BEST ENGINEERED PHEV SUV // 2025 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV // ENGINEER'S REVIEW

[@1lorett1]

I loved your review. Solidified that I made a great choice. Just picked up my CX70 PHEV Premium plug-in Hybrid on Black Friday and love it so much!

[@farcinue]

I’m a big fan of Mazda. After owning three Hondas in my lifetime, I have to say that my Mazda is a step above in driving and feel, while also maintaining stellar reliability.

[@stevewise1656]

Do you own a Mazda with a turbo? I ask because two of my local Mazda service guys told me the four cylinders are very reliable, though recommended I not buy a turbo. They said the turbos have lots of issues. We needed the power of the turbo, so we moved on. I used to be a Honda and Acura guy myself (two Acuras and two Hondas), though the interiors were too loud.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@stevewise1656 I do believe that Mazda’s 2.5L Turbo I4 is the subject of a class-action lawsuit right now, so listen to what those guys are saying!

[@stevewise1656]

@@DeeEllEff Thanks for letting me know! I'll bet they'll have the same problems with their newer six cylinder Turbos in the CX90.

[@know916bound]

​@@DeeEllEffI believe the attorney they had for that case gave up. It was more like just 4 loud cx9 owners trying to blame every mazda turbo. And most engines with turbos will be more maintenance heavy, but statistically mazda turbos make it to high mileage (150k+) on average with minimal effort.

[@DeeEllEff]

I’d like to introduce myself: I’m a career technical writer/editor who’s interviewed thousands of engineers like you over my 32+ years publishing documentation & training manuals across many industries, incl. for automotive manufacturing & componentry. In fact, I reviewed quite a few vehicles in print earlier in my journalism career. You gave a good, lucid look at the CX-70, and provided clear logic behind your likes/dislikes. I admit to sharing quite a few of your takes on both sides! So you may be interested to know I’m awaiting arrival of my CX-70 PHEV Premium trim, special-ordered from Japan to get the exclusive new-for-2025 Melting Copper Metallic color, with a Greige (GREy-beIGE) leather interior instead of an ubiquitous black Nappa leather one. I should be taking delivery the end of next week or early the following one. I’ll be sure to show a pic of it when I get it!

[@seumasmackinlay]

My understanding of why Mazda eliminated or reduced the touchscreen functionality was to keep the driver looking at the road and not poking at the screen while driving… 🧐

[@markcoopers1930]

And naturally, drivers are upset and insist that that's not a problem. Many even say they drive better when their eyes are off the road 😂

[@wyw201]

Or simply supply chain management. All the Mazdas for the Chinese market comes with giant touchscreens.

[@GooseVan]

@@markcoopers1930 I have CX-90 without touch screen and other cars with touch screen, I can tell you it takes less time for your eyes off the road when you operate CarPlay through touch screen.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@wyw201 I’ve heard of giant touchscreens coming outta China.

[@DeeEllEff]

After all, that’s what our phones on the wireless charging pad are for! 🤣

[@Driving997]

Beautiful car and engineering

[@johndiaz7240]

👍, Excellent review as always

[@jamespatrickmercier4798]

I have this exact model and its is excellent

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I still really wish Mazda brought over the CX-60 instead. The 70/90 are way too large. However more than any of this, I wish Mazda would make a hybrid CX-30 and hybrid Mazda 3 already with 200 HP and 45 MPG. Even if they have to borrow from Toyota...

[@DK-wr9nd]

Not a single person wanted the cx-70 as it is now haha

[@Unchainedmaple888]

@@DK-wr9nd Mazda USA did apparently

[@farcinue]

I’m hoping they have plans to bring the cx60 over as the next generation cx5.

[@zhila5958]

There is a CX-60 variant in some markets with the 2.5L naturally aspirated tried and true stout unit that mazda has been utilizing for a while. i think that would be ideal for a base variant CX-60 have they decided to bring that over.

[@Drg24800]

They will be borrowing from Toyota for their upcoming CX-50 hybrid. It’s going to share the same hybrid as the RAV4. But the CX-5 will get Mazda’s own hybrid system since it’s built in Japan

[@DanDblU]

Thanks for the great review! I've currently got an MX5 ND, my 1st car was an RX2, but I also had a 1st Gen RX7. I'm seriously considering a CX70 PHEV thanks to your review :)

[@robertwilliam9558]

David, excellent review.

