2025 Mazda CX-70: Is It Just a Two-Row CX-90 Clone?

The launch of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 sparked immediate confusion and curiosity among automotive enthusiasts. For years, the industry expected a smaller, unique vehicle to slot between the CX-50 and the massive CX-90. Instead, Mazda released a vehicle that looks remarkably similar to its three-row flagship. If you are shopping for a premium SUV, you need to know if the CX-70 is a unique model or simply a CX-90 with the third row deleted.

The Short Answer: It Is Mostly a Clone

To be direct, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is mechanically and structurally identical to the CX-90. Unlike the Honda Passport (which is a shortened Honda Pilot) or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (a chopped-roof VW Atlas), Mazda did not shrink the CX-70.

The hard numbers confirm this reality. Both vehicles ride on the exact same “Large Product Group” platform.

Wheelbase: Both measure exactly 122.8 inches.
Overall Length: Both measure 201.6 inches.
Width: Both measure 77.6 inches.
Height: Both stand approximately 68 inches tall.

This means the CX-70 occupies the exact same amount of space in your garage as the three-row CX-90. You do not gain maneuverability or ease of parking by choosing the “smaller” number. However, this shared DNA brings significant advantages regarding interior volume and road presence.

Exterior Styling: Sport vs. Luxury

Since the sheet metal is identical, Mazda differentiates the two SUVs through cosmetic “vibes.” The CX-90 is designed to look stately and luxurious, while the CX-70 leans into a sportier, more aggressive aesthetic.

The CX-70 distinct visual traits include:

Blacked-Out Trim: Where the CX-90 uses heavy chrome accents on the window surrounds and rocker panels, the CX-70 uses gloss black finishes.
Grille Design: The CX-90 features vertical chrome slats. The CX-70 swaps this for a black honeycomb mesh grille that looks more performance-oriented.
Bumper Intakes: The front bumper of the CX-70 features larger, simulated air intakes on the corners with a black finish, distinct from the smoother chrome-lined bumper of the CX-90.
Wheel Designs: The CX-70 offers distinct 21-inch wheel options with black metal and machine-cut finishes that are not available on the CX-90.

Interior Differences and Cargo Management

The most significant difference lies inside the cabin. The CX-90 is a family hauler designed to seat up to eight people. The CX-70 is strictly a five-passenger vehicle.

By removing the third row, Mazda did not just leave an empty void. They reconfigured the cargo area to maximize utility for empty nesters or active couples. Because the floor does not need to accommodate folded seats, the CX-70 features a massive sub-trunk storage area. This underfloor compartment is partitioned into three sections, perfect for hiding valuables, charging cables, or dirty hiking gear.

Exclusive Interior Features:

Red Nappa Leather: The CX-70 offers an exclusive “Red” Nappa leather interior option inspired by the MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary Edition. This bold color is not available on the CX-90.
Amazon Alexa: The CX-70 was the first Mazda to launch with Amazon Alexa integration built into the infotainment system, allowing for voice commands to control smart home devices or change cabin temperature.
Cargo Capacity: Behind the second row, the CX-70 offers roughly 39.6 cubic feet of space. With the second row folded flat, that expands to 75.3 cubic feet. These numbers are functionally identical to the CX-90 with its third row folded, but the underfloor storage gives the CX-70 a practical edge.

Powertrain and Performance Specs

Under the hood, the duplication continues. The CX-70 utilizes the exact same powertrains as its big brother. There is no “detuned” engine for the two-row model.

Engine Option 1: 3.3L Inline-Six Turbo This mild-hybrid engine comes in two output levels depending on the trim package:

Standard Output: 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Turbo S High Output: 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (requires premium fuel).

Engine Option 2: Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

Specs: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor produces a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Range: It offers approximately 26 miles of pure electric driving range on a full charge.

Both vehicles feature rear-biased i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission that uses a wet clutch rather than a torque converter for snappier shifts. Towing capacity remains robust for both models at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Pricing Strategy and Value

One might assume the CX-70 would be significantly cheaper than the CX-90 due to the lack of a third row. However, Mazda has positioned the pricing structures very closely.

In many trim comparisons, the CX-70 costs virtually the same as the CX-90. For example, a mid-tier CX-70 Premium generally carries an MSRP within a few hundred dollars of a similarly equipped CX-90 Premium.

This pricing strategy suggests that Mazda views the CX-70 not as a “lesser” model, but as a premium alternative for drivers who simply refuse to drive a “mom bus.” It competes directly with the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and BMW X5, offering a near-luxury experience without the minivan stigma often associated with three-row SUVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda CX-70 smaller than the CX-90? No. They share the exact same length, width, height, and wheelbase. The only size difference is the interior seating configuration (5 seats vs. up to 8 seats).

Does the CX-70 have more legroom than the CX-90? The front and second-row legroom are identical in both vehicles. The CX-70 does not offer extended second-row legroom despite lacking a third row.

Can I add a third row to the CX-70 later? No. The CX-70 is not equipped with the seat belts, mounting points, or safety mechanisms required to install a third row.

Which vehicle has better fuel economy? Since they share the same aerodynamics, weight, and powertrains, the EPA fuel economy ratings are identical. Expect roughly 25 MPG combined for the standard Turbo engine.

Does the CX-70 have a remote fold feature for the seats? Yes. The CX-70 features electric remote-fold buttons in the cargo area that instantly drop the second-row seats flat, a feature designed to make loading long cargo easier.