2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus

 

I have no idea why Mazda went with a straight-six (inline) instead of a bent-six (V6) but I'm glad they did. An inline six is so smooth. In the CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus the 3.3-liter pumps out 340 HP, and 369 lb-ft. Around town it is docile but when you step on it you know it can hold its own against more sporty looking vehicles. Expect 0-60 times around 5.5 seconds. 

Mazda says the CX-70 in this guise can give you 28-mpg on the highway, and 23 around town. I believe the highway figure (if you drive near the limit) but I have always found the city figures difficult to equal on any car except a hybrid.

The CX-70 is AWD and the only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic. The whole system worked fine.

I'm not really a fan of red cars but darn, the Soul Red Crystal Metallic (a $595 option) was beautiful. It gave the CX-70 presence (and it made it easier to find in a parking lot full of white or black SUVs). 

The tan Nappa Leather seats were attractive and comfortable although I would choose a color that would not show dirt as easily. I'm no rabid animal activist but I really don't think we always need leather. 

I'm not picking on Mazda but just once I'd like to see truth in the number of "seats" in a vehicle. Yes there is a seatbelt for the center position but I cannot think of any friend or family member I'd make sit there. While the two outer positions have sculpted seating surfaces, the center seat is flat and the backrest is a fold-down armrest. These are not five passenger vehicles in my book.

The CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus has the obligatory "Sport" driving mode. I like how Sport mode tightens up the shifts but I don't like the way it keeps the trans in a lower gear around town, or how it "sportifies" the suspension. In the default mode (Eco) acceleration feels lazy to me. I'd love an option where I could choose Sport for the transmission and Comfort for the suspension. Again, not picking on Mazda because many of its competitors are the same.

One are I will fault Mazda is the A/C. As you may have noticed the USA (and my area specifically) have been experiencing HOT weather. I felt that the CX-70 took too long to cool down the interior. I turned off the rear A/C and it was better but still not as good as other vehicles I've driven. 

While I'm talking about automotive A/C, I have noticed that cars in general have next to none thermal insulation. Almost the instant you shut off your car the coolness is gone. 

I like that Mazda gives cargo dimensions not just in cubic feet but in length. From the rear to the front seats it is 97.5" long with the front seats in their fully forward (50.1" to the back seat), and 31.6" from the cargo floor to the roof. The tailgate opening is 42" wide. Those are useful figures. 

For those who tow, the limit is 5,000 lbs. 

I did enjoy driving the CX-70. It wasn't so big that it was a pain to park or maneuver; and it definitely could keep up with traffic. Sight lines were excellent. 

Pricewise the CX-70 is competitive. The base CX-70 3.3 Turbo Preferred starts at $40,445, the CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus at $55,950. There is only one exterior color that isn't extra, Jet Black Mica, and I don't understand this (again not just a Mazda thing). 

I have no problem recommending any Mazda, and the CX-70 is no different. It is a fine vehicle. Check it out at your local Mazda dealer or at https://www.mazdausa.com/ .