5 SUVs the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Competes Against

Straddling the line between mainstream and premium puts the mid-sized Mazda in a unique spot.

Earlier today, Mazda revealed its latest SUV in the shape of the 2025 CX-70. Essentially a CX-90 with the third row ditched, the newest member of the family carries over the excellent mild-hybrid inline-six powertrain, as well as the plug-in hybrid option. As the largest two-row SUV Mazda builds, the CX-70 should offer up plenty of storage along with comfortable space for five people.

What does that put it up against? Here are the five vehicles we’ll be itching to line up beside the Mazda’s square jaw later this year:

Pros: Something for everyone, plenty of standard safety kit

Cons: Performance model is pricey, 350h and 450h use CVTs

Arguably the standard for premium two-row SUVs these days, the Lexus RX is a consummate all-rounder. The interior is high-quality and stylish, there’s good room in both rows, and now—with the latest TNGA platform underneath—it’s even a little bit of fun to drive. This is especially true of the hybrid 500h F Sport Performance, though we expect the CX-70 to slot in well below that pricey flagship model.

Pros: Rough and tumble attitude, capacious cargo hold

Cons: Feels old, drives old

Switching gears, the Honda Passport takes a similar approach to the CX-70: grab the brand’s largest SUV and chop the third row off, sacrificing all-out person-carrying capability for a better balance of cargo space. It also has unique styling versus its big brother—more so than the spot-the-differences Mazda approach.

The Passport does not match the Mazda on the premium feel, but we’ve put it here based on some speculation: a CX-70 Meridian, perhaps? Mazda debuted the adventure-ready trim on the smaller CX-50, and the CX-70 looks like a prime candidate for the sophomore offering. We already know it will match the Passport’s 5,000-pound towing rating, too.

Pros: Wide range of model options, off-road capability

Cons: Thirsty engines, luxury pricing

Landing somewhere between the other two on the mainstream/premium sliding scale is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. For years this has been the larger two-row sales champ, and it’s easy to see why: the GC blends serious off-road capability with a wide range of trims and powertrain options. Want a down-to-earth Laredo featuring the tried-and-true Pentastar V6? Done. A fancy-pants Summit Reserve with high-tech goodies like a passenger infotainment screen and night vision? Jeep’s got you—though you’ll need to upgrade to the three-row Grand Cherokee L to access the V8. The plug-in hybrid 4xe has spread across many of the trims now too, and is currently the only way to get the super-capable Trailhawk trim.

Pros: Does everything well, fun to drive

Cons: BMW pricing, Smaller

This will be the CX-70’s toughest competitor. The BMW X3 is to premium SUVs what the 3 Series has been for sport sedans for decades: the benchmark. Mazda’s recipe for its new two-row is very similar, mixing powerful turbocharged inline-six engine, eight-speed auto, and rear-biased all-wheel drive system together. From what we can tell so far, the CX-70 will have the space advantage, but can it match the X3’s creamy blend of luxury digs and engaging drive?

American buyers have a choice of turbo four- and six-cylinder engines, ranging all the way up to the wickedly quick, 503-horsepower X3 M. Canada offers a X3 PHEV too, though despite having a turbo, it’s a less powerful option (288 horsepower) than the existing Mazda PHEV powertrain (323 hp).

Pros: Different size/price offerings, CX-50 has Meridian Edition

Cons: CX-50 is smaller and front-drive based, CX-90 has a tight third row

We couldn’t miss a bit of sibling rivalry here. The CX-70 could be the best of both worlds, offering up the CX-90’s feel and powertrain in a layout closer related to the CX-50. On the other hand, it might be a sacrifice too far for some. Depending on pricing, the jump up to the CX-90 could be worth it if you believe you might need those extra seats from time to time. Conversely, maybe the savings the CX-50 affords its buyers is enough to entice them. Or they want what is currently the only Mazda Meridian Edition for their trail adventures. It will be interesting to see how much the CX-70 cannibalizing sales from within Mazda dealerships.

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