After six months and 6,000 miles behind the wheel of the 2025 Mazda CX-70, the identity of this SUV has become much clearer. Positioned as the two-row sibling to the CX-90, it promises a more enthusiast-oriented experience without the bulk of a third row. Here is how it has held up during its first service interval.
Kyle Edward
Performance and Powertrain
The 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six continues to be the highlight of the package. At 6,000 miles, the engine has fully broken in. The engine note is excellent, providing a solid growl as you work your way up the rpm band. It never sounds strained, always offering up more power than you need, which makes it great for passing on the highway. In terms of raw power numbers, the range-topping 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six offers up a substantial 340-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- Power Delivery: The mild-hybrid system does an excellent job of filling in the torque gaps, especially during low-speed crawls. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission still exhibits occasional indecisiveness when downshifting from third to second gear in stop-and-go traffic.
- Fuel Economy: Real-world numbers have stabilized. On highway loops at 70 mph, we are seeing a consistent 28 to 29 mpg. In heavy city driving, that drops to roughly 21 mpg. The combined average of 24.8 mpg over 6,000 miles aligns closely with EPA estimates.
- Handling: The rear-biased AWD system remains the best in its class for driver engagement. The steering weight is heavy and provides high-speed stability that rivals that of European luxury competitors.
Kyle Edward
Interior Quality and Utility
The cabin was designed to punch above its weight class, and for the most part, it succeeds.
- Material Durability: The Nappa leather seats are holding their shape well with no significant bolster wear or “puddling” in the leather. The soft-touch materials on the dashboard have remained rattle-free.
- Cargo Versatility: Removing the third row allows for substantial cargo room, and the underfloor storage in the CX-70 is genuinely useful. It has become the primary spot for storing cables and grocery bags that would otherwise slide around the cavernous rear.
- Rear Seat Comfort: Passengers frequently comment on the generous legroom and the 90-degree opening rear doors, which make installing car seats or loading large items significantly easier than in the smaller CX-50.
Kyle Edward
Technology and Software
The 12.3-inch infotainment system has proven to be a highlight of the interior. Unlike many rivals with oversized screens, the Mazda display feels appropriately sized and well-integrated into the dashboard.
- Flawless Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have worked flawlessly throughout our testing. The flexibility to use either the touch interface or the rotary dial makes navigation easy, and retaining physical buttons for climate control is a massive win for ergonomics.
- Driver Assistance: The i-Activsense suite is comprehensive but sensitive. The “Move Steering Wheel” alerts can be overly aggressive on straight highways, but otherwise, everything works quite well and can be configured for different sensitivity levels within the system menu.
Mazda
Wear and Maintenance Observations
At the 6,000-mile mark, we have observed the following:
- Tires: The factory-equipped tires show standard wear, though I found them to be the limiting factor in the car’s handling.
- Brakes: The brakes do squeak a fair amount, which is a known issue for this model. According to the Mazda dealer, there is currently no fix for this noise. While it does not affect braking performance, the sound can be somewhat annoying during daily use.
- First Service: The initial oil change and tire rotation were straightforward. Mazda’s recommended 5,000 to 7,500-mile intervals seem appropriate given the complex nature of the turbocharged mild-hybrid setup.
Kyle Edward
The Verdict at 6,000 Miles
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a niche vehicle that excels for a specific kind of buyer. It offers the presence and premium feel of a much more expensive SUV, paired with a drivetrain that truly rewards the driver. For those who prioritize style and driving dynamics over a maximum seat count, it is an incredibly compelling long-term companion.
On a daily basis, the CX-70 has been a standout performer. It is an exceptionally solid car to drive and feels meticulously put together, hitting every mark of the premium experience Mazda is aiming for. It also happens to be a head-turner; it looks great sitting in a parking lot, especially with the large wheels and the sophisticated body accents like the Inline 6 fender badges and the Mazda lower door trim.
Kyle Edward
The interior continues to impress as well. The seats remain perfectly comfortable for long stretches on the road, the head-up display is sized exactly right for utility, and the overall material quality is top-tier. My only real complaint remains the heated steering wheel, which just does not get hot enough on cold days. Aside from that minor quirk, I love driving this vehicle and look forward to the next 6,000 miles.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog