Mazda’s decision to sell the two-row CX-70 and three-row CX-90 was contentious from the time these midsize SUVs launched. Nearly identical in size, design, and powertrains, the seating configuration is the only tangible difference between the two vehicles. Still, Mazda stuck with this strategy for a few years, until last month when the automaker decided to kill off the CX-70 and offer the CX-90 in a two-row configuration. It seemed like a sensible decision, but the very SUV Mazda is about to discontinue has had a surprisingly strong sales month.
Mazda CX-70 Sales Rise In October
Kyle Edward
Last month, sales of the Mazda CX-70 increased by 296% year-on-year. No other Mazda model saw such a big jump in sales relative to October 2025.
| October 2026 | October 2025 | % Change | |
| Mazda CX-70 | 1,358 | 343 | +295.9% |
With 1,358 units sold in October, the CX-70 has now reached 11,044 sales in 2026 so far. Looking back even further, CX-70 sales also increased in September (+96.7%). This late-2026 surge is unexpected for a model that many people considered redundant.
The value proposition of the CX-70 was always confusing, since you could buy a CX-90 for roughly the same price and get a third seating row whenever you needed it. Not everyone needs to seat seven people, but having the option doesn’t hurt.
Like the CX-90, the CX-70 is offered with either a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six (making 280 or 340 horsepower) or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (323 horsepower). In typical Mazda style, the CX-70 handles better than most rivals and boasts a feature-rich, upscale interior.
For now, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is still available to order via the brand’s site, but it’s expected to fall away imminently with the launch of the two-row CX-90.
Mazda Posts Second-Best October Sales Ever
Beyond the CX-70, Mazda had another strong U.S. sales month in October. It sold 31,446 vehicles, an increase of 25% and making this the automaker’s second-best October sales month ever. The standard, non-hybrid Mazda CX-90 had its best October yet, while the non-hybrid CX-50 posted its second-best October so far.
Here’s a look at October sales across the Mazda lineup.
| October 2026 | October 2025 | % Change | |
| Mazda CX-30 | 3,362 | 3,390 | -0.8% |
| Mazda CX-5 | 9,689 | 8,983 | +7.9% |
| Mazda CX-50 | 8,249 | 8,351 | -1.2% |
| Mazda CX-90 | 4,620 | 2,153 | +114.6% |
| Mazda CX-70 | 1,358 | 343 | +295.9% |
| Mazda 3 | 3,534 | 1,440 | +145.4% |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 634 | 503 | +26% |
Mazda said it planned “unprecedented” changes to its SUV range after poor sales earlier in the year, and while those have not yet taken effect, its larger SUVs have rebounded in October. Along with the CX-70, CX-90 sales also improved versus a year ago.
The Mazda 3, one of the few vehicles in its class to still offer a manual, continues to sell well despite its age, with a 145% increase across the hatchback and sedan lineup. Only the CX-30 and CX-50 registered year-on-year declines, but these were marginal.
What It Means
Kyle Edward
While Mazda will be pleased to see the CX-70 experiencing an uptick in sales, the decision has already been made to shelve the model. Besides, it’s nowhere near as popular as the CX-90, with the latter still ahead by almost 30,000 units for the year. It’s safe to say that selling both was a flawed strategy that only confused buyers, as nice as the CX-70 is. What will be more important are the major upgrades to designs, interiors, and powertrains expected at some stage; Mazda is still well short of its goal to sell 200,000 SUVs globally, and it ranks far behind models from Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota in this market.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog