2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e Review

It’s a big and bold SUV package designed to showcase Mazda’s aspirational approach to a more premium, family-friendly chariot.

For those keeping track, Mazda’s naming of its latest-generation large SUV platforms can be a little confusing, so let’s clear the air a little bit.

The CX-70 is effectively a two-row, five-seater version of the CX-90, with both designed as a longer and wider package than the CX-60 and CX-80 which are offered as five- and seven-seaters, respectively.

This makes the CX-70 a particularly attractive option for families looking for a practical and premium five-seater SUV from a familiar and reliable brand like Mazda.

The question remaining, though, is just how well does the CX-70 stack up as a family-friendly SUV and whether or not it can justify its lofty price tag and assert itself against some of its more premium new-found rivals.

We got behind the wheel of the range-topping CX-70 Azami D50e to find out.

Mazda CX-70 Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the MY25 Mazda CX-70 kick off from $75,970 for the entry-level CX-70 GT G50e and top-out at $84,970 for our review vehicle, here, the CX-70 Azami D50e.

The mid-range CX-70 GT D50e is priced at $77,970 while the CX-70 Azami G50e with the petrol engine is priced at $82,970.

• CX-70 GT G50e - $75,970

• CX-70 GT D50e - $77,970

• CX-70 Azami G50e - $82,970

• CX-70 Azami D50e - $84,970 (tested)

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Mazda CX-70 Azami Have?

Sitting at the top of the lineup, the CX-70 Azami comes packaged with a long list of features.

Headlining the list of Azami-specific touches is the Nappa leather upholstery with heated & ventilated seats, body-coloured wheel arches and door handles, a frameless rear-view mirror, ambient lighting, foot lamps and a transparent-view 360-degree monitor.

The CX-70 Azami also picks up all the goods you’ll find in the GT range, meaning it comes riding on a set of 21-inch alloys and picks up adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a powered boot lift, adaptive cruise control and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Buyers also receive a head-up display, power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, a wireless charging pad and a stack of safety equipment we’ll cover later in this review.

All things considered, the CX-70 even in base GT form stacks up as a particularly well-equipped large SUV package with no shortage of premium touches, while the Azami elevates things for buyers willing to stretch the budget a little.

Mazda CX-70 Connectivity & Infotainment Features 

Both members of the CX-70 lineup come packaged with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits neatly between the two-tiered dashboard.

It’s a large and responsive display that offers high levels of brightness and remains particularly user-friendly to operate thanks to Mazda’s clean and simple menu layout.

Interestingly, Mazda’s 12.3-inch display supports touch inputs while you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though when you’re navigating Mazda’s menus, you’ll need to rely on the rotary dial.

While some pundits critique the rotary controller, we found it quite intuitive and ergonomic to use behind the wheel, with quick access to volume via a smaller rotary knob, with AM/FM & DAB+ digital radio thrown in alongside satellite navigation.

For the audiophiles out there, the entire CX-70 range comes packaged with a powerful 12-speaker sound system courtesy of BOSE which sounds fantastic.

The MY25 CX-70 range also picks up Mazda’s Connected Services system which allows you to monitor its location, implement a geo-fence, check its status and diagnostic information as well as make SOS calls in an emergency.

CX-70 buyers receive a three-year subscription to Mazda’s Connected Services suite.

Does the Mazda CX-70 Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Potential buyers will be pleased to know that all members of the CX-70 range feature wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.

The CX-70’s 12.3-inch infotainment system supports wireless connections with iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto on the move while your phone sits in your pocket or while topping up the battery with the wireless charging pad.

The process of pairing an iPhone with the CX-70 was particularly simple, with Mazda’s infotainment system remaining quick to connect with your smartphone when turning the vehicle on, with not a single drop-out in connection over our week behind the wheel.

Is the Mazda CX-70 Comfortable to Drive?

The CX-70 is a big package, and it certainly feels it around the urban jungle.

Stretching no less than 5,120mm, it’s hard to escape just how large the CX-70 feels around town and while parking, though Mazda has done well to make it a pretty user-friendly package on a daily drive.

One key example of this is the CX-70’s steering rack which is well-weighted as you’re on the move, but softens up and remains easy to throw around the wheel when you’re parking.

When it’s time to get on the move, the CX-70 has no problem picking up pace thanks to Mazda’s lovely engine lineup that seems to buck a notable trend in the industry.

While many of its rivals are downsizing their engine capacities, the CX-70 is offered with a choice of two 3.3-litre, turbocharged inline six-cylinder units with some 48V mild-hybrid assistance that are particularly smooth and powerful.

The CX-70 D50e’s turbo-diesel unit kicks out 187kW of power and a very healthy 550Nm of torque, putting it down on power from the G50e petrol’s 254kW of power but adds an extra 50Nm of torque. 

Power is thrown to all wheels via an eight-speed transmission which, we’re pleased to report, doesn’t suffer from any of the sharp moments we’ve experienced in its siblings.

Mazda’s eight-speed automatic in the CX-70 is lovely, albeit a little busy with the short ratios that come accompanied by a turbo-diesel powertrain, though shifts are quick and smooth in equal measures.

The same can’t be said for the ride quality, however, which remains unusually taut for a family-focussed SUV package but does give the CX-70 a tonne of confidence on the open road.

It’s not an uncomfortable ride, but it is noticeably firmer than you’ll find in this segment, transmitting more of the small bumps and expansion joints in the road than you might expect.

The trade-off here is that the CX-70 is incredibly confident on a twisty section of road for a vehicle of its size, though there’s no hiding its 2,216kg weight when you’re pushing it, nor would we expect family buyers to be approaching that point with the family in tow.

In isolation, the CX-70’s ride is forgivable, even admirable for having a bit of a sporty nature.

When compared to its rivals, though, it’s hard to ignore the firm ride that somewhat detracts from its appeal as a family-friendly package, particularly as the company eyes off some more premium rivals.

That said, the CX-70 remains smooth and user-friendly around town and becomes a lovely grand tourer as you pick up the pace on a long stretch of highway.

The steering is accurate and offers tangible feedback, while the G50e offers a tonne of torque to help you pick up the pace for overtakes and, so long as you keep a close eye on its proportions while parking, it’s a pretty user-friendly package on a daily drive around town.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

If you’re looking for a large, fuel-efficient SUV package, the CX-70 with Mazda’s D50e diesel engine is without a doubt the engine to go for.

As we’ve mentioned, the CX-70 D50e range comes powered by a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel unit that picks up a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Mazda’s mild-hybrid tech will cut power from the internal combustion unit when you ease onto the brakes and allows you to coast for longer distances without using fuel, with a stop-start system thrown in to help maximise fuel-efficiency.

Claimed fuel economy figures of just 5.4L per 100km on a combined cycle show that the CX-70 D50e diesel range is a no-brainer for fuel-conscious buyers, offering significant savings over the 8.1L/100km you’ll consume in the CX-70 G50e petrol.

Our time behind the wheel saw us average 6.1L per 100km over a mix of town, country and highway driving on the normal driving mode to most accurately replicate everyday driving.

• CX-70 G50e Fuel Economy: 8.4L/100km (claimed)

• CX-70 D50e Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km (claimed)

• CX-70 D50e Fuel Economy: 6.1L/100km (tested)

For the moment, Mazda is offering the CX-70 range without the plug-in hybrid powertrains we’ve seen accompany some of its siblings, though we expect this could change at some point in the future.

For now, the CX-70 D50e remains the pick of the bunch for outright fuel economy figures up until a PHEV version potentially arrives, though we’ve had no confirmation from Mazda just yet.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Interior accommodation, practicality and Mazda’s lovely designs inside the CX-70 are arguably its strongest legs to take the fight to its more premium rivals in the large SUV segment.

As Mazda eyes off a more premium segment of the market, the company has put an emphasis on quality materials in the cockpit.

Climb aboard and the CX-70, particularly in Azami form makes a great first impression that certainly fits the bill of a more premium SUV package and closely aligns with its new-found rivals.

Headroom isn’t an issue for tall adults, with the electric seat adjustment sinking down low into the cabin, while the wide proportions make things feel particularly spacious up front.

The steering wheel feels great with its metallic elements while the Nappa leather upholstery is plush and luxurious.

Ergonomics are fantastic thanks to the electronically adjustable driving position and steering wheel, with a lovely soft gel used to accommodate the driver’s right elbow on a long trip and padding for your left knee, too.

While the finish of the centre console is a little underwhelming, in our opinion, it’s virtually impossible to find any traces of cheap plastic in the front of the CX-70, with even the top of the door sills and dashboard picking up a premium soft finish.

The layout of the lower dash switchgear is quite button-heavy, though the tiered, leather-upholstered dashboard and metallic finishes for the air vents and climate control dials make everything look fresh and modern.

In terms of storage, things are solid up front but we can’t help but feel there are some missed opportunities to swallow up loose items that families accumulate.

The chunky centre console houses a rubber-lined tray for the wireless charger sitting behind the gear lever, flanked by a hidden pair of cupholders and a shallow storage area inside the split-fold centre armrest.

There’s also a decent-sized glovebox, a sunglasses stash and bottle holders hiding in the door sills, but the CX-70’s cabin fails to trump its rivals when it comes to outright storage.

Move to the rear of the cabin and things are excellent for those seated in the second row.

With no shortage of legroom, even for tall adults and no issues for headroom, either, the CX-70 is quick to prove itself a very confident package in the face of families.

The second row slides back and forth on rails and also reclines to get comfortable on long trips.

The CX-70’s wide platform also means you can confidently sit three-abreast in the rear, while creature comforts like a dedicated climate control zone, a heated rear bench, two USB-C ports, sun shades and a folding centre armrest with cupholders means kids aren’t short on amenities.

