Power
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive among actual owners, who consistently praise the steering feel, driving dynamics, interior quality, and value relative to competitors, while the most common criticisms center on low-speed transmission behavior, driver recognition quirks, and road noise.
15 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentClunky 1st-to-2nd gear shifting, especially at low speed
- RecurrentTransmission jerkiness improved by software updates but sometimes returning or worsening afterward
- RecurrentDriver recognition finicky with glasses
Hats, and haircuts, with recognition rates as low as 30% for some users.
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRoad noise, possibly from thinner acoustic glass, door seals, or tires
- Recurrenti-stop restart shudder felt at full stops, especially in the morning
- IsolatedHighway floatiness or instability at speed
- IsolatedSunroof rattle or metal-on-metal noise on rough roads
- IsolatedWeatherstripping wind noise near the rear door
- IsolatedInfotainment described as difficult to use and quirky
- IsolatedSteering rack problems
- IsolatedHybrid battery issues described as nightmarish
- IsolatedAC compressor cycling with engine cut-off causing shaking
- IsolatedPremature brake and rotor wear
- IsolatedWater leaks from panoramic moonroof, C-pillars, or headliner
- IsolatedEngine shut-off while coasting at low speed with transmission in the wrong gear on restart
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: owners with the Turbo S Premium and Turbo S Premium Plus report smooth driving and no transmission complaints, while some owners of lower trims and 2024/2025 MHEV models report clunky shifting. One owner specifically praises the 2026 CX-70 Turbo S Premium MHEV after a 3,000-mile road trip, and a 2026 PHEV owner near 1,000 miles reports no rough shifting.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Pilot, Honda Passport, Toyota Grand Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans positive among actual owners, who consistently praise the steering feel, driving dynamics, interior quality, and value relative to competitors, while the most common criticisms center on low-speed transmission behavior, driver recognition quirks, and road noise. Many owners report that the clunky 1-2 shift improves with software updates and throttle feathering, and several describe the vehicle as the best they have owned. A vocal minority expresses regret, citing transmission issues that returned or worsened after updates, and broader frustration exists about the model's positioning as essentially a two-row CX-90. The CX-70 is frequently discussed alongside the CX-90, with some owners preferring the 70's styling and bench-seat availability on higher trims.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the CX-70 as a driver-focused, rwd-biased alternative that trades practicality for steering feel and driving engagement, with several noting it is more fun to drive than a Subaru Outback but less practical than a Honda Pilot or Grand Highlander. Some owners argue Mazda was targeting Acura/Genesis and just below the Germans, while others contend the large platform lacks a clear target market because its styling and options appeal to a different buyer than its rwd powertrain. Multiple owners note the CX-70 is essentially a two-row CX-90 with nearly identical pricing, and some say they would rather have the CX-90's third-row flexibility for the same money. A few owners compare it unfavorably to entry-level luxury pricing while noting interior space feels smaller than expected for its exterior size.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. Partial signal: one owner advises an extensive test drive of the exact vehicle you intend to purchase, and another notes CPO is a good route. Owners generally favor higher trims (Turbo S Premium/Premium Plus) for smoothness, and one owner chose the 70 over the 90 specifically for the bench seat available on a higher trim.
General recommendations
Owners suggest this vehicle suits buyers who want a larger two-row SUV with engaging steering and rwd-biased dynamics, and who are willing to learn feathering the throttle to manage the wet-clutch 1-2 shift. Those prioritizing cargo room, third-row flexibility, or maximum interior space for the money are advised to consider the CX-90 or competitors instead. Prospective buyers should take an extensive test drive of the exact vehicle, consider CPO, and verify that software updates have been applied. Owners in cold climates specifically flag transmission behavior, so cold-weather test drives are advisable. One owner notes the model is being discontinued, which may create dealer leverage on existing stock.
Remarks
Several owners note the CX-70 is being discontinued and debate its effect on resale value, with one owner calling it an unforced error and another saying it should have been a trim of the CX-90. Owners widely agree the CX-70 and CX-90 share body panels except for front and rear bumpers, and many say they cannot tell them apart on the street. A recurring theme is that Mazda should have brought the smaller CX-60 to North America instead, and multiple owners say they waited for it only to be disappointed. Some owners report no transmission issues at all, including a 21k-mile owner and a rental fleet driver, suggesting variability between individual vehicles. Analysis based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices4 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 24V814000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.
2025 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 24V815000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control modules (ECM) software may cause malfunction indicator lights to illuminate and a loss of drive power.
2025 · electrical system:propulsion system:invertercampaign 24V817000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Improper inverter software may cause the malfunction indicator lights to illuminate, and a loss of drive power may occur while in electric vehicle (EV) mode.
2025 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 25V568000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
Specifications
3.3 Turbo e-Skyactiv G Mild Hybrid i-Activ
3.3L 6-cylinder · 340 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026