Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90: Which Mazda SUV Fits Your Family?

Shopping for a larger Mazda SUV? The Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90 decision is one of the most common questions we hear. The two share the same platform, powertrains, and standard all-wheel drive, so they feel closely related. The biggest difference is the cabin: the CX-70 is a two-row SUV with seating for five, while the CX-90 adds a third row for up to eight. At Santa Fe Mazda, we’ll walk you through how they compare so you can pick the one that fits your family.

The Big Difference: Two Rows vs. Three Rows

If you need to carry more than five people, the choice is simple. The CX-90 offers a third row, while the CX-70 does not. Here’s how their cabins compare:

Mazda CX-70

• Two rows with seating for five
• 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row
• Up to 75.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus underfloor storage

Mazda CX-90

• Three rows with seating for up to eight, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs
• 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row
• 40.0 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with both rear rows down

In other words, the CX-70 gives you more everyday cargo room behind its rear seats, while the CX-90 trades some of that space for extra seats. If you only need a third row a few times a year, the CX-70’s bigger cargo area may be the better fit. You can explore its trims on our Mazda CX-70 page.

Same Strong Powertrains and Standard All-Wheel Drive

Under the hood, the two SUVs are nearly identical. Both offer:

• A 3.3L inline-six turbo with a 48V mild-hybrid system, rated at 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque
• A 3.3L Turbo S version making up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel
• A plug-in hybrid option with 323 total system horsepower
• Standard i-Activ all-wheel drive
• Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds on select inline-six turbo trims with a Genuine Mazda hitch

Fuel economy is close, too. Mazda rates the CX-70 3.3 Turbo at 24 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg, while the CX-90 inline-six turbo earns 23 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg.

Standard all-wheel drive is a big plus in northern New Mexico. Whether you’re heading up to Ski Santa Fe after a snowstorm or driving to Los Alamos or Española on a winter morning, either SUV sends power to the wheels that need it most.

Technology and Safety in Both Models

Both SUVs come with the kind of tech and safety features families rely on. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Vehicle Exit Warning, which can alert passengers to approaching traffic before they open a door. The CX-70 features a 12.3-inch center display, and both models offer an available 360° View Monitor, Bose audio, and a panoramic moonroof.

The CX-90 adds a few family-friendly touches for its larger cabin. Select models include USB-C charging ports for second- and third-row passengers, and depending on the trim, heated or ventilated seats extend to the second row. That makes a real difference on cold mountain mornings and warm summer drives alike, especially when everyone is along for the ride.

Safety ratings are strong across the board. Mazda reports that both the CX-70 and CX-90 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-Star overall rating from NHTSA.

Which One Fits Your Family?

Choose the CX-90 If You:

• Regularly carry six or more people
• Drive in carpools or haul kids’ friends to practice
• Want the flexibility of an eight-seat bench or second-row captain’s chairs

Choose the CX-70 If You:

• Usually travel with four passengers or fewer
• Want more cargo space behind the rear seats for gear, pets, or luggage
• Prefer a two-row cabin with a sportier, more personal feel

Still deciding? See how the bigger three-row model fits your plans on our Mazda CX-90 page, then talk with our Mazda finance team about payment options. If you have a vehicle to trade, start with our trade-in value tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mazda CX-70 have a third row?

No. The Mazda CX-70 is a two-row SUV that seats five. If you need a third row, the Mazda CX-90 seats up to eight, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs.

Is the Mazda CX-90 bigger than the CX-70?

The CX-90 offers more seating with its third row, but the CX-70 has more cargo space behind its rear seats, at 39.6 cubic feet. With all rear seats folded, the CX-70 offers up to 75.3 cubic feet and the CX-90 offers 74.2 cubic feet.

Do the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 have the same engines?

Yes. Both offer a 3.3L inline-six turbo rated at 280 horsepower, a Turbo S version with up to 340 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid with 323 total system horsepower. Both come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive.

How much can the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 tow?

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds on select inline-six turbo trims when equipped with a Genuine Mazda hitch. Towing capacity must be reduced to account for passengers and cargo.

Where can I test drive the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 in Santa Fe?

Visit Santa Fe Mazda at 2704 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, or call 505-372-0621. We can set up back-to-back test drives so you can compare both SUVs.

Compare the CX-70 and CX-90 at Santa Fe Mazda

The Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90 choice comes down to how many seats your family needs. Both deliver strong turbocharged power, standard all-wheel drive, and top safety ratings, so you can’t go wrong. The easiest way to decide is to sit in both and load them up the way you would at home. Browse our new Mazda inventory, or stop by our Cerrillos Road showroom to drive them back to back. Whether you live in Santa Fe or nearby Eldorado, our team is ready to help.