[@terrafirma8813]

My ‘17 CX-5 was built in Japan, but they now manufacture it in the States. Also my touchscreen is active for most functions while driving, but they may have disabled those in later versions. No VCM either for the 2017 model and I’m thankful for that. I’ll take the lesser 1 mpg gladly! Zero recalls. Overall a very problem-free and low maintenance vehicle.

[@tomg.5066]

Thanks for the video!

[@danielfeldman7913]

Great video! What country are you in? I am curious because here in the US, we can't get the PHEV with body colored door handles and wheel arches. Only only on the Turbo S can we, which is too bad...

[@blissfuljoy6049]

That color is gorgeous. I'm worried about the issues and not sure if these are large and comfortable enough for I'm looking for but who knows.

[@bunmeng007]

It's interesting to see the difference between the thoughts of a mechanic and that of an engineer

[@digressor]

Watch The Car Care Nut’s review of the CX-90 as a mechanic. He said a lot of not good things with this car, especially how Mazda made the engine too complicated. "Built in Japan" doesn’t automatically mean it’s always great. Actually, I feel like they glorify it too much…

[@pazicjr]

​​@@digressorDavid mentioned that in another video. Pulling the engine to change the timing chain shouldn't be an issue until by the 7-8 year mark. Also, someone else mentioned that his Toyota's engine had to be pulled out earlier than that for something else. So Toyota is not immune to that problem. Really any car will have its issues especially if not properly maintained.

[@xsej4223]

​@@digressorstill wonder why ccn never review the tundra's engine failure.. since he hates cx 90,, it means he does not know how to fix it.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, I am impressed by that colour. 🤩

[@mrdimgaming]

Can you set pre-heat/cool based on the week day and time schedule like Mitsu PHEV?

[@EKH31763]

I love the dial Knob of mg cx 90 and cx50 Make sense and focus on the driving

[@18DKP]

Curious about the drive pf the PHEV at highway speeds when the battery runs out? How is pick-up and acceleration at those speeds when it runs on the gas engine?

[@MetikalMan]

I’m dying without Mazda producing a Mazda7 lift back sedan to rival the 4 series with a 350hp inline 6.

[@omarpiza]

Hi I have a 2014 Scion xB With 101,000 miles; I want to keep it for a long long time,any recommendations? Thanks for your advice and time.

[@adamsbaiti7710]

Thoughts on the cx-50?

[@VikingLacrosse]

Now that some additional time has passed since the CX-90 hit the market, I’m becoming seriously concerned about this vehicle’s long-term reliability. After spending time on the subreddit for the CX-90, I’ve seen numerous posts from owners reporting significant issues-particularly with the hybrid battery system. These seem to be recurring problems that haven’t been fully addressed. To add to this, Consumer Reports recently updated their predicted reliability rating for the CX-90 PHEV, dropping it drastically from around 40/100 down to 15/100, which is a major red flag for me. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on these developments. Do you think these issues are isolated, or could they be indicative of larger reliability concerns for the CX-90? As someone who’s seriously considering their next car, your perspective would mean a lot.

[@JoelFountain]

Can you compare it to the Outlander PHEV ?

[@digressor]

I really thought that the CX-90/70 is a great 3-row crossover until I saw The Car Care Nut’s review of it.

[@xsej4223]

That guy trashed that car on his review. All prediction and criticism. Theres no perfect car for him. Hes so annoyed with the shifter like the car is not driveable.. crying about the timing chain at the back that almost no need for replacement. Lots of false information like the car wallows,, but the truth is, it is one of the best handling large suv... he talks like he knows better than the engineers

[@Mike-bi7kb]

I bought a Alfa Romeo Sprint PHEV ( not the more expensive Veloce ) over the Mazda CX-70. Handles exceptionally, looks a lot better, more comfortable to drive, still gets decent electrical range and mileage, and fits in my garage ( where the CX-70 would not ).

[@kennethtarlow]

???? I owned a recent model CX-5 take it from an Engineer, Tight tolerances great until stresses on the body due to dynamic loading may cause panels or inserts to pop because the tight tolerances in areas where differential movement occurs. I learned this very early in my ownership. The subsequent damage was not covered by warranty.

