Walk into a Mazda showroom and you might do a double-take at the CX-70’s sticker price. Starting at $42,250 for the base 3.3 Turbo Preferred, with the top-tier 3.3 Turbo S Premium shown at $53,240, this midsize SUV delivers a cabin experience that rivals vehicles costing thousands more. What makes this two-row crossover feel so upscale? The answer lies in careful attention to materials, smart engineering choices, and a driving character that puts engagement first.
- The CX-70’s interior delivers total comfort and tech with tactile physical controls, excellent material quality, and quietness at speed.
- A 3.3L turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid system produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in standard form, or 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft in the Turbo S version.
- You get 39.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 75.3 cubic feet total cargo space, with hidden storage, hands-free liftgate, and 5,000-lb towing capacity.
Materials That Tell a Different Story
The range-topping 3.3 S Turbo S Premium Plus trim uses real metal accents, Alcantara suede trim, supple high-grade leather upholstery, and tasteful stitching in patterns inspired by traditional Japanese textiles. Seats balance plush comfort and structure with multi-way power adjustment and memory settings. You get a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium, ultra-dense carpet. Even the base trim maintains solid quality standards.
Drive through any parking lot and compare the CX-70’s cabin to competitors from mainstream brands. The difference becomes obvious immediately. Knurled dials feel milled rather than molded. A frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with beveled glass adds to the upscale atmosphere. These small touches create an environment that feels anything ordinary.
An Engine Worth Bragging About
Most competitors in this price range rely on turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Mazda took a different approach. The 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six is assisted by a mild-hybrid system that fills in torque at low speeds and sharpens throttle response, with output topping out at 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel.
That inline-six configuration matters. The engine’s smoothness rivals what you’d find in German luxury crossovers, yet the CX-70 doesn’t demand a luxury price tag. You get brisk acceleration, 0-60 mph in a little over 6 seconds, and confident highway passing. The smoothness and balance of the inline-six layout makes every drive feel refined. While the Mazda CX-50 offers strong performance in a smaller package, the CX-70’s six-cylinder engine brings refinement to a different level entirely.
Driving Feel That Surprises
Mazda tends to shine in ride and handling, and the CX-70 continues that tradition. The chassis feels planted and balanced. Steering has precision typically found only in luxury crossovers. Retuned rear suspension damping for 2026 improves stability on rougher pavement.
Unlike most competitors with front-biased systems, Mazda’s platform prioritizes the rear wheels. Power distribution favors the rear for improved balance and steering feel while front wheels engage as needed for traction and stability. This setup explains why the CX-70 feels more connected to the road than your typical family hauler.
Much of this comes from Mazda’s “Kinematic Posture Control,” a system that applies braking to the inside rear wheel during cornering. This helps tighten the vehicle’s line, reducing lift and maintaining stability through curves. The result? An SUV that feels lighter and more nimble than its size suggests. You won’t find this level of handling refinement in most vehicles under $60,000.
Space and Silence Create Comfort
Acoustic glass and extensive insulation keep wind and road noise at bay, giving the CX-70 a hushed atmosphere at highway speeds. Ambient lighting stays restrained and well-placed, illuminating door pulls, footwells, and storage cubbies. That quietness contributes to the premium feel.
Second-row occupants get 39.4 inches of legroom, allowing adults to sit comfortably for hours. Retractable window shades and power remote seatback releases add practical touches. Families will appreciate both the upscale execution and the thoughtful design.
Standard equipment on the 3.3 Turbo Premium S includes LED headlights and taillights, 21-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, 12.3-inch center display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, head-up display, and front and rear parking sensors.
Does the CX-70 Actually Deliver on Value?
The fully loaded 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus carries an MSRP of $55,985, which undercuts a lot of the competition, especially luxury models. Compare that to German luxury crossovers or even well-equipped mainstream competitors, and the CX-70’s pricing advantage becomes clear.
The cabin insulation improvements made for 2026 add to the sense of refinement. For buyers who want a two-row SUV with lots of cargo area for luggage or the dogs, that drives exceptionally well and feels a step above the mainstream, the CX-70 checks the right boxes.
Mazda built this SUV for people who know the difference between actual quality and marketing fluff. Drive one for yourself and you’ll understand why so many reviewers struggle to find legitimate complaints. When a mainstream brand delivers a vehicle this polished, the luxury brands should take notice.
