Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-50: Compact & Midsize SUV Comparison
Drivers considering a two-row Mazda SUV as their next vehicle will want to compare the Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-50. The CX-70 midsize SUV arrives as a two-row variant of Mazda’s CX-90, while the CX-50 is the automaker’s take on a rugged and adventurous compact crossover SUV.
See our Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-70 comparison to discover the crucial differences between these two Mazda SUVs and determine which better suits your preferences.
Comparing Mazda’s New Midsize Two-Row SUV & Adventurous Compact SUV
When you compare the CX-70 vs. CX-50, you’ll find that although these SUVs represent different vehicle segments, their seating capacities are identical, and their passenger space and legroom are surprisingly similar. However, the midsize CX-70 holds several advantages regarding power output and cargo space.
Likewise, the CX-50 boasts its own list of benefits, including its agility and affordability, compared to the larger and more premium CX-70 line.
Let’s look closer at how the CX-70 and CX-50 stack up in specs, size, trim levels, and more to help you decide which two-row Mazda SUV is the better option for you.
Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-50: Dimensions & Size
One of the two key differences between the Mazda CX-50 and CX-70 models is their dimensions. While both models feature two-row seating for up to five occupants, the CX-70 is significantly larger. It’s classified as a midsize SUV – and a large one at that – measuring over 200 inches long and riding on a 122.8-inch wheelbase it shares with its three-row sibling, the Mazda CX-90.
The Mazda CX-50 compact crossover SUV is shorter at 185.8 inches in length, with a 110.8-inch wheelbase. It’s also narrower than the larger CX-70 midsize model, which translates to the interior.
The midsize CX-70 boasts more headroom, shoulder room, and hip room than the narrower, low-slung CX-50 compact SUV.
However, these two SUVs are remarkably similar when comparing their first- and second-row legroom.
The compact CX-50 provides 41.7 inches of front-row legroom and a generous 39.8 inches of legroom in the second row. The longer Mazda CX-70 SUV’s front and rear legroom are nearly identical, at 41.7 inches and 39.4 inches or more in the rear, which features a sliding second row.
Instead of treating second-row passengers to substantially more legroom than the smaller CX-50, the new Mazda CX-70 adds space at the rear, in its cavernous cargo hold.
It starts with over 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row bench seat, which is significantly more than you’ll find behind the CX-50 model’s second row, measuring 31.4 cubic feet.
Lowering the split-folding second row in both models reveals another win for the larger and longer CX-70, as it provides over 75 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, compared to 56.3 cubic feet in the shorter CX-50.
Specs: Engines & Performance
CX-50 & CX-50 Turbo Engines
The second critical difference between the Mazda CX-50 and CX-70 SUVs lies in the engines that power them. Both models offer a choice of two powertrains, but there’s no overlap between the two SUVs’ engine offerings.
The adventurous CX-50 compact crossover SUV is motivated by Mazda’s familiar 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine, either in standard naturally aspirated form or the available Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo powertrain, featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Both of the available Mazda CX-50 engines are paired with the automaker’s tried-and-true Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and connected to a front-biased i-Activ AWD system.
Power output ranges from 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the non-turbo Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine to up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque in the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine when running premium fuel.
Mazda CX-50 towing capacity starts at 2,000 pounds and reaches 3,500 pounds in turbocharged versions.
CX-70 Inline-6 & CX-70 PHEV Powertrains
Motorists looking for more power in a two-row Mazda SUV will want to consider the CX-70 midsize model, powered by the carmaker’s new inline six-cylinder turbo mild-hybrid system or a plug-in hybrid powertrain built on its 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine.
The new e-Skyactiv-G 3.3-liter Turbo I-6 engine powering the Mazda CX-70 develops 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, or up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the high-output Turbo S variant when burning premium gas.
While the new Mazda 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine is coupled with a mild hybrid setup, the CX-70 lineup also offers a plug-in hybrid model, offering a limited electric range.
The plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-70 PHEV model utilizes a 68 kW electric motor connected to a 2.5-liter gasoline engine to deliver up to 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel.
Like the CX-70 inline-six models, the CX-70 PHEV is equipped with a rear-biased i-Activ AWD system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda CX-70 towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds in the inline-six turbo models and 3,500 pounds when equipped with the CX-70 PHEV powertrain.
| CX-50 | CX-50 Turbo | CX-70 | CX-70 PHEV | |
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 | 2.5L I-4 Turbo | 3.3L I-6 Turbo | 2.5L w/ 68 kW electric motor |
| Horsepower | 187 | Up to 256 | Up to 340 | 323 |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | Up to 320 lb-ft | Up to 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Drive Type | Front-biased AWD | Front-biased AWD | Rear-biased AWD | Rear-biased AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in | 200.8 in | 200.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 110.8 in | 122.8 in | 122.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Second-Row Legroom | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.4+ in | 39.4+ in |
| Cargo Space | 31.4 cu ft | 31.4 cu ft | 40+ cu ft | 40+ cu ft |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 56.3 cu ft | 56.3 cu ft | 75+ cu ft | 75+ cu ft |
Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-70 Trims
The rugged and sporty new Mazda CX-50 compact crossover comes in a dizzying array of editions, including the following eight trim levels:
- CX-50 2.5 S Select
- CX-50 2.5 S Preferred
- CX-50 2.5 S Premium
- CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus
- CX-50 2.5 Turbo
- CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
- CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
- CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
A Mazda CX-50 Hybrid model is also expected soon, which will add several more trims to this compact crossover SUV’s already extensive lineup.
Mazda slimmed down the trim lineup for the new CX-70 two-row midsize SUV, opting for a less-is-more approach compared to the rollout of the three-row CX-90 variant and its eight trim levels and three CX-90 PHEV trims.
The Mazda CX-70 comes in the following editions:
- CX-70 3.3 Turbo Preferred
- CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium
- CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus
- CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium
- CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus
The plug-in hybrid variant adds the CX-70 PHEV Premium and CX-70 PHEV Premium trim levels.
Given the differences between the Mazda CX-70 and CX-50 in size and specs, which of these two-row Mazda SUVs do you prefer?
Drivers looking for that classic Mazda agility and fun-to-drive feeling will be well-served with the adventurous Mazda CX-50 or the Mazda CX-5, its popular compact crossover SUV sibling. Both offer ample interior space and a choice of affordable, fuel-efficient four-cylinder power or elevated performance through an available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.
For those seeking a more substantial SUV with more cargo space and a rear-biased AWD system, the Mazda CX-70 and CX-70 PHEV models are attractive options. Along with the CX-90 three-row variant, the new CX-70 midsize SUV delivers premium power and interior amenities at a highly competitive price compared to the luxury models it aims to outpace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Mazda CX-50 and CX-70 models?
The main differences between Mazda CX-50 and CX-70 models are their dimensions and powertrains. The CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV powered by a 2.5-liter or 2.5-liter turbo engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and features up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The CX-70 is a midsize SUV with an inline-six turbo engine or a PHEV powertrain and over 75 cubic feet of cargo space.
Which is better: the Mazda CX-70 or the Mazda CX-50?
Determining whether the Mazda CX-70 or the Mazda CX-50 is better depends on your personal preferences and budget. The CX-50 compact SUV is more agile and affordable, while the CX-70 midsize model is larger and more versatile, powerful, and premium. It’s best to tour and test drive both of these two-row Mazda SUVs to decide which is better for you.
Which is bigger: the Mazda CX-50 or the Mazda CX-70?
The Mazda CX-70 is bigger than the CX-50 and by a significant margin. The CX-70 measures over 200 inches long, while the smaller CX-50 is 185.8 inches long. The CX-70 is also wider and taller. While both models are two-row vehicles with five-passenger seating, the CX-70 is a midsize SUV, and the CX-50 is a compact crossover.