpted surfaces and the interplay of light and shadow, gives the CX-70 an elegant, athletic look.

Compared to the CX-90, the CX-70 often sports darker trim elements – black finishes on the grille, mirrors, and window surrounds – lending it a slightly sportier, more assertive vibe.

Standard 21-inch wheels on the PHEV trims further enhance its purposeful look. While not radically different from its three-row counterpart, the CX-70 stands as one of the most visually appealing entries in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.

Inside the Sanctum: Premium Materials, Thoughtful Layout

Step inside the CX-70 PHEV, and Mazda’s premium aspirations become crystal clear. The cabin design is clean, driver-focused, and utilizes materials that feel a cut above mainstream competitors.

Available Nappa leather, tasteful trim accents, and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship create an inviting and upscale atmosphere.

The dashboard architecture mirrors the CX-90, centered around a standard 12.3-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display.

Crucially, this system is primarily controlled by a rotary knob and physical buttons on the center console. While this approach minimizes driver distraction and feels satisfyingly tactile for many operations, some reviewers lament the lack of touchscreen redundancy, especially for functions like map zooming.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, alongside available features like a Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and Amazon Alexa integration.

A crisp, available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display further bolsters the tech quotient.

Comfort is a high point. Front seats are supportive, and thanks to sharing the CX-90’s wheelbase, rear passengers enjoy generous legroom (39.4 inches), comparing favorably even to rivals like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX.

The primary benefit of ditching the third row is cargo space. Behind the second row, the CX-70 PHEV offers a generous 39.6 cubic feet, expanding significantly with the seats folded.

There’s also a useful underfloor storage compartment where the third row would otherwise stow. Some critics note a relative scarcity of small-item storage cubbies compared to some competitors, but overall, it’s a practical and plush environment.

The PHEV Experience: Power, Potential, and Peculiarities

Under the hood, the CX-70 PHEV employs a combination of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 68-kW electric motor, fed by a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The total system output is a healthy 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel), channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system.

On paper, this sounds like a recipe for smooth, potent acceleration, and the CX-70 PHEV can certainly hustle, clocking 0-60 mph times just under six seconds according to some tests.

However, the real-world refinement of this powertrain has drawn mixed reviews. Several critics point out that the transition between electric and gasoline power, particularly at lower speeds, can be less than seamless, occasionally feeling jerky or abrupt.

Mazda utilizes clutches instead of a traditional torque converter in its transmission for more direct shifts, which can feel sporty but sometimes contributes to a less-than-smooth experience in stop-and-go traffic.

Engaging Sport mode often sharpens responses and mitigates some of the perceived sluggishness or hesitation, but potentially at the expense of fuel efficiency.

In EV mode, the CX-70 PHEV offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles (around 42 km) of electric-only range, suitable for many daily commutes or errands.

Once the battery depletes, it operates as a traditional hybrid, achieving an EPA rating of 25 MPG combined. The overall MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating stands at 56 MPGe.

With a full tank and charge, the total driving range is estimated at a respectable 490 miles. Charging the battery takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes using a standard 120V Level 1 charger, or significantly less (around 1.5 to 2.5 hours) with a 240V Level 2 charger.

Mazda also includes a ‘Charge Mode’ which allows the gasoline engine to replenish the battery while driving.

On the Road: Athleticism Tempered by Weight

Mazda prides itself on building engaging vehicles, and the CX-70 PHEV benefits from its sophisticated platform.

The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension setup, along with standard G-Vectoring Control Plus, aims to provide a balance of comfort and agility.

The steering offers decent weight, and the SUV generally feels composed and stable through corners, especially considering its size.

The standard all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, contributing to a more athletic feel than typical front-drive-based competitors.

However, there’s no escaping the PHEV’s substantial curb weight (over 5,100 pounds). While the suspension manages this heft commendably, providing a firm yet well-damped ride that absorbs most road imperfections, the sheer mass can blunt the ultimate sense of agility during more spirited driving.

Some reviewers have also noted that the steering can feel unusually heavy at parking lot speeds. It’s a capable handler, certainly more engaging than many rivals, but perhaps not quite the “Miata of SUVs” some might hope for given Mazda’s reputation. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for the PHEV.

Safety and Tech Smarts

Mazda equips the CX-70 PHEV generously with its i-Activsense suite of safety features. Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a vehicle exit warning system.

Higher trims add features like a 360-degree view monitor (with helpful see-through and trailer hitch views), front cross-traffic alert, blind spot assist (with steering intervention), road keep assist, and head-on traffic avoidance assist.

Trims and Value Proposition

For the 2025 model year, the CX-70 PHEV is offered in two well-equipped trims:

• PHEV Premium (Starting MSRP ~$54,400): Includes 21-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, the 12.3-inch infotainment system, Bose audio, a 1500W power outlet, and Mi-Drive modes (Sport, Off-Road, Towing, EV).
• PHEV Premium Plus (Starting MSRP ~$57,450): Adds premium Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, the 360-degree camera system, and potentially additional driver-assist features.

These prices place the CX-70 PHEV squarely in premium territory, competing against established players like the BMW X3/X5, Lexus RX, Volvo XC60 Recharge, and Genesis GV70/GV80, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.

While its interior and driving dynamics offer compelling arguments, the powertrain’s refinement might be a deciding factor for some buyers in this competitive set.

A Compelling, If Slightly Flawed, Premium Contender

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV (based on the near-identical 2025 model) is a bold statement. It offers striking design, a genuinely luxurious interior, ample passenger and cargo space, and the inherent handling advantages of its sophisticated platform.

The PHEV powertrain delivers strong performance figures and useful electric range, catering to buyers seeking both power and efficiency.

However, the execution isn’t flawless. The powertrain’s occasional lack of smoothness is a notable asterisk, especially in a vehicle aiming for premium refinement. While engaging to drive for its size, its considerable weight prevents it from feeling truly nimble.

Ultimately, the CX-70 PHEV is a highly attractive package for those prioritizing style, interior quality, and generous two-row space, with the added benefit of plug-in capability.

It feels special, looks expensive, and drives with more verve than many competitors. If you can live with the powertrain’s occasional quirks and appreciate Mazda’s driver-centric philosophy, the CX-70 PHEV makes a compelling case for itself as a stylish and capable premium plug-in hybrid SUV.