Immense practicality to go with its high style
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 isn’t just a stylish SUV that’s thrilling to drive, it’s also practical in terms of storage, utility, and cargo space. Families need useful and accessible small item storage, as well as a cargo compartment that can handle daily gear and luggage. Unless you’re hauling something obnoxiously large, the CX-70 will suit most of your family’s cargo and storage needs with skill.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 proves that a midsize SUV can deliver true luxury without sacrificing practicality. While it’s loaded with premium materials and top-tier technology, what makes this two-row crossover shine is its exceptional storage versatility and day-to-day usability. Mazda’s largest two-row SUV offers a rare combination of craftsmanship and capability that rivals and even outperforms several luxury competitors.
Spacious cargo area
Kristen Brown
Behind the second row, the CX-70 offers a generous 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for luggage, sports gear, or a family grocery run. Fold the rear seats flat, and the space expands to a capacious 75.3 cubic feet, rivaling even some three-row models, including its own CX-90 three-row sibling.
The tailgate opening is wide, and the 31.3-inch lift-over height is low, making it easy to load heavy items without strain. There’s also minimal intrusion from the wheel wells with 42 inches of width, meaning large boxes and furniture slide in easily. The cargo length from the opening to the back of the second-row seats is 50.1 inches.
Smart storage features
Mazda added smart touches to make the CX-70 genuinely useful. A hidden underfloor compartment offers a secure place for tools, valuables, or smaller items you don’t want sliding around. There are three deep square-shaped compartments and a full-width compartment that can handle longer items. Cargo hooks, tie-down anchors, and bag holders keep groceries and gear neatly in place. A hands-free power liftgate comes standard on the Premium Plus trim, making loading easier when your hands are full.
Roof rails are also standard, so you can mount bikes, skis, etc. when you need extra space. Adding Mazda OEM crossbars is also an option, making it easier to handle racks and large cargo boxes. For heavier loads, the CX-70 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a legitimate adventure vehicle rather than just a city cruiser.
Cabin versatility
Inside the cabin, storage and utility continue to impress. The top trim doesn’t forget practicality: the center console offers deep, felt-lined storage, the doors swallow large bottles, and the cargo area is squared off and easily accessed with a simple remote lever, allowing quick expansion of the cargo area. The CX-70’s thoughtful ergonomics make it easy to configure the cabin to fit both people and cargo without feeling cramped or cluttered. The split-folding rear seats also drop nearly flat for bulky items, and the load floor is finished in durable, upscale materials that won’t look tired after a year of errands.
The CX-70 against the competition
Mazda’s focus on usable luxury becomes clear when you compare it to segment rivals. The Lexus RX offers around 30 cubic feet of space behind the second row, almost 10 cubic feet less than the CX-70. The Genesis GV70 trails even further, with less than 29 cubic feet behind its seats and about 57 cubic feet total. The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes closer at 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet when folded, but Mazda still edges it out for both accessible storage and everyday usability. Where competitors lean toward plushness or performance, the CX-70 strikes a healthy balance of both.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus proves that practicality doesn’t have to be dull or ugly. Surfaces feel premium and the spaces are well thought-out. From the underfloor compartment to the near-flat cargo area and clever storage touches, it’s clear Mazda designed this SUV for real-world versatility.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog