Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90: Is the 2-Row Model Worth It?

When Mazda announced the CX-70, many industry watchers expected a slightly smaller, sportier SUV to bridge the gap between the compact CX-50 and the massive CX-90. What arrived was a surprise. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is physically identical to the CX-90 in size and structure, simply missing the third row of seats.

For buyers, this creates a confusing choice. If the cars are the same size and share the same engines, does the 2-row CX-70 offer enough unique value to justify its existence? Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences, pricing strategies, and feature sets to help you decide which Mazda flagship belongs in your driveway.

The "Clone" Strategy: Understanding the Platform

To understand the comparison, you must look at the numbers. Both the CX-70 and the CX-90 ride on Mazda’s large platform with a 122.8-inch wheelbase. Both vehicles measure exactly 201.6 inches in length (depending on the license plate bracket placement) and 77.6 inches in width.

Unlike competitors such as the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or the Honda Passport, which are shortened versions of their 3-row counterparts, the CX-70 was not shortened. Mazda essentially removed the third row from the CX-90 manufacturing line to create the CX-70. This means you do not gain any maneuverability or parking ease by choosing the 2-row model.

Exterior Styling: Sport vs. Luxury

Since the sheet metal is identical, Mazda differentiates the two models through cosmetic styling packages.

  • Mazda CX-90: This model leans toward traditional luxury. It features chrome accents around the window frames, chrome on the lower bumpers, and a front grille with vertical slats.
  • Mazda CX-70: This model targets a younger, sportier demographic. It swaps the chrome for blacked-out accents on the door handles, mirrors, and roof rails. The front bumper is more aggressive with larger faux vents, and the grille uses a black honeycomb mesh pattern instead of vertical slats.

If you prefer the “black optic” look common on German performance SUVs, the CX-70 delivers that style straight from the factory.

Interior and Cargo: Where the Real Difference Lies

The interior represents the only functional difference between the two vehicles.

Seating Configuration

The CX-90 offers flexibility. You can configure it for six, seven, or eight passengers depending on whether you choose captain’s chairs or bench seats for the second and third rows.

The CX-70 is strictly a five-passenger vehicle. It retains the second row but eliminates the third row entirely.

The Sub-Trunk Advantage

Because the CX-70 does not need to house folded-down seats in the floor, it gains a significant “sub-trunk.” This is a compartmentalized storage area hidden beneath the rear cargo floor. It is out of sight and perfect for storing valuables, emergency kits, or groceries that you do not want rolling around.

The CX-90 has a small storage bin under the floor, but the folded third-row seats occupy most of that space.

Cargo Volume

On paper, the cargo space is nearly identical when the seats are folded flat.

  • CX-70: Offers roughly 75.3 cubic feet of total cargo space behind the first row.
  • CX-90: Offers roughly 75.2 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded.

The advantage of the CX-70 is not total volume but convenience. You do not have to wrestle with folding down headrests or pulling straps to flatten a third row. You simply open the hatch, and the massive cargo bay is ready.

Powertrain Options

Both vehicles use the exact same powertrains. There is no performance penalty or gain by choosing one over the other.

  1. 3.3L Inline-6 Turbo: The standard engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
  2. 3.3L Inline-6 Turbo S: The high-output version bumps power to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel).
  3. PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): A 2.5L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor produces 323 horsepower combined and offers roughly 26 miles of electric-only driving range.

The Pricing Paradox

This is where the decision becomes difficult. Logic suggests the 2-row model should be cheaper than the 3-row model. However, Mazda has positioned the CX-70 as a premium lifestyle vehicle rather than a budget alternative.

  • The Entry Price: The CX-90 is actually cheaper to start. It offers a base “Select” trim level that starts around $37,845. The CX-70 skips the base trim and starts at the “Preferred” level, with an MSRP around $40,445.
  • Trim-for-Trim Parity: When you compare equal trim levels (e.g., a CX-70 Turbo Premium vs. a CX-90 Turbo Premium), the prices are often identical or within a few hundred dollars of each other.

Buying the CX-70 means you are paying the same amount of money for fewer seats.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

The decision comes down to how much you value aesthetics over utility.

Buy the Mazda CX-70 if:

  • You absolutely never use a third row and dislike the visual clutter of folded seats.
  • You prefer the blacked-out, sporty exterior styling over chrome.
  • You want the hidden under-floor storage compartments for better cargo organization.
  • You want the “Red Nappa Leather” interior option, which is currently exclusive to the CX-70.

Buy the Mazda CX-90 if:

  • You want the option of carrying extra passengers, even if it is rare.
  • You are looking for the lowest possible entry price (the CX-90 Select trim).
  • You care about resale value. A 3-row SUV generally appeals to a wider market of families than a 2-row SUV of the exact same size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CX-70 have more legroom than the CX-90? No. The first and second-row legroom dimensions are identical in both vehicles. The CX-70 does not slide the second row back to create a limousine-like experience; the seats are in the same position as they are in the CX-90.

Is the CX-70 faster than the CX-90? No. Since they share the same engines, transmissions, and curb weights (within a margin of roughly 50-100 lbs), the acceleration and handling are virtually indistinguishable.

Can I add a third row to a CX-70 later? No. While the chassis is the same, the interior trim panels, seat belts, and mounting points for the third row are not installed in the CX-70.

Does the CX-70 replace the CX-5 or CX-50? No. The CX-70 is a mid-size SUV. The CX-5 and CX-50 are compact SUVs. The CX-70 is significantly larger and more expensive than both of those models.