[@Marks.Reviews]

In Australia we pronounce Mazda the way you do. Maybe it’s because of our British colonial past and the way we pronounce the valves letters. I have heard with plug ins, that when you suddenly want a lot of power the engine turns on, and then you’re racing a stone cold engine. Which is not good for the engine. Is that true, and is there a way to prevent the engine turning on so you’re not revving high a stone cold engine?

[@DrT1250]

Ummm... The driver controls that.

[@tblack21]

Nice SUV. Waited for its release to buy it buy it for the wife but it was just too big.

[@chefboyartty]

if they put the hybrid engine from the Highlander in the CX-70 / CX-90 like they are going to do with the CX-50..... Mazda is going to capture a lot of the high end Lexus, Audi, BMW SUV market

[@xsej4223]

Then it wont drive like a mazda.

[@aristonaquino175]

I love mazda

[@silvervuong4135]

Is it better than Rav4 Prime? I heard you said it is the best. How is the power? Rav4 Prime is quite quick of accelerating. And how fuel efficiency of CX70? I have not heard anything about that. I want to get one, but my aunt said her Prime is extraordinary. Probably I end up getting Prime, plus the design is better and have option two tone color from Toyota house.❤

[@alliejr]

The interior of the Prime is embarrassingly cheap and plastic-ey.

[@patricksoon85]

I'm very surprised that David would consider this "better engineered" than the Rav4 Prime. My 2023 gets 50 miles (80km!) of EV range. And yesterday after the EV range ran out, it averaged over 50 MPG in bumper to bumper traffic. There's not a single vehicle plugin hybrid SUV on the market today that can achieve these kinds of numbers. The CX70 gets 26 miles of EV range by comparison.

[@Josh_Loves_To_Shred]

The CX 70 PHEV is going to average about 22 mpg with mixed driving and the electric range will get you about 24 - 26 miles per charge. We bought ours last week and absolutely love it. The Rav4 Prime is a great car as well, we just needed something bigger to fit our large dogs. No other plug-in hybrid competes with the amount of space behind the second row (we didn't want a three row SUV). Or at least not that I'm aware of. Also, the interior is much more refined than many other options.

[@MrRaitzi]

Prime has better range and heat pump. CX70 is bigger and better looking but core techlogy is not on par with Toyota.

[@thinwig]

Unrelated but I just thought about it. Is it possible that the LC300 could still come to America and that’s why the Land Cruiser Prado we get is less equipped than the actual one? I don’t see why they brought that gr Land Cruiser here a year ago for no reason.

[@talpolano4549]

Yeah they will have sales on this but will it help to be a profitable for their company? With the onslaught same price-quality or even the lesser one ev and the inexpensive Chinese phev but at par quality??

[@DK-wr9nd]

My cx-5 is kind of getting old, and I am waiting to see how they make their in-house regular hybrid. However, sizing of cx-70 is a bit awkward and not sure who they are targeting.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@DK-wr9nd Me. 2015 CX-5 owner here, and they were targeting me!😉

[@Molishious]

I was a little concerned with reliability with a complicated PHEV but I figured Toyota has a lot of experience and so far so good with my 21 Rav4 prime. Mazda is newer at it so that would concern me. The Lexus Tx 550h + has 33 miles of range similar efficiency, same size, and more horsepower but it more expensive. Hyundai Santa Fe is cheaper has better mpg, a regular transmission is a foot smaller and has less horsepower. There’s also the cx 90 for more money and a lot more horsepower. The CX 70 is alone in terms of price and specs, so it has its own niche but I wouldn’t pick it based on engineering because there is competition in the phev world with more experience.

[@Drg24800]

The Car Care Nut says that he prefers the PHEV since it’s simpler than the inline six. It does have a couple kinks Mazda needs to fix but it’s simpler than the I6

[@silluete]

Even Toyota now work together with BYD to bring their battery and DM-i tech.

