2025 Mazda CX-70 Hybrid Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

3 days ago

The sleek and roomy 2025 CX‑70 PHEV packs a strong plug-in hybrid powertrain with usable electric-only range, plus a premium, tech-filled interior that matches the rest of the two-row SUV lineup. True to Mazda's reputation, it also delivers confident, well-balanced driving dynamics.
Midsize SUV competitors include the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Toyota Crown Signia, and Nissan Murano. What's New
Like the very similar CX-90 three-row SUV, the new-for-2025 CX-70 is offered with an available plug-in hybrid powertrain, which comes with the lineup's top trim levels. Other differences between the CX-70 and CX-90 PHEVs include:
Exterior Distinct front and rear bumper treatments
Black exterior trim instead of smoked chrome
Model-specific paint colors and wheels
Interior More cargo space than the CX-90
Rear underfloor storage
Model-specific leather colors What We Think
We prefer the two-row Mazda CX-70 over the similar-looking three-row CX-90, mostly because the CX-70 offers more generous cargo capacity. The plug-in hybrid models are especially appealing. They deliver better fuel economy than their gas-only counterparts and provide some electric-only driving range, which is a practical bonus.
In MotorTrend testing, the PHEV version was also quicker than the more powerful pure gas model. Its four-cylinder engine sounds great when pushed to wide-open throttle.
The ride quality is on the firm side, however, and we noticed that the eight-speed automatic transmission tends to stutter and hesitate in various driving situations—especially at lower speeds.
Overall, the CX-70 plug-in hybrid looks good and drives well. Still, it could use more meaningful differentiation from the CX-90 PHEV in terms of design, performance, and driving feel. Top-Ranked Competitors: MotorTrend Tested
All CX-70 plug-in hybrids are equipped with a 2.5-liter non-turbo four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack. Output totals are 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is a little less powerful than the top inline-six gas engine (which makes 340 hp) but with the same torque.
In MotorTrend testing, the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus sprinted to 60 mph in a commendable 6.0 seconds, 0.3 second quicker than the Turbo S model with the high-output gas engine.
Compare that to the Grand Cherokee 4xe's 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep plug-in hybrid comes with a smaller, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. Despite greater output, the 4xe is slower to 60 mph than the CX-70 PHEV, needing 6.5 seconds in testing. MPGs and Range
The 2025 CX-70 PHEV returns a fuel economy rating of 56 mpg-e combined. With a full tank and fully charged 17.8-kWh battery, total range is an estimated 490 miles. The Mazda can also provide as much as 26 miles of electric-only range for short hops and getting around town.
Estimates for the Grand Cherokee 4xe are very similar. The Jeep also gets 56 mpg-e combined and can provide up to 26 miles of driving on electrons alone. Total range is only 470 miles, though. Safety Ratings and Features
This year's model does well in safety testing. It's an IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest distinction. The Mazda also receives a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Standard safety features include: Automatic emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic monitoring
Lane keeping
A driver focus monitor
Traffic sign recognition
Front and rear parking sensors
Adaptive cruise control Cargo Space and Interior Room
Cargo capacity is one of the CX-70's strong points, with or without the rear seat folded. Rear legroom is good, too, comparing favorably to the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Toyota Crown Signia hybrid. Technology
Infotainment
The CX-70 PHEV comes equipped with a standard 12.3-inch driver display and same-sized central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Through phone mirroring, the infotainment display becomes a touchscreen. A wireless phone charger and four USB ports are also included.
Sound System
A Bose 12-speaker high-end sound system is included with all 2025 CX-70 PHEV.
Available Upgrades
The few available add-ons include a digital rearview mirror and exterior running boards. Mazda also offers a tow package with hitch and harness. Value
Standard Features
The plug-in hybrid models are tops in the CX-70 lineup and therefore come fairly well equipped. All feature a strong, efficient powertrain, an upscale interior with plenty of tech, and generous cargo space.
Recommended Trim
Offered in Premium and Premium Plus trim levels (or 'packages' as Mazda calls them), we think the lower, more affordable grade should work for most consumers. It sacrifices the standard heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass, windshield wiper deicer, front footwell lighting, and automatic power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors for a more approachable sticker price.