Mazda Takes Wraps off New Ute: 2025 CX-70

Japanese automaker Mazda continues the revamping of its sport-utility portfolio with the reveal of its 2025 CX-70. However, don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t something that sits between the CX-50 and CX-90 in size — it’s simply a two-row CX-90.

Mazda’s newest entry in its SUV lineup, the 2025 CX-70, seems to be a natural fit. The named tells you where it sits in the portfolio: right between the CX-50 and CX-90. Not so fast.

It is the latest and last offering in the brand’s SUV stable, but it’s not the simple halfway point between the other two utes. It’s only slightly smaller than the flagship CX-90. It’s a two-row version of the top model — the CX-90 has three rows — aimed a small subset of buyers who want more room for cargo and less room for people.

While there will be plenty of competition for the CX-70, such as the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volkswagen Atlas and even the new Toyota Crown Signia, one wonders if the biggest competition isn’t sitting the same showroom?

“Utilizing Mazda’s most advanced powertrains that offer responsive and electrified performance, CX-70 provides intuitive handling that keeps the driver engaged and in control, whether driving around the city or engaging in lifestyle activities,” the company said in a statement.

What is it?

Besides having one less row, the CX-70 shares the brand’s large platform with the CX-90 and has been “engineered from the outset with electrification in mind, with all CX-70 powertrains featuring some form of electrification.”

The new model offers buyers a choice of an e-SkyActiv G 3.3-liter inline 6 Turbo engine with M-Hybrid Boost, or an e-SkyActiv G PHEV. While it didn’t reveal the performance specs for either version, the same offering on the CX-90 put out 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque and can be upgraded to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft.

The plug-in variant puts out 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and allows drivers to travel 26 miles in electric-only mode.

Not only does use the same engines, it also sure does look an awful lot like the CX-90. Admittedly, Mazda’s lineup of utes are born from the same design aesthetic, but the CX-70 is the CX-90s identical cousin.

“The natural, athletic posture bestowed by the large platform is further enhanced with thoroughly modern and sporty touches,” the company said. “CX-70’s aggressive appearance is immediately noticed with the wide and low front fascia and chiseled front end. Mazda further emphasized CX-70’s dynamic look with contrasting black accents throughout the exterior, and available black metal and machine cut finished 21-inch wheels, giving the vehicle a great stance, even when parked.”

The interior cabin is laden with the same high-end materials as the CX-90, plus it must feel even bigger and more open since the designers dispensed with a row of seats. It can be had with the red Nappa leather and red stitching “inspired” by the 100^th Anniversary Special Edition of the Miata.

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Bring on the tech

The CX-70 features a slew of new driver assistance technologies, including called Unresponsive Driver Support, that adds an emergency-only system to automatically decelerate and stop the vehicle if the system detects the driver is unresponsive to escalating alerts.

That’s in addition to Mazda’s Cruising & Traffic Support suite of safety tech. The new model also features an integration of Alexa, allowing for hands-free commands. It can be used for prompts like changing the temperature, or radio station, to controlling their smart home devices. CX-70 is the first Mazda crossover to feature Alexa, with the goal of reducing driver distraction and improving ease of use.

No pricing was released by the company, nor was an expected timeframe for its arrival. However, it’s likely to show up midyear. As for pricing, the CX-90 starts at $39,595 and can reach nearly $60,000.