By: Uday Mohan
June 20, 2025
When you’re your own boss, things start to make a bit more sense. For Mazda, independence has brought clarity. While the brand was partially owned by Ford from 1974 to 2015, it has remained independent ever since. The results are starting to show, and in the best possible way.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV is no exception. Following the path laid out by its larger sibling, the CX-90, the CX-70 is available in two versions: a mild hybrid and a full plug-in hybrid, which is what we tested. Our tester came finished in Polymetal Grey Metallic and rode on standard 21-inch alloy wheels with machined spokes, polished finish, and dark painted pockets. The 275/45 tires give the CX-70 a dominant street stance that feels both masculine and upscale. Mazda has sculpted the exterior to deliver a sense of presence while staying true to its reputation for building driver-focused vehicles.
Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV feels just as special. Visibility is excellent, and the cabin is expansive and well laid out. It’s filled with high-quality materials that complement each other well. You can’t help but admire the attention to detail. Our press unit featured Garnet Red Nappa leather seats, with the color extending into the door panels and trim areas to create a tasteful two-tone layout.
It doesn’t stop there. The CX-70 is packed with thoughtful features. The 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers strong performance across a variety of genres, from bass-heavy EDM to smooth jazz. The infotainment system is paired with a rotary control knob in the center console, which is intuitive and easy to operate without looking down. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work seamlessly. Alexa voice control is also included, but we never felt the need to use it.
On the safety side, the CX-70 comes with a full suite of driver assistance features. This includes a 360-degree view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, a windshield-projected colour active driving display, traffic sign recognition, adaptive front-lighting, Smart Brake Support for front and rear, rear cross traffic alert, front cross traffic alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with exit warning, Driver Monitoring, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
Driving the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV is where it really shines. Despite a curb weight of just under 2,400 kilograms (over 5,200 pounds), the CX-70 feels composed and balanced. The steering feel is precise, and the suspension tuning finds the right balance between control and comfort. Even on 21-inch wheels with lower profile tires, the ride quality never felt harsh. The SUV drives with intent, and it never feels disconnected.
There are four drive modes available through Mazda’s MI-Drive system. Off-Road mode focuses on delivering directional control and includes a visible tachometer. We were slightly puzzled by the lack of a Snow mode, since most buyers are unlikely to take a CX-70 off-road. EV mode allows for fully electric driving up to a claimed 42 kilometres, though we averaged closer to 35 kilometres per charge. The 17.8kWh battery recharged in under three hours on a Level 2 charger, making it easy to use EV mode for daily errands.
Normal mode balances electric and gas power for efficiency. We managed close to 840 kilometres of combined driving before refilling the 70-litre fuel tank. Sport mode sharpens the vehicle’s dynamics, making full use of the 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque from the 2.5-litre inline-four and electric motor combination. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control helps reduce body roll through corners, giving the driver more confidence while maintaining comfort.
Pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV starts at $58,750. Our test vehicle came in at $69,645. At this price, the CX-70 positions itself well in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment, offering a mix of luxury, technology, and real-world driving enjoyment.
The CX-70 PHEV GT feels like a confident step forward for Mazda. It suits the needs of a family of four just as well as it does for a single driver who appreciates thoughtful design and rewarding driving dynamics. If this is a glimpse at where Mazda is heading, we’re looking forward to what’s next.
