I’ve had the privilege of living with more than half a dozen long-term test vehicles during my time at MotorTrend. Some flew under the radar, while others demanded attention. Our 2025 Mazda CX-70 falls somewhere in between—not exactly thrilling in the traditional sense, but its design is undeniably appealing. It strikes a chord with a lot of people I’ve spoken with. That’s no small feat in the competitive two-row midsize SUV segment, where brands face a fork in the road: go rugged and boxy, like the Honda Passport, or lean upscale and refined, as Mazda has done here alongside rivals like the refreshed Nissan Murano.

Even in such a crowded segment, the CX-70 stands out as one of the best-looking two-row midsize SUVs on the road today. Its front fascia projects confidence, the side profile is clean and restrained, and the rear treatment carries an upscale sophistication that elevates it above the norm. Mazda has managed to blend premium elegance with just enough rugged character—an uncommon balance its designers executed with precision. The one misstep is how closely it mirrors the CX-90. Apart from the missing third row, the two are nearly indistinguishable, which blunts the CX-70’s individuality. Honda took the opposite approach with the Pilot and Passport, and Mazda would do well to follow suit.

Is Our Mazda CX-70 One of the Best-Looking Two-Row SUVs?

Nissan’s updated Murano may just give our yearlong test Mazda a run for its money.Miguel CortinaWriter

MotorTrend StaffPhotographerOct 02, 2025

I’ve had the privilege of living with more than half a dozen long-term test vehicles during my time at MotorTrend. Some flew under the radar, while others demanded attention. Our 2025 Mazda CX-70 falls somewhere in between—not exactly thrilling in the traditional sense, but its design is undeniably appealing. It strikes a chord with a lot of people I’ve spoken with. That’s no small feat in the competitive two-row midsize SUV segment, where brands face a fork in the road: go rugged and boxy, like the Honda Passport, or lean upscale and refined, as Mazda has done here alongside rivals like the refreshed Nissan Murano.

Even in such a crowded segment, the CX-70 stands out as one of the best-looking two-row midsize SUVs on the road today. Its front fascia projects confidence, the side profile is clean and restrained, and the rear treatment carries an upscale sophistication that elevates it above the norm. Mazda has managed to blend premium elegance with just enough rugged character—an uncommon balance its designers executed with precision. The one misstep is how closely it mirrors the CX-90. Apart from the missing third row, the two are nearly indistinguishable, which blunts the CX-70’s individuality. Honda took the opposite approach with the Pilot and Passport, and Mazda would do well to follow suit.

I recently spent time in the refreshed 2025 Nissan Murano, one of the CX-70’s most direct rivals. From a design standpoint, the Murano is a dramatic step forward for Nissan—arguably the boldest and most upscale-looking vehicle in its current lineup. The nose carries a hint of Ferrari Daytona SP3, with horizontal lines that exaggerate its width, while the rear features a full-width taillight and stretched lettering that underscore the same theme. Nissan has unquestionably elevated the Murano’s styling, but even with its newfound flair, the Mazda is the more cohesive and compelling design in a crowded field.

Inside

Step inside the CX-70, and it’s easy to mistake it for a luxury-brand SUV. The cabin exudes refinement well beyond most competitors, with a leather-wrapped dash, clean horizontal lines, and soft-touch materials that feel deliberate rather than decorative. Our CX-70 Turbo S Premium yearlong review car doubles down on that impression, offering heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display, and generous leather appointments. Even in an all-black color scheme, the interior’s sculpted shapes and premium execution make it feel distinctly upscale.

More than once, passengers have asked, “Wait—this is a Mazda?” That reaction says it all. Mazda is positioning this SUV against the likes of Acura or Lexus, and the automaker’s current design language earns admiration on its own terms.

Inside, the Murano takes a different approach. Its cabin emphasizes a clean, horizontal layout anchored by a pair of 12-inch screens and HVAC controls integrated directly into the dash. The result is sophisticated and modern, leaning more toward contemporary tech than premium luxury. Nissan also reclaims space in the center console with a button-style gear selector. It looks slightly out of place in an otherwise stylish cabin, but it’s still a more natural fit than the CX-70’s awkward shifter.

Like the CX-70, the top-trim Murano is generously equipped, but it layers on a touch of flair Mazda doesn’t match. Features such as massage seats, color-shifting trim that plays with sunlight, and a thoughtful spread of ambient lighting give the cabin an added sense of occasion.

The Bottom Line

There’s no question the Mazda CX-70 ranks among the sharpest-looking SUVs in its class. Its blend of rugged cues and sophistication carries through from the sheetmetal to the cabin, creating a complete package. The Nissan Murano deserves credit for its bold redesign and stylish touches, bringing flair and personality many buyers will appreciate. But where the Murano leans on flash, the Mazda delivers lasting refinement. In a segment where design is key, the CX-70 isn’t just attractive, it’s the one that leaves the strongest impression.

More On Our Long-Term Mazda CX-70:

• 2025 Mazda CX-70 Long-Term Arrival: A Better Five-Seater Turbo?
• Going Cross Country in Comfort and Style in Our 2025 Mazda CX-70
• Our Long-Term 2025 Mazda CX-70 Has Been Great. Except For This.
• 2025 Mazda CX-70 Interior Pros and Cons
• Is Our Yearlong 2025 Mazda CX-70 Actually Luxurious?
• Is Mazda’s $120 Per-Year Phone App Worth It? We Use Our CX-70 To Find Out
• Is the Mazda CX-70 a Good Family Car?