[@patricksoon85]

Dissenting opinion: My 2023 Rav4 Prime gets 50 miles (80km!) of EV range. And yesterday after the EV range ran out, it averaged over 50 MPG in bumper to bumper traffic. There's not another plugin hybrid SUV on the market today that can achieve these kinds of numbers. The CX70 gets 26 miles of EV range by comparison (half as much!). Yes, Mazda has a higher quality and more modern interior and exterior (I don't think we can deny that), but the RAV4 Prime still looks good and has plenty of upgrades including wireless apply carplay, android auto, 360 camera, ventilated and heated seats, safety tech, panoramic sunroof, etc. IMO, the hybrid engine transmission of the Rav4 Prime should be enough to qualify it as the best engineered PHEV SUV on sale right now. It's the whole point of getting a PHEV SUV. If you want luxury or performance, go full gas and get a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes SUV. You might even save money by doing that too.

[@bill7481]

You are absolutely right, even though I would pick the Mazda, as I prefer its design, inside and out; it looks special.

[@victormoreno2767]

RAV4 needs a redesign, it is a very functional and reliable vehicle, but looking at it is not something would make happy to see everytime I am jumping on it to drive.

[@patricksoon85]

@@victormoreno2767 Interesting. To each their own. I love the way my RAV4 Prime looks. It looks different from other RAV4s and still a lot better than the NX450h+. Bigger too.

[@bill7481]

@@victormoreno2767 Toyota certainly isn’t one of the few companies that care to build something beautiful; they are all about function and reliability. Having said that, though, the upcoming Signia looks really good! I share your perspective that the vehicle that I drive needs to be visually appealing. Cars are too expensive a purchase for me not to enjoy what I am seeing.

[@1375soroush]

At 2:47, it says wrong information about Toyota’s manufacturing in North America. Toyota Rav4 Prime, a PHEV and Mazda CX-70’s rival, is also built in Japan. Also, Mazda’s PHEVs do not have anything to say about EV range. RAV4 Prime’s EV range is twice the CX-70's. In terms of economy and performance, RAV4 Prime wins compared to CX-70. CX-70 has better looks, and that’s all.

[@MrRaitzi]

Mazda does not even have heat pump which means much worse winter usability.

[@lewisreford8552]

@@MrRaitzi Heat pump matters in a BEV but in a PHEV, the ICE should provide plenty of waste heat for the cabin in winter

[@MrRaitzi]

@@lewisreford8552 of course but you are not saving fuel then. I can use Rav4 heat pump until -15C(22.5F)and in winter and drive electric.

[@djmortal3]

The RAV4 is so much smaller tho

I've always admired Mazda as a company because they do things differently to the rest of the bunch that churn out boring appliances. We currently have a '22 BMW X3 and we're seriously considering the CX70 when our lease is up early next year. Test drove the in-line six turbo at our local Mazda dealership and here are our findings... It drives brilliantly. Corners flat with great steering feedback. The suspension is compliant without bobbing like a Toyota and not too firm like some BMWs. The interior at first impression looks and feels great... BUT the door grab handles and seat controls feel really cheap with a lot of plastic flex. Walking up to the car and opening the door, the doors feel and sound incredibly hollow and tinny. The door handle makes a nasty cheap sound when it comes in contact with the body. Open or Shut the door, you do not get that solid thunk sound. My theory is while Mazda prides itself on fantastic paint finish and low tolerance panel gaps.. they've had to use thinner sheet metal to achieve that kind of desired effect. It would be harder to bend thicker sheet metal or have sub 3mm shut lines. I invite you and your viewers to test it out. Check out a Mazda CX70/90 and just tap on the doors and then go do the same on a BMW or any German brand and you'll notice the difference. Not a BMW fanboy but merely stating the obvious. After all, at the launch in Palm Spring, California, Mazda had the BMW X5, Lexus RX and the Jeep Grand Cherokee for comparison. I really wanted to like the CX70 but something just doesn't sit well

[@Drg24800]

My dad’s Mazda is the same way with the door handles. Cheap feeling but still love Mazda.

[@europec2082]

can I get the car for half off?

[@europana7]

Meh ... direct injection only. I didn't care about zebra effect or panel gap, i want reliability.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

Agree to disagree. I think the Mitsubishi Outlander is the better PHEV in terms of technology and reliability. Mazda might be more luxurious, better in gaps, paint, etc. but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is great vehicle and if you consider pricing, it's a much better alternative.

[@Drg24800]

The only downside to the Outlander is the lack of dealerships

[@smok3sho587]

Bro said better reliability

[@djmortal3]

It’s also not as fun to drive and smaller