A few years back, Mazda made a bold move: It decided to go upmarket. That meant stepping away from the likes of Honda and Toyota and inching closer to Acura and Lexus territory. Not exactly a cakewalk. For a brand that’s long leaned into its sporty, enthusiast-driven roots, this shift didn’t require a U-turn—but it did mean recalibrating priorities. Performance would still matter, but now the spotlight was on crafting a more premium cabin experience.
Enter the 2025 Mazda CX-70. This two-row SUV is one of the first vehicles born from that new mindset. It shares its dimensions and interior with the three-row CX-90 but ditches the third row in favor of extra cargo space. We’ve had our yearlong review CX-70 for about six months now, and during that time, we’ve played chauffeur to plenty of friends and family—many of whom hadn’t been in a Mazda in years. To our surprise, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “This is a Mazda?” was a frequent refrain.
So, are Mazda’s luxury ambitions paying off? Let’s dive into what we like—and don’t—about the 2025 Mazda CX-70’s cabin.
We Like: All the Space
Sharing its bones with the larger CX-90 gives the CX-70 a roomy edge. Whether you’re sitting up front or in the back, there’s a sense of openness throughout the cabin. Even with five adults on board, we’ve never heard a second-row passenger ask the person ahead to scoot their seat forward. That alone is worth applause.
Cargo space is also a highlight. On a recent road trip from Texas to California, we folded the second row flat and loaded two bookshelves, several boxes, and a few suitcases. It all fit—with room to spare. Sure, the CX-70 is a big vehicle and can be a bit unwieldy in tight parking lots, but most of the time, we’re glad for all that extra space.
We Don’t Like: Infotainment System
Going premium should mean better tech—easy to use, glitch-free, and capable of keeping up with modern expectations. Unfortunately, Mazda fumbles here. While the interface is fairly straightforward and menus are intuitive, something as simple as selecting a saved driver profile can turn into a mini wrestling match. Settings for seat position, mirrors, and the steering wheel don’t always adjust correctly, and sometimes we’re left staring at a loading screen longer than we’d like.
That said, there are bright spots. Wireless Apple CarPlay generally connects without fuss, and Amazon Alexa is handy for simple voice commands (like adjusting the cabin temperature or playing music). Still, if Mazda wants to play in the big leagues, this system needs to level up.
We Like: Attention to Detail
This is where Mazda is really putting in the work. The CX-70’s interior may not scream “luxury” in the traditional sense, but it whispers “I care.” Subtle touches—like the stitching and trim that echo the Zircon Sand Metallic exterior—show Mazda’s attention to design detail. These details help break up the otherwise all-black cabin and add a splash of personality. It’s the kind of thing that might not be immediately obvious, but once you notice, you appreciate.
We Like: The Overall Design
One thing’s clear: The CX-70 makes a strong first impression. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the leather-wrapped dash, the clean, elegant lines—it all looks and feels upscale. Passengers often comment on how nice it feels inside. And we agree. However, after months of daily driving, the interior does start to feel more “premium-adjacent” than truly luxurious. It doesn’t quite match the wow factor of cabins from Lincoln or Genesis, which have gone all in on interior flair.
Case in point: We recently spent time in the new 2025 Nissan Murano. While Nissan isn’t aiming for luxury status, the Murano’s cabin felt just as nice, if not nicer in some areas. That’s a bit of a warning sign for Mazda, given the CX-70’s aspirations.
