2025 Mazda CX-70 First Drive: A Snazzier 2-Row CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is set to take the mid-size SUV market by storm, promising a driving experience that blends comfort with the distinct Mazda sportiness fans have come to love. Building on the foundation of its larger sibling, the CX-90, the CX-70 scales things down to a sleeker 2-row setup without sacrificing the sophistication and robust features that characterize Mazda’s new era of vehicles.
On first approach, the CX-70 greets you with its sleek lines, embodying what Mazda terms ‘Kodo design’. The longer hood and shorter overhangs confer an athletic stance while maintaining an elegant aesthetic that sets it apart in a crowded field. The grille is more pronounced, giving it an assertive face complemented by slim LED headlights that hint at the modern technology wrapped within.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, you’re welcomed by a cabin that feels both spacious and intimate. Premium materials abound, and there’s palpable attention to detail with real wood trim and brushed metal accents that feel both tactile and visually soothing. The seats envelop you with just the right amount of firmness, and with ample adjustments at your fingertips, finding the ideal driving position is a breeze.
Mazda’s infotainment system has received an overhaul in the CX-70. A more intuitive interface combined with a larger touchscreen display allows for easier navigation through menus and quick responses to input. Connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present as expected, but it’s the seamless integration with Mazda’s own suite of apps that impresses most.
Underneath the hood lies a powertrain option tailored for those who favor performance, likely a turbocharged four-cylinder or a potential six-cylinder engine—a departure from Mazda’s previous insistence on naturally aspirated engines. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, channeled through an updated iteration of their SkyActiv transmission which provides silky shifts and helps ensure that fuel efficiency hasn’t been overlooked in pursuit of better performance.
Driving dynamics are where Mazda vehicles traditionally shine, and the CX-70 is no exception. G-Vectoring Control Plus and an updated suspension system create a ride that’s composed over imperfections yet lively when you command it through corners. It strikes an impressive balance between being a comfortable cruiser on long journeys and a spirited companion on winding roads—the hallmark of Mazda’s promise for ‘JinbaIttai’ or ‘horse and rider as one’.
Safety hasn’t taken a backseat either—the i-Activsense suite expands its capabilities by offering improved detection technologies and driver assistance systems. From advanced adaptive cruise control to frontal collision avoidance, each feature provides reassurances for drivers tackling both hectic city traffic or serene open highways.
Summing up the first drive experience, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 confirms that it’s possible to deliver a luxurious, engaging driving experience without breaking into premium pricing territory. With this release, Mazda positions itself as not just another option but as a frontrunner for those seeking style, substance, and zest in their everyday vehicle—a most compelling package indeed.