Mazda CX-70 Vs. CX-90: Comparing Mazda’s Premium Midsize SUVs
Now that the first-ever Mazda CX-70 has joined the CX-90 in Mazda’s lineup of new premium midsize SUVs, it’s time for a detailed Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90 comparison review.
Spoiler alert: the CX-90 and CX-70 share even more in common than what was expected, since the latter arrived as a two-row version of the CX-90 instead of a completely separate model as previously anticipated.
Still, there are several differences between the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 to consider if you’re shopping these two SUVs against each other or competing midsize two-row or three-row SUVs.
See our Mazda CX-90 vs. CX-70 guide below to learn about the key differences between these SUVs so you can find your favorite.
Mazda CX-70 Vs. Mazda CX-90: Length, Size & Dimensions
Surprising to many, the Mazda CX-90 and CX-70 are nearly identical in length and dimensions throughout their trim lineups. In contrast to other automakers’ SUV lineups, Mazda’s two-row and three-row midsize SUVs share a wheelbase and overall size, making the differences hard to pick out from the exterior alone.
The three-row Mazda CX-90 measures up to 201.6 inches long, or 200.8 inches in states where a front license plate and holder aren’t required. Like the CX-90, the new Mazda CX-70 rides on a 122.8-inch wheelbase and measures over 200 inches in total length.
Width is the same across these two models, too, since they both ride on Mazda’s new large platform.
CX-90 vs. CX-70 Design
The CX-70 exterior is strikingly similar to the three-row CX-90 in both dimensions and design, as the two-row model is fundamentally the same SUV minus a third row. However, redesigned front and rear bumpers give the CX-70 a sportier look and help differentiate it from the CX-90, at least among the eagle-eyed.
A dark grille and black exterior trim accents come standard on the CX-70 in place of the three-row CX-90’s brightwork, separating these SUVs into a sportier two-row model and a more luxe-looking three-row family SUV. New 21-wheel designs further differentiate the sporty CX-70 exterior from the three-row model.
Inside, the CX-70 introduces an available red Nappa leather interior not offered during the first model year of the CX-90. A new hidden underfloor storage compartment in the CX-70 replaces space that would normally house the folded third row in the CX-90 model.
Seating Capacity, Passenger Volume & Cargo Space
The biggest differences between the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 are their seating capacity and passenger space. The two-row CX-70 accommodates five passengers in comfort, while the three-row CX-90 seats up to eight.
Thanks to its standard third row, the CX-90’s passenger volume of 141.6 cubic feet tops the space you’ll find in the CX-70 for occupants by a substantial margin. However, the total interior volume including cargo space is nearly identical between the two.
The Mazda CX-90 also has a more customizable interior when it comes to available seating capacity, as this model comes in eight-, seven-, and six-passenger configurations.
So, if you’re after a large midsize SUV with second-row bench seating and space for up to five occupants, choose the CX-70. However, if you prefer the option of two second-row captain’s chairs plus a fold-down third row, the Mazda CX-90 is the SUV for you.
Standard cargo capacity – or the cargo space behind the SUV’s back row – is where the new Mazda CX-70 shines. With its long wheelbase and lack of third-row seating, the CX-70 features over 40 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. This model also gets that hidden underfloor storage in place of the CX-90’s folding third row, increasing cargo-carrying capabilities and security.
The CX-90 starts with 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, but the volume grows to 40 cubic feet when the back row is lowered.
Both of these Mazda midsize SUVs offer over 74 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind their first row.
Powertrain Options in Mazda’s Midsize SUVs
Mazda developed the CX-70 and CX-90 models in tandem on the same large vehicle platform, sharing a new standard mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission, and rear-biased i-Activ AWD system.
Shop for a three-row CX-90, and you’ll find the following powertrain options available:
- 280-horsepower e-Skyactiv-G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid
- High-output 340-horsepower e-Skyactiv-G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid
- 323-horsepower e-Skyactiv-PHEV with a 2.5-liter engine and 68 kW electric motor
Like the CX-90, the two-row Mazda CX-70 generates up to 340 horsepower when equipped with the mild-hybrid inline-six turbo engine. Or, drivers can opt for the CX-70 PHEV and its 323-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Motorists who select the Mazda CX-90 PHEV model can travel up to an estimated 26 miles on battery-electric power alone before the full hybrid system kicks in to provide extensive driving range. With its similar weight and identical powertrain, the two-row CX-70 PHEV offers a similar electric range.
