Mazda CX-70 - Is it as Good as it Looks?

If you’re looking for a new midsize crossover or SUV… the Mazda CX-70 should be on your list & here’s why…

Mazda CX-70 inline-6 engine…

The CX-70 runs a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. And – the Turbo S models make 340hp and 370tq. Inline 6-cylinder engines (versus a V6) are what BMW ran in their heyday, and what the iconic Japanese performance cars (like Supra & Skyline) ran in their golden era. They’re robust, solid, and powerful… and they sound great. And it’s one of the key-characteristics that really differentiates & purifies the driving dynamics of the Mazda CX-70. For that reason alone, the CX-70 should at least be on your test drive list if you’re shopping this segment… because it’s unique to all the others in that aspect. But that’s not all…

Mazda CX-70 Mild Hybrid…

In addition to the turbo 3.3 straight-6 engine, the Mazda CX-70 uses a mild hybrid system. What’s a mild hybrid? Essentially, it’s a small hybrid with a small battery. Unlike a typical hybrid, a mild hybrid is not able to move the vehicle under its own power. But rather, it’s designed to assist the internal combustion engine during acceleration, stop-&-go, power-punches, etc. Assistance is the theory behind a mild hybrid. It injects extra power when needed (supplemental), thus easing stress and/or demand on the gas engine… as well as filling-in natural power/response gaps. For example, filling-in turbo lag with instant electric torque at low RPM. The result is a smoother driving experience with more MPGs & emissions-efficiency. A mild hybrid does not abruptly shift between electric & gas power like a typical hybrid. Meaning, it’s not something you really perceive behind the wheel. It recharges very quickly using regenerative braking (no plugging-in). And if you drive frequently, especially in more congested environments, you will notice MPG savings. More info here.

Mazda still has the soul of a real car company…

While many car companies have been infiltrated with bad design, disengaging tech, & uninspiring efficiency… Mazda is a car company that still works towards a human element where the driving experience still matters. There is attention to the design & the details within Mazda. Just look at the CX-70, and show me another crossover in this (price) segment with such graceful lines. Show me another car (short of an exotic) whose paint hits like this. The Bose stereo is exceptional. And it’s evident that the interior of the Mazda CX-70 was designed by drivers & enthusiasts, not former Apple/Ikea employees. The steering & suspension do not feel numbed-out or simulated. And the CX-70 has intelligent/adaptive all-wheel-drive, but with a rear-wheel bias… giving the chassis a certain satisfying feedback & engagement from a driver perspective.

How the Mazda CX-70 stacks up…

In my opinion, the Mazda CX-70 is a crossover that gives you versatility & convenience, but not forsaking style, driving experience, and attention to detail in the process. I think it captures some of the engagement of a sport-oriented European luxury crossover, but without the depreciation, inefficiency, and ownership/maintenance costs. Likewise – I think the Mazda CX-70 captures a lot of the efficiency & good-buy characteristics of the Japanese brands, but with an emphasis on well-crafted design & driver connection. If you’re in the market for a midsize crossover, the Mazda CX-70 should be on your list. If for no other reason – to give you a good basis for comparison.

Couple of weird things to note on the CX-70…

• The front doors on the Mazda CX-70 are short, and the rear doors are extended. It’s not a hindrance getting in or out. And it’s kind of become a trend on crossovers within the automotive industry right now (look at a Highlander, Telluride etc). But the front driver/passenger window on the CX-70 is kinda short & shark-fin shaped.

• The CX-70 weighs 4,800lbs. I know everything’s heavy these days, but still, that surprised me.

• Mazda puts the volume controls lower-down on the console near the cupholders. I understand how that could initially be a turn-off on a test drive, but once you get used to it, you’ll probably like it.