Mazda CX-70 Delayed: Here’s Why
SUV shoppers will have to wait a while longer for Mazda’s new entry into the midsize two-row segment, with the release date of the first-ever Mazda CX-70 delayed by months.
We first reported on the delayed CX-70 release date with an updated expected arrival at Mazda dealerships. Now, we’re delving deeper to understand the reasons behind the delay of this highly anticipated premium midsize SUV.
CX-70 Release Date Delayed & Model Year Update
As we covered in our initial reporting of the updated CX-70 release date, the first-ever Mazda CX-70 midsize two-row SUV has been delayed by about five months, and is now slated for an early spring 2024 arrival.
This two-row variant of the longer-wheelbase Mazda CX-90 three-row SUV was initially reported to arrive less than a year after the debut of its larger SUV stablemate. Availability of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 began at the start of 2023, and the slightly smaller CX-70 was expected as a 2024 model in late 2023.
However, both the CX-70 release date and model year have since changed. This new two-row midsize SUV will now debut as the 2025 Mazda CX-70, about a year after the CX-90.
So, what’s the reason behind the CX-70 delayed release date?
Given the auto industry’s supply chain issues over the past few years, it would be easy to assume that’s what’s holding back the 2025 CX-70 launch date. Fortunately, that’s not the case, as that could spell restricted production volume, not just a delayed release date.
It appears the upcoming Mazda CX-70 is still on track for full production before 2023 ends, but its arrival at a Mazda dealer near you won’t be until early spring 2024.
3 Reasons Why Mazda Delayed the CX-70 Release Date
1. Maximizes Awareness of the Three-Row CX-90
2023 has been all about the release of the CX-90 for Mazda, and the focus won’t shift to the two-row CX-70 until 2024.
Firstly, the CX-70 delayed launch is designed to continue the momentum of the recently released Mazda CX-90 three-row model. By pushing back the CX-70 release date by about five months, the fresh new CX-90 model will receive about a year’s worth of marketing focus and customer awareness before its two-row sibling starts sharing the limelight.
The Mazda CX-70 was originally rumored and then slated to debut in 2023 as a 2024 model, but we were skeptical of that strategy and timeframe. In fact, our initial coverage of the upcoming Mazda CX-70 release date speculated on late 2023 or early 2024 availability for the main reason that the CX-90 deserved a bit more attention before being potentially overshadowed by the higher-volume CX-70.
Launching two next-generation SUVs within about six months of each other seemed rushed, especially for a smaller carmaker like Mazda with more limited production facilities and smaller marketing spend than many of its larger rivals.
So, we’re not at all surprised by the delayed CX-70 launch. It seems like the right strategy, as the Mazda CX-90 continues to build momentum and awareness during its initial model year rollout. Still, it’s understandable that many midsize SUV shoppers won’t like having to wait for full details and availability of this upcoming SUV, including CX-70 specs, trims, and pricing.
We think maximizing the awareness around the fresh new three-row Mazda CX-90 is the chief reason the CX-70 was delayed. But that’s not discounting the next two reasons for the postponed CX-70 debut.
2. Enables Optimization & Flexibility of CX-90 Production
The three-row CX-90 will have only been in production for about a year before the CX-70 joins it on the assembly line. Initial supply of the CX-90 may have favored the inline-six turbo models, but there has been strong interest and demand for the new PHEV variant as well.
Postponing the start of CX-70 production until December 2023 enables more capacity for the CX-90 PHEV model, as well as fine-tuning the production mix around what’s being built by customers online and requested through Mazda dealership showrooms.
3. Provides More Time to Plan for a Successful CX-70 Launch
Both the Mazda CX-70 and the CX-90 are critical vehicles for Mazda, as they debut the automaker’s next-generation engine platforms like the new inline six-cylinder turbo engine and PHEV powertrain, and move toward the premium midsize SUV segment.
As these two premium midsize SUV models are both all-new nameplates for Mazda, their market launches are crucial to their success. By postponing the CX-70 launch, Mazda is not only able to maximize the momentum of early CX-90 sales and optimize the CX-90 production mix but also learn lessons from that model’s rollout that can be applied to the CX-70 debut.
For instance, it’s likely the most popular trim level and powertrain choices of CX-90 buyers will carry over to the upcoming CX-70 since these SUVs will be so similarly equipped. So lessons from the CX-90 launch will surely be applied to maximize the success of the higher-volume CX-70 model to come.
Check back with MazdaMotoring for any further updates on the start of CX-70 production or the delayed release date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the reason for the Mazda CX-70 delayed release date?
The reason for the Mazda CX-70 delayed release date is threefold. First, a delayed CX-70 launch provides the larger CX-90 three-row model more time in the spotlight before the two-row CX-70 variant arrives. Secondly, the delay enables fine-tuning and flexibility of current CX-90 production, including ramping up of CX-90 PHEV production. Thirdly, there’s more time to plan for a successful CX-70 launch, with lessons learned from the CX-90.
Will the Mazda CX-70 be available in 2023 or 2024?
The Mazda CX-70 will be available in early spring 2024 as a 2025 model. The first-ever-2025 CX-70 release date follows the launch of the larger three-row CX-90 model by about a year. Mazda CX-70 production is expected to start by December 2023 for an early spring 2024 rollout at Mazda dealers in the United States and several other markets. Stay tuned to MazdaMotoring for more CX-70 news.