2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Review: The Best Plug-In SUV for Two-Row Families?

If you’ve been eyeing a spacious SUV but don’t need a third row—and you’re also interested in going electric without full EV commitment—Mazda might have just built your perfect ride. Meet the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV, essentially a two-row version of the CX-90 but with the same upscale look and impressive plug-in hybrid performance. So, is it any good? Let’s find out.

Same CX-90 DNA, Less Seating, Same Swag

From the outside, the CX-70 looks nearly identical to the CX-90. That’s because it is—same wheelbase, same platform, same drivetrain. But drop the third row, and what you’re left with is a sleeker, roomier two-row SUV with a bit more cargo space and a slightly sportier vibe.

Powertrain and Performance: Not Bad for a Big Hybrid

Under the hood is Mazda’s 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four paired with a 68 kW electric motor, putting down a combined output good for 0–60 mph in about 6 seconds. Acceleration is surprisingly quick for a vehicle that weighs over 5,200 lbs. It launches decently in Sport mode, with snappy shifts from the 8-speed automatic transmission.

That said, it’s not what you’d call punchy. The electric torque doesn’t hit quite as hard as you might expect from a plug-in, but it’s plenty adequate for city driving and highway merging.

On a full charge, Mazda claims 42 km (26 miles) of all-electric range. In cold Canadian winter weather, though, that drops to about half. We managed just 21 km (13 miles) during a polar vortex at -5°C (23°F), which isn’t unexpected, but still a bit disappointing. Unfortunately, there’s no battery preconditioning feature to help maintain EV range in the cold—a missed opportunity for northern buyers.

Once the battery runs dry, it behaves like a conventional hybrid, delivering a combined 56 MPGe (gas + electric) and around 25 MPG on gas alone.

Ride & Handling: Sporty, But at a Price

Mazda’s rear-biased all-wheel drive system (like BMW’s xDrive) keeps things interesting. The CX-70 handles surprisingly well for a PHEV SUV, especially in Sport mode, with a nicely balanced chassis and relatively minimal body roll. The rear end rotates confidently through corners, giving this big SUV a slightly playful edge that you don’t get in rivals like the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer.

However, the ride is on the firmer side. That stiffness helps with cornering and stability but does translate into a bit more road feel over rough pavement. It’s not harsh, just… engaged.

Steering is heavier than you’d find in most SUVs—great on a winding road, but it can feel a bit cumbersome in parking lots.

One quirk: the transmission can feel a little clunky when rolling to a stop in electric mode, especially compared to the smoother mild hybrid CX-70 with the inline-six. Transitions between EV and gas aren’t the most seamless either, though it’s manageable.

Winter Realities: PHEV vs. Mild Hybrid

If you live in a colder climate and don’t have access to charging every night, the CX-70 mild hybrid might be the better option. Its turbocharged inline-six engine feels stronger, shifts smoother, and you won’t have to worry about diminished electric range or plugging in. But in warmer areas or for short daily commutes, the PHEV’s 42 km of EV range could be all you need.

Plus, the PHEV still offers 3,500 lbs of towing, which is more than respectable.

Interior: Premium Vibes, Mazda Style

Inside, the CX-70 feels every bit the upscale SUV Mazda’s aiming for. Soft-touch materials, red Nappa leather, a stitched dashboard, and physical HVAC controls give it a luxury-lite appeal. The 12.3” infotainment screen isn’t a touchscreen in Canada (boo), but Mazda’s rotary dial is easy to use and ergonomically placed. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but also not touch-enabled here.

You also get a full digital gauge cluster that changes colors based on drive modes, a crisp head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a solid 12-speaker Bose audio system. Interior storage is well thought out, with deep cupholders, a decent wireless charger, and multiple USB-C ports.

Tech & Safety: Mostly There, Mostly Weird

The CX-70 PHEV has most of the driver assists you’d expect—adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning—but lacks lane centering in Canada, which is only available in the inline-six version. That’s a strange omission for a top-trim PHEV, and it leaves a blank button on the steering wheel to remind you.

Also, while the gear shifter looks cool, it takes some getting used to. And yes, the car will roll back if you forget to hit park and just step out. You’ve been warned.

Verdict: Should You Get the PHEV?

The Mazda CX-70 PHEV is a handsome, sporty, and efficient SUV for drivers who want plug-in range without going full EV. It looks great, drives with confidence, and delivers strong fuel economy when the battery is topped up.

However, cold-weather range limitations, a stiff ride, and a few tech quirks make it a bit less compelling for northern buyers—especially when the inline-six mild hybrid offers better overall performance and year-round consistency.

Buy this if you have a short commute, access to charging, and want a greener alternative to gas-only SUVs.

Skip this and get the inline-six if you want more power, smoother shifts, and don’t want to mess with charging cables in subzero temps.