For the parents out there, the CX-70 is packaged with two pairs of ISOFIX anchors on each of the outboard seats and three top tether mounts on the seatbacks.

Wide aperture doors make it easy to access the CX-70’s rear bench while the platform’s generous width figures mean you can fit three child seats without much of an issue.

All up, the CX-70 ticks all the important boxes for family buyers and, in range-topping Akera form, impresses with its quality interior materials and sleek layout, though the base GT version still picks up leather upholstery and the same layout, meaning the upgrade is not a necessity.

How Big is the Mazda CX-70’s Boot?

While not the most scientific of terms, the Mazda CX-70’s boot is simply ginormous.

As we’ve mentioned, the CX-70 is effectively a two-row version of the seven-seater CX-90 flagship, which means all the real estate otherwise taken up by an extra row has translated to a staggering amount of boot space.

With the rear seats standing, the CX-70’s boot measures 598L - no less than 923L if you measure up to the ceiling - which means it’s a seriously practical package in the boot.

Fold down the second-row bench and you’ll unlock 2,015L of accommodation with a completely flat floor that makes it simple to load long items and no load lift at the tailgate, meaning you can unload a suitcase without a hassle.

You’ll also find some tie-down points and a remote folding mechanism for the second-row seats.

Under the boot floor, there’s two hidden storage compartments flanked by a neatly-packaged tool kit as well as a space-saver spare tyre.

• CX-70 Boot Space Minimum: 598L

• CX-70 Boot Space Maximum: 2,015L

Is it Safe?

There’s no shortage of active safety tech on offer in the CX-70, while the range-topping Azami picks up some extra goods to sweeten the deal.

As standard, the CX-70 range boasts a forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as junction assist alongside blind-spot monitoring, front & rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control.

Buyers also pick up emergency lane-keep assist, a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, safe exit alerts, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and curtain airbags.

Specifically for the CX-70 Azami is a transparent view for the surround-view monitor as well as Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support system which combines the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep systems to help take the burden off your feet in low-speed, crawling traffic.

Overall, we found the CX-70’s safety equipment suite to be well-calibrated and not overly paranoid to lane drift or country roads, instead, just sitting in the background and intervening when it was necessary.

Does the Mazda CX-70 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

Unfortunately, the Mazda CX-70 range is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP and remains unrated.

The same applies to its twin-under-the-skin, the three-row, seven-seater CX-90, which remains unrated, though the CX-60 and its twin, the CX-80 have both picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2024.

What Warranty Does the Mazda CX-70 Come With?

Mazda offers the CX-70 range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty alongside a five-year roadside assist membership.

Mazda also offers seven years' worth of capped-price servicing for both the CX-70 D50e diesel and the G50e petrol.

Seven visits to the dealer under Mazda’s capped-price servicing program bring the total cost of maintenance for the CX-70 D50e diesel to $4,956, which is slightly more expensive than the $4,663 it costs to service its G50e petrol sibling.

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

• Roadside Assist: Five-years

• Seven-Year Servicing Cost: $4,956 (D50e Diesel)

• Seven-Year Servicing Cost: $4,663 (G50e petrol)

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda CX-70 Worth it?

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room - whichever way you cut it, the CX-70 is not a cheap SUV.

That said, it’s not an overpriced package when you take into account the engine, Mazda’s marvellous interior packaging, strong practicality chops for family buyers and its healthy equipment lists.

Instead, it’s a family-friendly SUV package from a familiar marque that has high aspirations of taking on new rivals in a more premium price bracket and in that respect, the CX-70 holds up particularly well.

Aside from our gripes with the firm ride quality, we think the CX-70 confidently ticks all the boxes that families are looking for at this relatively new price point, too, with Mazda’s interior designs presenting a lovely cabin for those inside.

We found its smaller sibling, the CX-60, to be a little lacking when it came to rear accommodation, which is where CX-70 excels and bolsters its family appeal with a particularly large boot.

As a result, the CX-70 may be one of the most attractive members of Mazda’s increasingly premium SUV lineup if you’re looking for a five-seater package; a closer look at the CX-90 is essential for those looking to accommodate seven people.

The CX-70 with Mazda’s D50e turbo-diesel engine is also a no-brainer, providing a heap of torque on the road alongside massive improvements to fuel efficiency, sitting as our preferred engine for the package overall.

We don’t think upgrading to the flagship CX-70 Azami is strictly necessary, considering just how much equipment is on offer in the GT, though buyers willing to stretch the budget will not be disappointed with its lovely interior.

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Five Mazda CX-70 Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Unrated by ANCAP

3. Five-seat layout with 598 - 2,015L boot

4. Mild-hybrid, 3.3-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol & diesel engines available

5. 5.4 - 8.1L per 100km fuel economy (D50e diesel vs G50e petrol)