We Don’t Like: Infotainment System
Going premium should mean better tech—easy to use, glitch-free, and capable of keeping up with modern expectations. Unfortunately, Mazda fumbles here. While the interface is fairly straightforward and menus are intuitive, something as simple as selecting a saved driver profile can turn into a mini wrestling match. Settings for seat position, mirrors, and the steering wheel don’t always adjust correctly, and sometimes we’re left staring at a loading screen longer than we’d like.
That said, there are bright spots. Wireless Apple CarPlay generally connects without fuss, and Amazon Alexa is handy for simple voice commands (like adjusting the cabin temperature or playing music). Still, if Mazda wants to play in the big leagues, this system needs to level up.
How Mazda’s Upmarket Efforts Are—and Aren’t—Paying Off
Our yearlong review Mazda CX-70 delivered great first impressions, but does the interior feel as luxurious as its competitors’?Miguel CortinaWriter
MotorTrend StaffPhotographerApr 21, 2025
A few years back, Mazda made a bold move: It decided to go upmarket. That meant stepping away from the likes of Honda and Toyota and inching closer to Acura and Lexus territory. Not exactly a cakewalk. For a brand that’s long leaned into its sporty, enthusiast-driven roots, this shift didn’t require a U-turn—but it did mean recalibrating priorities. Performance would still matter, but now the spotlight was on crafting a more premium cabin experience.
Enter the 2025 Mazda CX-70. This two-row SUV is one of the first vehicles born from that new mindset. It shares its dimensions and interior with the three-row CX-90 but ditches the third row in favor of extra cargo space. We’ve had our yearlong review CX-70 for about six months now, and during that time, we’ve played chauffeur to plenty of friends and family—many of whom hadn’t been in a Mazda in years. To our surprise, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “This is a Mazda?” was a frequent refrain.
So, are Mazda’s luxury ambitions paying off? Let’s dive into what we like—and don’t—about the 2025 Mazda CX-70’s cabin.
We Like: All the Space
Sharing its bones with the larger CX-90 gives the CX-70 a roomy edge. Whether you’re sitting up front or in the back, there’s a sense of openness throughout the cabin. Even with five adults on board, we’ve never heard a second-row passenger ask the person ahead to scoot their seat forward. That alone is worth applause.
Cargo space is also a highlight. On a recent road trip from Texas to California, we folded the second row flat and loaded two bookshelves, several boxes, and a few suitcases. It all fit—with room to spare. Sure, the CX-70 is a big vehicle and can be a bit unwieldy in tight parking lots, but most of the time, we’re glad for all that extra space.
We Don’t Like: Infotainment System
Going premium should mean better tech—easy to use, glitch-free, and capable of keeping up with modern expectations. Unfortunately, Mazda fumbles here. While the interface is fairly straightforward and menus are intuitive, something as simple as selecting a saved driver profile can turn into a mini wrestling match. Settings for seat position, mirrors, and the steering wheel don’t always adjust correctly, and sometimes we’re left staring at a loading screen longer than we’d like.
That said, there are bright spots. Wireless Apple CarPlay generally connects without fuss, and Amazon Alexa is handy for simple voice commands (like adjusting the cabin temperature or playing music). Still, if Mazda wants to play in the big leagues, this system needs to level up.
We Like: Attention to Detail
This is where Mazda is really putting in the work. The CX-70’s interior may not scream “luxury” in the traditional sense, but it whispers “I care.” Subtle touches—like the stitching and trim that echo the Zircon Sand Metallic exterior—show Mazda’s attention to design detail. These details help break up the otherwise all-black cabin and add a splash of personality. It’s the kind of thing that might not be immediately obvious, but once you notice, you appreciate.
We Like: The Overall Design
One thing’s clear: The CX-70 makes a strong first impression. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the leather-wrapped dash, the clean, elegant lines—it all looks and feels upscale. Passengers often comment on how nice it feels inside. And we agree. However, after months of daily driving, the interior does start to feel more “premium-adjacent” than truly luxurious. It doesn’t quite match the wow factor of cabins from Lincoln or Genesis, which have gone all in on interior flair.
Case in point: We recently spent time in the new 2025 Nissan Murano. While Nissan isn’t aiming for luxury status, the Murano’s cabin felt just as nice, if not nicer in some areas. That’s a bit of a warning sign for Mazda, given the CX-70’s aspirations.
We Don’t Like: The Price Tag
Our test vehicle is the Turbo S Premium trim—just one rung below the top—and it’s well equipped. But that equipment comes at a price: $56,120. That’s a hefty chunk of change, and although it undercuts true luxury rivals, it doesn’t quite offer the same sense of occasion.
For comparison, a fully loaded Nissan Murano Platinum rings in a grand lower and comes with features the CX-70 lacks—like massaging seats. The Mazda offers more space and better driving dynamics, but if value is a top priority, this isn’t where the CX-70 shines brightest.
The Bottom Line
Mazda’s push upmarket is ambitious, and the CX-70 is proof the brand is heading in the right direction. There’s real effort here—in the design, in the materials, and in the way the CX-70 feels on the road. But this SUV is still finding its footing between mainstream and luxury. For buyers who value space, style, and a touch of sophistication (and who aren’t looking for cutting-edge tech or full-blown luxury), the CX-70 might be a perfect fit.
Just be ready for a few quirks—and keep your massage seat dreams on hold.
More on our 2025 Mazda CX-70 Long-Termer:
- 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.
| MotorTrend’s 2025 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S (Premium) | |
| SERVICE LIFE | 5 months/13,618 miles |
| BASE/AS-TESTED PRICE | $53,905/$56,120 |
| OPTIONS | Zircoin Sand Paint ($450); Paint protection film ($450); Roadside assistance kit ($90); Carpet set ($325); Towing set ($900) |
| EPA CTY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON; COMB RANGE | 23/28/25 mpg; 462 miles |
| AVERAGE FUEL ECON | 24.2 mpg |
| ENERGY COST PER MILE | $0.20 |
| MAINTENANCE AND WEAR | $0 |
| DAMAGES | $0 |
| DAYS OUT OF SERVICE/WITHOUT LOANER | None |
| DELIGHTS | It’s extra roomy and drives like sports car |
| ANNOYANCES | Transmission is weird at low speeds |
| RECALLS | None |
