{"id":3868,"date":"2026-01-06T04:02:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T12:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/max2voyages.com\/?p=3868"},"modified":"2026-01-06T04:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T12:02:32","slug":"how-mazdas-upmarket-efforts-are-and-arent-paying-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/?p=3868","title":{"rendered":"How Mazda\u2019s Upmarket Efforts Are\u2014and Aren\u2019t\u2014Paying Off"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

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\u2019s long leaned into its sporty, enthusiast-driven roots, this shift didn\u2019t require a U-turn\u2014but it did mean recalibrating priorities. Performance would still matter, but now the spotlight was on crafting a more premium cabin experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Enter the 2025 Mazda CX-70<\/u>. 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<\/u> 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\u2019ve played chauffeur to plenty of friends and family\u2014many of whom hadn\u2019t been in a Mazda in years. To our surprise, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. \u201cThis is a Mazda?\u201d was a frequent refrain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So, are Mazda\u2019s luxury ambitions paying off? Let\u2019s dive into what we like\u2014and don\u2019t\u2014about the 2025 Mazda CX-70\u2019s cabin.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We Like: All the Space<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sharing its bones with the larger CX-90 gives the CX-70 a roomy edge. Whether you\u2019re sitting up front or in the back, there’s a sense of openness throughout the cabin. Even with five adults on board, we\u2019ve never heard a second-row passenger ask the person ahead to scoot their seat forward. That alone is worth applause.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
[data-ids=CardContent]_[data-card-title]]:underline flex-col gap-2″><\/p>\n
\n
\"022<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cargo space is also a highlight. On a recent road trip from Texas to California<\/u>, we folded the second row flat and loaded two bookshelves, several boxes, and a few suitcases. It all fit\u2014with 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\u2019re glad for all that extra space.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We Don\u2019t Like: Infotainment System<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Going premium should mean better tech\u2014easy 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\u2019t always adjust correctly, and sometimes we\u2019re left staring at a loading screen longer than we\u2019d like.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
[data-ids=CardContent]_[data-card-title]]:underline flex-col gap-2″><\/p>\n
\n
\"018<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We Like: Attention to Detail<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is where Mazda is really putting in the work. The CX-70\u2019s interior may not scream \u201cluxury\u201d in the traditional sense, but it whispers \u201cI care.\u201d Subtle touches\u2014like the stitching and trim that echo the Zircon Sand Metallic exterior\u2014show Mazda\u2019s attention to design detail. These details help break up the otherwise all-black cabin and add a splash of personality. It\u2019s the kind of thing that might not be immediately obvious, but once you notice, you appreciate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
[data-ids=CardContent]_[data-card-title]]:underline flex-col gap-2″><\/p>\n
\n
\"016<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


<\/h2>\n

We Like: The Overall Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One thing\u2019s clear: The CX-70 makes a strong first impression. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the leather-wrapped dash, the clean, elegant lines\u2014it 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 \u201cpremium-adjacent\u201d than truly luxurious. It doesn\u2019t quite match the wow factor of cabins from Lincoln or Genesis, which have gone all in on interior flair.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Case in point: We recently spent time in the new 2025 Nissan Murano<\/u>. While Nissan isn\u2019t aiming for luxury status, the Murano\u2019s cabin felt just as nice<\/u>, if not nicer in some areas. That\u2019s a bit of a warning sign for Mazda, given the CX-70\u2019s aspirations.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
[data-ids=CardContent]_[data-card-title]]:underline flex-col gap-2″><\/p>\n
\n
\"005<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


<\/h2>\n

We Don\u2019t Like: The Price Tag<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Our test vehicle is the Turbo S Premium trim\u2014just one rung below the top\u2014and it\u2019s well equipped. But that equipment comes at a price: $56,120. That\u2019s a hefty chunk of change, and although it undercuts true luxury rivals, it doesn\u2019t quite offer the same sense of occasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For comparison, a fully loaded Nissan Murano Platinum rings in a grand lower and comes with features the CX-70 lacks\u2014like massaging seats. The Mazda offers more space and better driving dynamics, but if value is a top priority, this isn’t where the CX-70 shines brightest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mazda\u2019s push upmarket is ambitious, and the CX-70 is proof the brand is heading in the right direction. There\u2019s real effort here\u2014in the design, in the materials, and in the way the CX-70 feels on the road. But this SUV is still finding its footing between mainstream and luxury. For buyers who value space, style, and a touch of sophistication (and who aren\u2019t looking for cutting-edge tech or full-blown luxury), the CX-70 might be a perfect fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Just be ready for a few quirks\u2014and keep your massage seat dreams on hold.\u00a0<\/p>\n

More on our 2025 Mazda CX-70 Long-Termer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • 2025 Mazda CX-70 Long-Term Arrival: A Better Five-Seater Turbo?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
    • Going Cross Country in Comfort and Style in Our 2025 Mazda CX-70<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
      • Our Long-Term 2025 Mazda CX-70 Has Been Great. Except For This.<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
        \n
        \n
        [data-ids=CardContent]_[data-card-title]]:underline flex-col gap-2″><\/p>\n
        \n
        \"012<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        A few years back, Mazda made a bold move: It decided to go upmarket. That meant stepping away<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[154],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interior-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3868\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}