The definition of a luxury vehicle can differ depending on who you ask. Where some people admire the amazing engineering and balance of a BMW, others might appreciate the comfort and concierge services of a Lincoln. As drivers have become more discerning and expect more for their money, many brands have begun adding higher-quality materials, upscale features, and increased comfort in their vehicles.
While some automakers still struggle to find that good balance between comfort, style, performance, and quality, one brand has it figured out. Although you can easily look to Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, or Audi for the luxury name and expectations, there’s an SUV that feels much more luxurious than you would expect, and it doesn’t come from a luxury brand.
The Cabin Feels Closer To Luxury Brands Than Mainstream Models
High-End Materials And Elegant Design Elevate The Interior Experience
Style matters as much as the materials used. For any vehicle to feel luxurious, the cheap plastics of most mainstream models must be replaced with higher-grade materials. Couple this with excellent design elements, and the cabin can easily catch your eye and keep you interested. Why not go with a two-toned look with a light and dark contrast to really make things pop? From the colors to the style and elegance of smooth lines, this SUV has a look that makes it feel like it belongs in a higher price range.
Available Nappa Leather And Premium Finishes Reinforce The Upscale Feel
Moving up to higher trims of any vehicle should bring better features. Some automakers only add more tech or power at higher trim levels, but this SUV features high-class Nappa leather and better finishes when you move up to a higher price point. The upscale design really shines with the red leather upholstery option, making the cabin look and feel more aggressive and sporty than with some of the other colors.
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A Rare Inline-Six Powertrain That Feels More Premium Than The Class
The Turbocharged Inline-Six Delivers Smooth, Refined Power
Most versions of the Mazda CX-70 use a 3.3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifting and an excellent on-road feel. Once you step above the base trim, you’ll enjoy the quick, decisive power. Thanks to Mazda’s SkyActiv technology and up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque sent to all four wheels, this SUV can really scoot. That’s right, every Mazda CX-70 comes standard with AWD. This powertrain is rated at 24 city/28 highway MPG, and you can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the CX-70 above the base Preferred trim, which tows up to 3,500 pounds.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.3L Turbo SKYACTIV-G I6
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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280 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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332 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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24/28/25 MPG
- Make
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Mazda
- Model
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CX-70
- Segment
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Midsize SUV
There’s also a plug-in hybrid version that uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and one electric motor. This version gives drivers up to 26 miles of all-electric driving range and produces 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Although interesting, the luxury focus will be on the standard powertrain, not the PHEV model.
Strong Performance Adds To The Upscale Driving Character
You might not expect a midsize SUV to reach 60 MPH very quickly, but the CX-70 can do it in 6.2 seconds. That’s fast enough to be fun and makes it much easier for you to pass on the highway, merge into highway traffic, or leave others behind when the stop light turns green. Mazda equips its SUVs with dynamic steering and handling systems, giving you the responsiveness of a sports coupe.
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It Doesn’t Just Look Expensive – It’s Equipped Like It, Too
Comfort Features Rival Entry-Level Luxury SUVs
Most mainstream SUVs sacrifice comfort features to save on price, but not Mazda. The CX-70 lineup includes comfort features such as heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats, upscale materials throughout the cabin, and premium audio systems. For added convenience, the CX-70 features a large underfloor storage compartment, making it easy to store gear out of sight.
The CX-70 is built on the same platform as the larger, three-row CX-90, and the two SUVs have nearly identical exterior dimensions. This allows the CX-70 to be more comfortable because it has only two rows of seats instead of three. This means more room for rear passengers to stretch out and relax during the ride.
Modern Tech And Connectivity Enhance The Upscale Experience
The expected connectivity and safety features are present in the Mazda CX-70, but this SUV offers more than you might expect. It features Mi-Drive, a package of selectable drive modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. You’ll also have the benefits of Amazon Alexa Integration on some trims, which lets you stay connected to your smart home devices or control vehicle functions from your phone. A 360-degree View Monitor with Trailer Hitch View makes towing easier, and the Active Driving Display is a head-up display that projects essential information onto the windshield.
The display screens measure 12.3 inches each, providing a large screen for vehicle information and infotainment. These screens add to the CX-70’s modern, upscale look and feel.
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Backs Up The Upscale Vibe With Real Utility
Ample Cargo Space And Practicality Make It Easy To Live With
You’ll find a large cargo area behind the rear seats, measuring 39.6 cubic feet, which should be more than enough for a family of four or five to enjoy road trips together. When you need more cargo room in the cabin, the rear seats fold to open the area to 75.3 cubic feet. That’s a lot of room for longer and larger items to fit in this midsize SUV. Of course, you also have the underfloor space, which is simply a bonus for CX-70 owners.
If you choose the Premium trim or higher, you’ll get the benefits of a hands-free power liftgate, which adds a bit more usability and convenience. This trim also comes with a panoramic sunroof and 21-inch wheels.
Balanced Efficiency And Comfort Support Long-Distance Driving
The CX-70 makes more than 300 horsepower, regardless of powertrain, and vehicles that produce this much power aren’t generally very efficient. The mild-hybrid setup of the inline-six engine and the PHEV’s electric driving range make the CX-70 one of the most efficient SUVs at this power level.
That efficiency can be enjoyed from inside the cabin during road trips. Mazda includes impressive sound deadening technology and materials to ensure the cabin remains comfortable, quiet, and serene, or at least as serene as you want it to be when you start blasting music through the premium sound system.
This Doesn’t Look Like An Affordable SUV, But It’s Priced Like One
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that defies expectations, offering a premium look and feel without the high price tag of luxury vehicles.
Built For People Who Want A Premium Two-Row SUV Without Paying Luxury-Brand Pricing
Pricing Undercuts Traditional Luxury Competitors
Pricing for the 3.3-liter models begins at $42,250 for the Preferred trim and ranges to $56,670 for the S Premium Plus model. The PHEV version comes in two trims: the PHEV SC at $44,250 and the PHEV SC Plus at $47,250. By comparison, a BMW X5 starts at $69,050 and ranges to $94,050, depending on the trim and options. Although you might not consider the CX-70 to compare directly to the X5, the two SUVs have many of the same features and qualities, making the Mazda a bit of a luxury bargain, mostly because it doesn’t wear a luxury badge.
Feature Content And Performance Exceed Expectations For The Price
The higher trims of the Mazda CX-70 compare very favorably with the Acura MDX and Lexus RX in terms of equipment and power, further reinforcing its value position. While most SUVs move toward smaller powertrains, Mazda leaned into the turbocharged inline-six, adding more excitement and a luxury-like power offering for its two largest SUVs. The CX-70 feels more luxurious than its price would suggest because it prioritizes the driving experience, convenience, comfort, and quality over cost.
2026 Mazda CX-70 Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
For 2026, the CX-70 has been updated with refined design, premium interiors, advanced tech, three electrified powertrains, and enhanced performance.
It Feels Like Mazda Intentionally Built A Luxury SUV Without The Badge
The Heart Of The CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 isn’t trying to be the cheapest SUV in its class or another bargain-basement appliance on the road. Instead, it is exactly what Mazda wants it to be. It’s a premium SUV that leans heavily into luxury to be a vehicle drivers can truly enjoy on the road. Shoppers looking for a two-row midsize SUV with upscale materials, a smooth powertrain, an impressive cabin design, and enjoyable driving will certainly appreciate what the CX-70 offers. It really is a luxury SUV without the badge.
Sources: Edmunds, Mazda, Kelley Blue Book, TrueCar