Mazda CX-70 Vs. CX-5: Two-Row SUV Preview
There’s interest building around the Mazda CX-70 following the debut of this midsize two-row SUV, so we’ve compiled a Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-5 comparison preview for drivers considering these two Mazda models.
Both the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV and the new CX-70 midsize model feature two-row interiors for up to five occupants, but the similarities don’t go far beyond that. For one, the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-70 engine options differ greatly, with no overlap between the two models.
The Mazda CX-70 is also wider and much longer than the CX-5, offering a very similar interior to the three-row CX-90 but with one less row. So, expect the CX-70’s five-passenger comfort and cargo space to top the already versatile and comfortable CX-5 crossover SUV.
Here’s our look at how the Mazda CX-5 and first-ever CX-70 compare before you have the chance to tour them both at your local Mazda dealer:
Engines & Specs
Crossover SUV buyers considering the Mazda CX-5 might already be familiar with the engines available, as they’re the same two engine options the CX-5 and many other Mazda models have offered for several years.
It starts with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder engine, making 186 pound-feet of torque and 187 horsepower in the new CX-5.
The available Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo, a turbocharged version of the automaker’s 2.5-liter inline-four engine boosts output to 320 pound-feet of torque and 256 horsepower on premium fuel (310 pound-feet and 227 horsepower on regular unleaded).
Both of the CX-5 engine options come matched with i-Activ AWD and a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.
In contrast, the new Mazda CX-70 engines are shared with the CX-90 three-row model. The CX-70 midsize two-row model is motivated by Mazda’s new 3.3-liter inline-six engine equipped with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The high-output version of this powertrain generates up to 369 pound-feet of torque and 340 horsepower.
Then, there’s the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, a hybrid of the plug-in variety also offered. It features the same specs as in the Mazda CX-90 PHEV model: 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
While all versions of the Mazda CX-70 could be considered CX-70 hybrids due to their mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups, the electrified CX-70 PHEV model blends premium performance with peak efficiency.
A Mazda CX-5 hybrid model has yet to be released during the model’s first two generations. However, that is expected to be remedied with the upcoming release of the third-generation Mazda CX-5 redesign.
Here’s a recap of the standard and available powertrains in the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-70:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2.5L I-4 | 187 | 186 lb-ft | 6-speed auto |
| Mazda CX-5 Turbo | 2.5L I-4 Turbo | 256 | 320 lb-ft | 6-speed auto |
| Mazda CX-70 | 3.3L I-6 Turbo Mild Hybrid | 340 | 369 lb-ft | 8-speed auto |
| Mazda CX-70 PHEV | 2.5L I-4 Plug-In Hybrid | 323 | 369 lb-ft | 8-speed auto |
Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-70 MPG
Motorists can expect the larger Mazda CX-70 two-row SUV to match or even top the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV in combined MPG. This is largely due to the latter not offering any sort of hybrid option in its current iteration.
For reference, the current Mazda CX-5 returns up to 26 MPG combined with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and i-Activ AWD. The much larger three-row Mazda CX-90 earns up to 25 MPG combined in its available powertrains, the same engines that power the new CX-70 two-row model.
With the CX-70 giving up one row to its larger SUV sibling, the CX-90, it should tip the scales at a significantly lower weight. So, expect the real-world CX-70 MPG to match or improve on the already impressive figures of the slightly heftier three-row CX-90.
Dimensions: Passenger Space & Cargo Capacity
Based on the provided powertrains alone, it seems Mazda has perfectly placed the powerful new CX-70 midsize SUV lineup above its popular CX-5 compact crossover SUV.
But what about interior dimensions, passenger space, and cargo volume?
Since both the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 CX-70 will provide plentiful power and surprisingly sharp driving dynamics for their size and segments, many SUV shoppers may care more about the differences in dimensions than power output or MPG ratings when choosing between these two Mazda two-row SUVs.
Since the Mazda CX-70 has (surprisingly) arrived as a long-wheelbase two-row SUV with the same general dimensions as the CX-90 three-row SUV, this latest Mazda SUV model dwarfs the CX-5 in many measurements.
At about 201 inches long, 77.6 inches wide (excluding side mirrors), over 68 inches tall, and riding on a 122.8-inch wheelbase, the Mazda new CX-70 is of substantial size for a two-row midsize SUV.
Its smaller two-row sibling, the CX-5, measures:
- 180.1 inches long
- 72.6 inches wide (excluding side mirrors)
- Over 66 inches tall (depending on wheel size)
- 106.2-inch wheelbase
Since the Mazda CX-70 is based on the same platform as the larger three-row CX-90 and features a similar front and rear track width, drivers and passengers should expect substantially more hip and shoulder room in the CX-70 vs. CX-5.
For reference, the Mazda CX-90 offers over two inches more first-row shoulder room and over three inches more second-row shoulder room than the CX-5.
So, fitting five adult occupants in the Mazda CX-70 should be more comfortable than the compact CX-5, especially for longer drives.
Key differences between the Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-5 interior dimensions include:
| Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-70 | |
| Front-Row Hip Room | 55.2 in | 56.2 in (Est.) |
| Front-Row Legroom | 41 in | 41.7 in (Est.) |
| Second-Row Shoulder Room | 54.8 in | 58.1 in (Est.) |
| Cargo Space Behind Second Row | 29.1 cu ft | Over 40 cu ft (Est.) |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 59.3 cu ft | Over 75 cu ft (Est.) |
CX-70 Joins CX-5 in the Mazda Two-Row SUV Lineup
There were rumors circling that Mazda would eventually axe the popular CX-5 – its best-selling model from the last decade or so – replacing it with a combination of the rugged CX-50 compact SUV and the new CX-70 midsize two-row model.
However, now that the CX-70 has arrived as a long-wheelbase midsize SUV that’s much larger than the CX-5 in most dimensions, we think those rumors can officially be laid to rest. The next-gen Mazda CX-5 is expected shortly and to offer its first-ever hybrid powertrain.
There seems to be plenty of space for the popular CX-5, adventurous and outdoorsy CX-50, and more premium and high-powered CX-70 midsize model to coexist within the carmaker’s global portfolio of SUVs. Each attracts a different SUV buyer, of which there is no shortage.
Stay tuned for more Mazda SUV comparisons, including a CX-70 vs. CX-50 comparo, plus a deeper dive into the differences between the CX-70 vs. CX-90, the new premium Mazda midsize SUVs that share so much in common.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Mazda CX-70 or CX-5?
The Mazda CX-70 is bigger than the Mazda CX-5 by a substantial margin. The new CX-70 is a two-row midsize SUV model built on the same platform as the larger three-row CX-90 and measures about 201 inches long. However, the shorter, 180.1-inch-long CX-5 compact crossover SUV still offers impressive cargo space, passenger volume, and comfort.
Which is more powerful: the Mazda CX-5 or CX-70?
The Mazda CX-70 is more powerful than the CX-5. The new CX-70 premium midsize SUV is available with a larger 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged mild-hybrid engine or a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain. All CX-70 engines provide greater power output than the CX-5, which offers up to 250 horsepower. In contrast, the CX-70 generates up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Is the Mazda CX-70 replacing the CX-5?
Contrary to rumors we heard even at Mazda dealerships, the CX-70 will not be replacing the popular CX-5 model. The Mazda CX-70 is a much larger midsize SUV built on the automaker’s new premium large vehicle platform. The compact CX-5, the brand’s top-selling model, will continue on with a third generation.