We didn’t hit the road for a weekend volleyball tournament this time, but if we had, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus would’ve been right at home—easily carrying gear, snacks, and expectations. As a dad of a 17-year-old athlete with a sharp eye for detail (and strong opinions about cabin lighting), I measure SUVs a little differently these days.
Mazda says the CX-70 is for customers with active lifestyles. That’s not just marketing speak in our case. Between local games, weekend tournaments, and the occasional out-of-state travel, my family’s SUV has to be comfortable, versatile, and—let’s be honest—stylish enough to fit in at any arena parking lot.
Stamp of Approval from the Back-Seat Boss
My daughter rode in the second row during my test week, and while she didn’t have a volleyball bag slung over her shoulder this time, she’s had enough rides to know what works. She quickly noticed the cabin's spaciousness—and not just for legroom. The panoramic sunroof gives the rear seats an open, airy vibe, and when night fell, she practically beamed about the second-row map light placement, calling it “perfectly bright and not annoying like most cars.” That’s high praise from a teen who once rejected an SUV because of “ugly stitching” on the door panel.
She also pointed out the ease of USB access, the seat heat controls (a must-have for winter tournaments), and how “solid” the doors felt when closing. So, while we didn’t log highway miles this time, the CX-70 earned a quiet thumbs-up from my toughest critic—and that says a lot.
What the Driver Might Like
The Turbo S Premium Plus trim is the top-tier gas-powered CX-70. It comes equipped with Mazda’s most advanced internal combustion powertrain: the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with M-Hybrid Boost, pushing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel). It’s the kind of torque-rich setup that makes highway passing effortless and mountain roads a pleasure. That’s BMW X5 power without the BMW monthly payment. Acceleration is strong, with a refined hum that feels appropriate for something this polished. It’s not loud, but you know it means business.
The i-Activ all-wheel drive system is standard, and Mazda’s Mi-Drive driving mode selector (Sport, Off-Road, and Towing) helps tailor the drive for different conditions. And yes, it tows—up to 5,000 lbs with the right accessories, which puts it in solid competition with other midsize two-row SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Venza (though the Venza doesn’t come close in terms of power).
Fuel efficiency is decent for something with this much power: an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 25 combined. That lands it ahead of Jeep and behind hybrid rivals, but this engine is clearly tuned for performance over frugality.
Luxury Vibes, Without the Luxury Price
From the outside, the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint alone earns nods in traffic. Mazda nailed the proportions here—the flared fenders and rear quarters give it a confident, premium look that’s more “European chic” than mainstream Japanese crossover.
Inside, the CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus combines tan quilted Nappa leather seats, suede dash inserts, and soft-touch materials that make every touchpoint feel intentional. It’s a warm, upscale space that doesn’t feel fussy.
I’ve got a couple of gripes worth noting. First, the gear selector. It looks good and feels premium, but there’s a slight delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse after a cold start. In normal daily use, it’s a minor quirk. But if you ever found yourself in one of those movie-style moments—say, trying to get away from someone chasing you in a dimly lit parking garage—that extra couple of seconds might feel a little too long. Second, the i-Stop system, Mazda’s start/stop fuel-saving feature, can be a bit jarring. It cuts the engine off at red lights and restarts when you lift your foot, but the transition isn’t always smooth. Stop-and-go traffic can disrupt the otherwise refined and luxurious feel of the cabin. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s definitely something you’ll notice if you spend a lot of time in urban congestion.
Features like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel elevate daily drives. Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller is easy to reach and reduces distraction, and the 12-speaker Bose system delivers crisp sound for road trip playlists and morning talk shows alike.
Connected, Capable, and (Sometimes) Chatty: Inside the CX-70’s Tech Suite
Tech-wise, Mazda keeps things familiar in a good way. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your smartphone becomes the command center for navigation, music, texts, and more—no cords required. The screen itself isn’t always touch-responsive unless you’re using one of those two platforms, but Mazda’s rotary controller keeps eyes on the road and becomes second nature after a few days. And for the first time in a Mazda SUV, Amazon Alexa Built-In makes its debut before trickling into their other offerings. Theoretically, it’s a great addition—you can control cabin temperature, adjust audio, or even trigger smart home devices without taking your hands off the wheel. But personally, I found Alexa a little too eager to participate in conversations between my wife and me. While I appreciate the push toward more voice-activated tech, I wouldn’t mind a more discreet way to manage how—and when—Alexa jumps into the mix.
Safety First—and Lots of It
Mazda didn’t skimp on safety tech. Standard and premium features on this trim include:
• Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Keep Assist
• Emergency Lane Keeping
• Blind Spot Monitoring + Assist
• 360° View Monitor with Trailer Hitch View
• Smart Brake Support (Front, Rear, and Crossing)
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Monitoring & Unresponsive Driver Support
• Rear Seat Alert
• Secondary Collision Reduction System
It may not have true hands-free driving like Ford’s BlueCruise or GM’s Super Cruise, but it gets close—and most importantly, it feels safe, intuitive, and supportive without being annoying.
Real-World Verdict: Volleyball Dad Approved
For a two-row SUV priced just under $56,000, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus checks a lot of boxes—style, power, tech, and comfort. But what separates it from the pack is how it blends all those without leaning too hard into gimmicks.
It’s the kind of vehicle that makes sense for a family like mine: we need room, capability, and a bit of personality. Whether it’s a weekend volleyball tournament or a date night in Buckhead, the CX-70 adapts without missing a beat.
And if you’re trying to please a teenager with high standards and sharp opinions, trust me, this one gets the nod.