Likewise, the maximum Mazda CX-70 towing capacity mirrors that of the CX-90: both Mazda midsize SUV models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Price & Trim Levels: Mazda CX-70 Vs. CX-90
If you’ve taken a look at the Mazda CX-90 trim levels, you’ll notice they are structured around each of the SUV’s available powertrains.
For example, the Mazda CX-90 trims are as follows:
- 3.3 Turbo Select
- 3.3 Turbo Preferred
- 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus
- 3.3 Turbo Premium
- 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus
- 3.3 Turbo S
- 3.3 Turbo S Premium
- 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus
The 3.3 Turbo trims get the 280-horsepower inline-six turbocharged engine and the 3.3 Turbo S editions get the even more potent 340-horsepower variant of Mazda’s new inline-six powerplant.
And the Mazda CX-90 PHEV model with the 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain offers the following three trims:
- PHEV Preferred
- PHEV Premium
- PHEV Premium Plus
The Mazda CX-70 lineup offers similar trim levels based on the inline-six and PHEV models and their accompanying features. However, this new two-row SUV boasts a more simplified trim lineup than its three-row SUV sibling.
Mazda is offering fewer CX-70 trim levels compared to its three-row model partly due to consumer feedback that the CX-90’s trims were too plentiful and confusing. Expect the CX-90 to cull some of its available trims in future model years, too.
Why Two Mazda Midsize SUV Models on the Same Wheelbase?
Many are surprised that the Mazda CX-70 was released as essentially a CX-90 without a third row.
If these two SUVs both ride on the same wheelbase, measure over 200 inches long and offer nearly identical interiors, it begs the question:
Why not just buy the three-row CX-90 and leave the back row folded until you need it for extra seating?
A CX-90 will cost a bit more than a comparable CX-70 due to that extra row of seating. The new two-row CX-70 also offers more cargo space, since it adds an underfloor storage compartment and doesn’t have to accommodate a folded third row in the rear cargo hold.
There are also the subtle styling and equipment differences between these SUVs, with the CX-70 the slightly sportier choice, but ultimately pricing will play a major factor in deciding whether Mazda’s two-row or three-row midsize SUV is right for one’s preferences and budget.
Many Mazda fans and two-row midsize SUV shoppers were expecting the CX-70 to arrive as a shorter-wheelbase SUV more akin to the CX-60 model offered in other markets, but here’s why Mazda made the CX-70 a long two-row SUV instead.
SUV shoppers now have two stellar Mazda midsize models to choose from, both featuring inline-six turbo or PHEV power, rear-biased AWD, a long wheelbase, generous cabin space, and premium interior amenities.
If you’re still weighing your options between these two models and other two-row and three-row options, remember you can always consider more affordable pre-owned options, like Mazda’s previous-generation three-row crossover SUV: the CX-9.
See our Mazda CX-9 vs. CX-90 comparison to learn how these models stack up, then compare them to the CX-70 if you still prefer two-row seating and greater standard cargo capacity.
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Mazda CX-70 Vs. CX-90 Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Mazda CX-70 or Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 models are nearly identical in size, as these two midsize SUVs both ride on Mazda’s new large vehicle platform and share a wheelbase. Both models measure around 201 inches in total length from front to rear bumper. They’re also the same width. The CX-70 feels more spacious inside because it only has two rows of seats. The CX-90 has standard three-row seating.
Which has more seats: the Mazda CX-70 or the CX-90?
The Mazda CX-70 seating capacity is five with seating in two rows, including a second-row bench seat. The Mazda CX-90 accommodates up to eight occupants in its three-row interior. However, the three-row CX-90 also offers seven- and six-passenger cabin configurations for those who prefer captain’s chairs instead of bench seats. Any way you look at it, the CX-90 has more seats than the CX-70.
Why buy a Mazda CX-70 over the Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 have more similarities than differences, so choosing between the two can be challenging. For those who don’t want or need a third row, the Mazda CX-70 can be appealing because of its airy interior that feels roomier than many other two-row midsize SUVs. However, the CX-90 offers extra seating flexibility with its standard third row.