2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus , including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Alright, let's have a real talk. For over 40 years, I’ve seen automakers make a lot of promises, especially when they start talking about "near-luxury." It's a tricky space, a balancing act between giving you the features you want and keeping the price from spiraling into territory that makes your wallet sweat. So when Mazda invited me to get a close-up look at their brand-new 2026 CX-70, I walked in with a healthy dose of skepticism. We see a lot of these two-row crossovers aimed at families, but most of them are just playing the hits. Mazda, it turns out, decided to write a whole new song. This isn't just another SUV; it's a statement for the family that’s ready to upgrade to something that feels special, something that says you've arrived without having to shout about it.

I need to be clear upfront: this was a static walkaround at a media event. I haven't had the chance to get this one out on the road yet to see how it feels when the rubber meets the asphalt. But I did get to spend quality time with it—opening the doors, feeling the materials, sitting in every seat, and digging through the technology. And what I saw tells me a whole lot about what you can expect when you walk into that dealership. The model they had on the floor was the top-of-the-line 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus, and let me tell you, that Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint is no joke. It has a depth that makes it look like it's still wet, and under the lights, it just pops. Paired with the big 21-inch machined alloy wheels, the CX-70 has a presence that’s both muscular and elegant. It looks expensive, but in a smart, tailored way, not a flashy, look-at-me way. It’s the kind of vehicle you can pull up in at the office, the school pickup line, or Sunday service and get that nod of approval.

The real story, the one that got my attention, starts when you look under the hood. Mazda put a 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine in this vehicle. Now, for those who don’t speak engine, an inline-six is the kind of smooth, powerful motor you typically find in high-end German sedans. It's a sign of serious engineering. In this S trim, it’s tuned to deliver a stout 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, as long as you’re feeding it premium gas. That’s real, usable power. That’s the kind of power that lets you merge onto a busy freeway in Gardena with confidence, without that feeling of the engine screaming for its life. Mazda also pairs it with their M Hybrid Boost system, a mild-hybrid setup that gives you a little extra shove off the line and helps keep things efficient, netting a respectable 25 miles per gallon combined. And for the family that does more than just commute, it’s rated to tow a solid 5,000 pounds. That’s enough for a decent-sized boat for a lake weekend or the U-Haul trailer when you’re helping family move.

Stepping inside is where the CX-70 really starts to make its case against the established luxury players. The model I examined had a gorgeous Tan Nappa leather interior that felt and smelled like it belonged in a vehicle costing $20,000 more. This isn't just leather on the seating surfaces; it's a full, immersive, premium environment. The driver and front passenger get heated and ventilated seats—a blessing whether you’re dealing with a cold winter morning in Camden or a sweltering summer afternoon. Mazda didn’t forget about the folks in the back, either; the second-row seats are heated, and so is the leather-wrapped steering wheel. These are the details that separate a basic car from a premium one. It’s a true five-seater, with plenty of legroom and shoulder room in the back for adults to sit comfortably, not just kids. The panoramic moonroof opens up the cabin, making it feel airy and spacious. This is a space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in, not just tolerate during traffic.

The technology is just as impressive and, more importantly, it's well-integrated. You get two big 12.3-inch screens—one for your gauges and one for the center infotainment display. The graphics are crisp and clean. Better yet, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. No more messing with cables to get your maps and music up on the screen; it just connects. They’ve also built Amazon Alexa right in, so you can use voice commands to control everything from the climate to your smart home devices before you even pull into the driveway. For the audiophiles, the Bose 12-speaker sound system provides rich, clear audio that fills the cabin. It’s a tech suite that feels modern and intuitive, not gimmicky or frustrating to use.

Of course, none of that matters if the vehicle can't protect the people you love. For a family, safety is non-negotiable, and Mazda loaded the CX-70 with a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features. You get the 360-degree View Monitor with a see-through view, which is a game-changer for parallel parking on a tight street or maneuvering in a crowded parking garage. You also get all the systems you’d expect, like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. But Mazda goes further. Cruising and Traffic Support is a semi-autonomous system that helps with steering, braking, and accelerating in heavy traffic, reducing driver fatigue on long commutes. There’s also a Driver Monitoring system that can detect if you’re getting drowsy and suggest a break. One of the smartest features for parents is the Rear Seat Alert, which reminds you to check the back seat before you exit the vehicle, ensuring no one—or nothing—gets left behind. It’s no surprise that Consumer Reports recently ranked Mazda as the "Safest New-Car Brand," and this vehicle is a testament to that commitment.

So, let's get down to the bottom line. This fully-loaded 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus model comes with an MSRP of $59,685. Yes, that’s a serious number. But you have to look at it in context. For that price, you are getting a vehicle with a powerful and sophisticated inline-six engine, standard all-wheel drive, a genuine Nappa leather interior, and a full suite of cutting-edge safety and convenience technology. Start adding those features to a comparable SUV from Acura, Lexus, or one of the German brands, and you’ll find their price tags climbing well past this mark. Mazda is backing it up with a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance, which shows they believe in the quality of what they've built.

My verdict? Based on this up-close-and-personal static review, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is a definite Buy. It’s for the young family that's worked hard and is ready for a vehicle that reflects their success with substance and style. It’s for the person who appreciates fine engineering and premium materials but doesn't feel the need to pay for a badge. It has the practicality for the daily grind, the capability for weekend adventures, and the premium feel for a night out on the town. While a final decision should always include a test drive, from everything I’ve seen, touched, and experienced, the CX-70 isn’t just playing in the near-luxury space—it’s here to redefine it.

The Bottom Line

Buy it if you are a young family ready for a vehicle that reflects success with substance and style, or if you appreciate fine engineering and premium materials without paying for a badge. It offers practicality for daily use, capability for weekend adventures, and a premium feel for nights out, often at a lower price than comparable SUVs from Acura, Lexus, or German brands.

Best For

• Young families ready to upgrade to a special vehicle
• Buyers who appreciate fine engineering and premium materials
• People who want practicality for daily use and capability for weekend adventures
• Those seeking a premium feel without paying for a luxury badge

Skip It If

• You require a test drive before making a final decision

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