- Mazda just revealed the new CX-90, which will share a platform, a new longitudinally mounted inline-six, and a plug-in-hybrid setup with the upcoming CX-70.
- We don’t expect much about the turbocharged six-cylinder changing for the CX-70, meaning the smaller crossover should retain its 340-hp output.
- The CX-70 may also receive the CX-90’s plug-in hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 17.8-kWh battery, which made its debut in the Europe-only CX-60, pictured here, last year.
The Mazda CX-90 represents the first of two US-bound crossovers to ride on the Japanese automaker’s new longitudinal engine platform, part of Mazda’s push into the more premium market space. Using a new 3.3 liter inline-six, the seven-seater CX-90 will be followed by a five-seater called the CX-70. The launch of the CX-90 provides a clearer picture of what to expect from the upcoming CX-70, giving a taste of Mazda’s new styling direction and revealing details about the automaker’s latest powertrain.
While the CX-90 effectively replaces the aging CX-9, the CX-70 will occupy a space in Mazda’s lineup that has been vacant since the demise of the CX-7 in 2012. Sitting above the compact CX-50, the CX-70 will share its platform and powertrain. with the larger CX-90. It will be a two-row mid-size crossover that will aim to compete with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Passport while also encroaching on the more luxurious territory where SUVs like the Lexus RX reside.
The CX-70’s styling should mimic that of the CX-60 (pictured), a closely related SUV for the European market. Like the CX-90, it should have a sculpted front end and lots of chrome. The CX-70 will have wider bodywork than its European counterpart, as will the US-bound CX-90 compared to its global equivalent, the CX-80. The CX-70’s longitudinal engine configuration should carry the same long hood and upscale proportions as we can see on the CX-90, and its wider US-specific bodywork should help mitigate some of the CX-60’s gawkier angles.
The CX-70 will likely offer the same powertrain as the CX-90, with the former being a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six that delivers 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That production requires premium fuel—the downgrade to 89-octane gas corresponds to a drop in power, but Mazda hasn’t said how severe the hit will be. The powertrain also has a 48-volt hybrid system, with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. We expect all CX-70s to be all-wheel drive.
The CX-70 can also offer the CX-90 plug-in-hybrid setup that combines the 2.5-liter inline-four from the CX-5 with an electric motor located between the engine and a new eight-speed gearbox (which also goes with the inline-six). Combined output is rated at 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery providing 39 miles of electric range on the more optimistic European WLTP test (EPA estimates not yet available).
We’re still not sure if the hybrid will be positioned above or below the six-cylinder powertrain when it comes to pricing. Europe gets a 3.3-liter diesel and a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six that uses variable compression, but we don’t expect these motors to come to the US
The CX-70 is expected to debut later this year and should start around $38,000. Our first drive of the CX-60 showed a well-equipped, high-quality cabin and Mazda’s typically sharp handling, even if the plug-in powertrain proved somewhat imperfect. But the inline six borrowed from the CX-90 should help bring some extra poise to go along with the handling prowess when we get our first taste of the CX-70 later in 2023.
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