For 2026, Mazda has simplified and significantly re-priced the CX-70 lineup, particularly with a massive price cut for the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models to make them more accessible.
Pricing and Trims
Here are the trims and starting MSRPs (excluding the $1,530 destination fee):
3.3 Turbo (280 hp / 332 lb-ft)
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Preferred: $42,250
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Now includes standard ventilated front and heated rear seats for 2026.
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Premium: $46,280
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Adds a 5,000-lb towing capacity and a 12.3" digital driver display.
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Premium Plus: $49,570
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Adds Nappa leather, 360° View Monitor, and a panoramic moonroof.
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3.3 Turbo S (340 hp / 369 lb-ft)
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Turbo S Premium: $53,240
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High-output engine, 21" machine-cut wheels, and Bose 12-speaker audio.
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Turbo S Premium Plus: $56,670
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The "everything" trim: Quilted Nappa leather, suede dash accents, and heated/ventilated everything.
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PHEV (323 hp / 369 lb-ft)
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PHEV SC: $44,250
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The new "Super Cheap" entry point—nearly $10k less than last year’s base hybrid.
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PHEV SC Plus: $47,250
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Adds leather-trimmed seats and an Active Driving Display (HUD).
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The Pros: Where It Shines
- Exceptional Powertrains: The 3.3L turbocharged inline-six engine, which can produce up to 340 horsepower in "S" trims, is a rarity in this class. The engine is silky and effortless, like a German luxury vehicle, not a run-of-the-mill family SUV.
- Best-in-Class Handling: The CX-70's rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and double wishbone front suspension make it arguably the best-handling mid-size SUV in the class. The vehicle feels "shrunk around the driver," despite its size.
- Cavernous Cargo Space: Because the vehicle has only two rows of seats, you get a massive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Additionally, the vehicle has a clever storage compartment in the underfloor area, perfect for hiding valuables or organizing smaller items.
- High-End Interior: Mazda's "Premium Plus" trim is comparable to high-end luxury brands, featuring Nappa leather, real-wood accents, and a minimalist aesthetic that avoids the "button-heavy" look of many competitors.
- Standard Features: For the 2026 model, Mazda has made the vehicle more appealing by adding features such as ventilated front seats and towing modes (up to 5,000 lbs) as standard equipment.
The Cons: The Trade-offs
- "The Identity Crisis": The CX-70 is the same length and width as the 3-row CX-90. This makes it an extremely long 5-passenger SUV, which can be troublesome to park in small city garages, especially compared to the Honda Passport or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Stiff Ride Quality: For the sporty ride, the suspension is tuned to be firm. This is great on the twisty roads but will make you feel every bump and pothole on rough city streets, unlike softer-riding competitors like the Toyota Crown Signia.
- Infotainment Learning Curve: Mazda still uses the rotary controller instead of the touchscreen. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is available, but touch operation is not preferred. It is dated and clunky.
- Transmission Quirks: While the 8-speed automatic is optimized for efficiency by not using a torque converter, it does cause the engine to lurch or hesitate at low speeds, like in heavy traffic.
- Price Parity with CX-90: It is not uncommon that the CX-70 is nearly as expensive as the 3-row CX-90. It is potentially difficult to justify the same cost for what is essentially a smaller vehicle with fewer seats.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is for the person who is done settling. It’s for the driver who wants the space of a large SUV but refuses to drive a boring, "floaty" family car. It is stylish, incredibly fast, and feels more expensive than it is. It’s the ultimate "stealth-wealth" SUV. If you are interested in buying one for yourself, feel free to visit our Safford Mazda Sterling Store.