I’ve got a plug-in family car on deck! If you're in the market for a spacious, stylish, and environmentally friendly 5-passenger SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) might just be the perfect fit. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about this new addition to Mazda’s lineup.

If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly, a mom of four and a certified child passenger safety tech. I review cars with families in mind to help you figure out if they could work for you and today we are breaking down absolutely everything you need to know about the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV.

Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Highlights:

Spacious Interior: A large five-passenger SUV with premium materials and design.
Plug-In Hybrid Efficiency: 26 miles of pure electric range and 56 MPGe.
IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Award-winning safety features for peace of mind.
Competitive Pricing: Starting at $54,000 for the PHEV model.

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Exterior

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV has a sleek and modern design that mirrors its larger sibling, the CX-90. With bold lines and an overall commanding presence, it’s clear that Mazda aimed to create an SUV that gives luxury while maintaining practicality.

I want to mention the CX-70 is essentially a two-row version of the CX-90—same wheelbase and dimensions—but without a third row. This choice from Mazda makes it one of the largest five-passenger SUVs on the market.

Engine & Performance

The CX-70 comes with two powertrain options:

Standard Inline Six-Cylinder Engine: Starting at $41,000.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Starting at $54,000.

The PHEV model offers:

26 miles of all-electric range for short commutes.
56 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) for combined driving efficiency.

Compared to competitors like the Lexus TX (starting at $78,000) or Kia Sorento PHEV (starting at $48,000), the CX-70 strikes a balance between mass-market affordability and luxury appeal.

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV First Row

Mazda has positioned itself as a “boutique” brand, offering premium materials and stylish interiors. The CX-70 is no exception. When it comes to driver amenities, there is a heated steering wheel and seats, along with a panoramic sunroof.

That being said, storage is not great. There is a little bit in the center console, but nothing to write home about. You do get two USB-C ports (though I am used to seeing more in competitors) and there are small compartments in this area as well.

Infotainment System

In the CX-70, you get a 12.3-inch display, but here’s the kicker – it isn’t a touchscreen. Instead, it relies on a toggle system for controls. While I find this clunky, I can appreciate that finger prints are not always on the screen.

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Second Row

When looking at reasons to purchase the CX-70, the second row is really where this car shines. The second row bench is really wide which makes it great to fit a wide variety of car seats and even three across combinations.

My only complaint is the limited rear ventilation. While not uncommon in cars of this size, there are only two small air vents on the center console—no ceiling or pillar vents. This makes airflow difficult to achieve in car seats, especially if you have any kids in a rear-facing position.

Car Seat Setup

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Car Seat LATCH Diagram

I tested out how versatile the bench could be with the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex, Graco Slimfit3 LX, and Nuna Pipa and was able to fit all three across. To pair really well with a versatile setup, Mazda included sun shades in the second row! This is a rare feature in five-passenger SUVs (some larger don’t even include them) so I was thrilled to see this.

The CX-70 accommodates three car seats across its second-row bench. While this is great for families with multiple children, I want parents to be aware of one drawback: recessed seatbelt buckles. This is not an immediate deal-breaker, but it can be challenging for kids in booster seats to buckle themselves independently.

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Trunk

The trunk of the CX-70 offers plenty of space for groceries, sports gear, or luggage—similar to its larger sibling, the CX-90. However, since this model has a hybrid battery underneath, the trunk floor is slightly raised compared to non-hybrid versions. This doesn’t drastically reduce space but might limit how tall items can be stacked.

One odd feature is the presence of cupholders in the trunk area. These are leftover from the CX-90’s three-row design (where they were meant for third-row passengers). In this two-row model, they don’t serve any purpose and feel out of place. Despite these quirks, the trunk is spacious and practical for most family needs.

Safety and Driving Experience

Mazda has made safety a priority with the CX-70 PHEV. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest safety rating available. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking—giving families peace of mind on every drive.

When it comes to driving experience, Mazda delivers its signature fun-to-drive feel:

The steering is responsive and smooth.
The hybrid powertrain offers quiet operation in electric mode (up to 26 miles) while providing plenty of power when switching to gas.
Handling feels confident on both city streets and highways.

While it doesn’t have a sporty edge like some competitors (such as the Honda Passport), it strikes a nice balance between comfort and performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV is ideal for:

Families who need a spacious five-passenger SUV with excellent safety ratings.
Buyers looking for an efficient plug-in hybrid option with some electric-only range.
Those who appreciate premium materials and design but don’t want to pay luxury-brand prices.

However, if you frequently need third-row seating or prioritize rear ventilation for passengers, you may want to consider alternatives like the Honda Pilot or Kia Sorento.

2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV: Wrap-Up

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV offers a compelling mix of style, efficiency, and practicality. While it has some quirks—like its non-touchscreen infotainment system and limited rear ventilation—it excels in areas that matter most to families: safety, space, and comfort.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re a small family looking for an SUV that balances luxury touches with everyday functionality, I highly suggest taking the Mazda CX-70 PHEV for a test drive.

Would you consider this as your next family car? Let me know in the comments! And to see the latest family cars on the market in 2025, check out my recent posts:

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