2025 Mazda CX-70 Review // The BMW X5 Alternative No One Saw Coming!

If you told me a few years ago that Mazda would be making an SUV that could genuinely go toe-to-toe with a BMW X5, I would have laughed. But here we are. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is finally here, and it’s got all the right ingredients—sleek styling, a powerful inline-six, a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and a driving experience that makes you forget you're in an SUV. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill crossover; it’s a luxury sports SUV for people who still love to drive.

A Two-Row CX-90? Pretty Much.

Think of the CX-70 as Mazda’s answer to the Honda Passport—it’s essentially a two-row version of the CX-90. It shares the same platform, the same powertrain options, and even most of the same interior and exterior styling. But what does ditching the third row get you? More cargo space, a slightly lighter curb weight, and a sharper focus on being a driver’s SUV.

Under the hood, you get Mazda’s 3.3L turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid engine. The base version pushes out 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, but if you opt for the Turbo S, that number jumps to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. If that sounds suspiciously similar to BMW’s legendary B58 engine, well… you’re not wrong. Throw in an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and you’ve got something that feels way more premium than your average midsize SUV.

Punchy Performance with a Touch of Sportiness

Numbers on paper are one thing, but how does it drive? In a word—fantastic. Mazda has always been about delivering a fun-to-drive experience, and the CX-70 is no exception. Put it in Sport mode, give it a little brake boost, and it’ll launch to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. That’s quick for an SUV of this size, and it feels even faster thanks to the responsive 8-speed transmission and sharp throttle tuning.

The steering is a little on the heavier side, but that just adds to the sense of connection. There’s minimal body roll, and the chassis is so well-sorted that you sometimes forget you’re driving a 5,200-lb SUV. Whether you’re carving up a twisty backroad or just cruising on the highway, the CX-70 feels confident and composed—traits you don’t usually associate with a Mazda SUV.

Efficiency Without the Sacrifice

Despite the power and performance, the CX-70 is surprisingly fuel-efficient. The base model returns 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the more powerful Turbo S sees slightly lower city mileage at 23 mpg. That’s on par with, or even better than, some much smaller vehicles, making this one of the most efficient performance-oriented SUVs in its class.

Luxury Without the Sticker Shock

Step inside, and it’s clear Mazda wants to play in the premium SUV space. The interior is beautifully designed, with soft-touch materials, suede accents, and an overall aesthetic that feels way more expensive than the CX-70’s price tag suggests. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is crisp and easy to use, though it’s worth noting that touchscreen functionality is only available when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

One minor gripe? The digital gauge cluster doesn’t always display your speed unless you’re in Adaptive Cruise Control or Sport mode, which is a bit of an odd design choice. But on the plus side, the heads-up display is bright, clear, and includes useful features like blind-spot monitoring indicators.

Tech & Safety – Mazda’s Got You Covered

Mazda packed the CX-70 with all the latest driver assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. New for this model is an emergency deceleration system that can detect when the driver is incapacitated and automatically bring the vehicle to a stop—an impressive and potentially life-saving addition.

The 360-degree camera system is another highlight. It’s clear, easy to activate, and even lets you keep the feed on at higher speeds—something most SUVs don’t allow. And if you forget to put the shifter into park, don’t worry—the car will do it for you automatically.

Is It Worth Choosing Over the CX-90?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Why would you pick the CX-70 over the CX-90? If you don’t need a third row and prioritize cargo space, a sportier feel, and a slightly lower curb weight, the CX-70 makes a lot of sense. It’s essentially the driver’s version of Mazda’s flagship SUV. But if you need that extra row for passengers, the CX-90 is still the more practical choice.

Final Verdict: The Sleeper Hit of 2025?

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a midsize SUV that punches way above its weight class. It offers a luxury experience, engaging performance, and impressive efficiency—all wrapped in a stylish, well-built package. It’s not just a CX-90 with fewer seats; it’s a genuine alternative to SUVs like the BMW X5, offering a similar driving experience at a fraction of the price.

If you’re in the market for a two-row midsize SUV that delivers on all fronts, the CX-70 should absolutely be on your shortlist. This is Mazda proving, once again, that they know how to make a car that speaks to enthusiasts while still being practical for everyday life.

So, would you take the CX-70 over a BMW X5?