Mazda CX-70: Price Hike and Feature Upgrades for 2026 Model Year
Experience Elevated: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Redefines Value and Performance
Enhanced Standard Features and Price Adjustment for the 2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is arriving with a revised pricing structure, starting at $43,780, which includes a destination charge. This represents an increase of approximately $1,960 over the previous model year. To offset this, Mazda has incorporated several new standard features across its trim levels, improving the vehicle’s value proposition for prospective buyers.
The CX-70's Design Philosophy: A Two-Row Evolution from the CX-90
Mazda continues to leverage its flexible midsize SUV architecture, first seen in the three-row CX-90, to introduce the CX-70. This two-row variant, while sharing its underpinnings with the CX-90, aims to carve out its own niche in the market, despite ongoing discussions about its distinct identity. For 2026, it maintains its core design principles while receiving strategic updates.
An Overview of the Seven Available Trim Levels for the 2026 CX-70
The 2026 CX-70 is offered in a diverse range of seven trim levels, ensuring a suitable option for various preferences and budgets. The entry-level "3.3 Turbo Preferred" trim now boasts an array of premium standard features, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, alongside eight-way power-adjustable seating for both driver and front passenger, complete with lumbar support and driver memory functions. Additionally, all CX-70 models for 2026 will feature distinctive blacked-out badging.
Detailed Breakdown of Mid-Range and High-Performance Turbocharged Variants
Stepping up from the "3.3 Turbo Preferred" is the "3.3 Turbo Premium," priced at $47,810. This trim enhances the driving experience with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complementing the existing 12.3-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and a specialized towing mode that facilitates a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The "3.3 Turbo Premium Plus" trim, at $51,100, further elevates luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, an adaptive front lighting system, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system.
Powertrain Options: Standard Turbo-Six and Upgraded Turbo S Variants
Under the hood, these models are equipped with a potent turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. For those seeking even greater performance, the "Turbo S Premium" ($54,770) and "Turbo S Premium Plus" ($58,200) variants boost output to an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Reintroduction and Enhancements of the Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option makes a return, featuring a 2.5-liter inline-four engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total system output of 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. For 2026, Mazda has extended the all-electric range to an estimated 30 miles, a notable increase of five miles over the 2025 model. EPA fuel economy figures were not fully available at the time of publication, but the 2025 CX-70 PHEV achieved a combined 25 mpg in hybrid mode, consistent with its non-hybrid counterparts.
Pricing and Feature Configuration for Plug-In Hybrid CX-70 Models
The plug-in hybrid variants are available as the "PHEV SC" and "PHEV SC Plus," priced at $45,780 and $48,780, respectively. The base PHEV model includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-speaker audio system. However, certain comfort features, such as the driver memory system, power front passenger's seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel, which are standard on the non-hybrid base model, require an upgrade to the "PHEV SC Plus" trim.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning of the CX-70
In the crowded segment of two-row midsize SUVs, the CX-70 aims to stand out with its premium design, dynamic driving characteristics, and the availability of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a less common offering in this category. Notably, the CX-70 PHEV offers a price advantage of $3,955 over the 2026 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid, while providing a comparable electric range.
Internal Comparison: CX-70 Versus CX-90 Value Proposition
For loyal Mazda customers, the 2026 CX-70 presents a unique dilemma. It is only $700 less expensive than a similarly equipped CX-90, suggesting that removing the third row does not result in significant cost savings. Furthermore, Mazda offers the 2026 CX-90 in a more accessible "3.3 Turbo Select" trim, starting at $40,330, which comes well-appointed for its price point. While a two-row option makes sense for Mazda’s lineup, the rationale behind creating a distinct model for the CX-70 continues to intrigue industry observer