Mazda CX-70 or CX-90? How to Choose the Right Mazda SUV for Your Family

Picture a Saturday that starts with a tee time in La Quinta and ends with a sunset drive toward Joshua Tree. Now picture who’s riding along. That headcount is the key to the Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90 decision. These two SUVs share engines, all-wheel drive, and a premium feel, but the CX-90 offers three rows of seating while the CX-70 sticks with two. At Palm Springs Mazda, we help families sort this out every week, so here’s a simple guide to choosing the right one.

CX-70 vs. CX-90 at a Glance

Here are the headline differences and similarities, straight from Mazda’s specifications:

• Seating: CX-70 seats five in two rows; CX-90 seats seven or eight in three rows
• Engines: both offer a 280-hp 3.3L inline-six turbo, a 340-hp Turbo S, and a 323-hp plug-in hybrid
• Drivetrain: both come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive
• Towing: both can tow up to 5,000 pounds on select inline-six turbo trims
• Safety: Mazda reports both earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-Star NHTSA overall rating

Because so much is shared, the decision really comes down to space. If you want to see every trim side by side, start on our Mazda CX-90 page.

Seating and Cargo: Where the Two SUVs Differ Most

The CX-90: Room for the Whole Crew

The CX-90 seats up to eight with a second-row bench, or seven with available second-row captain’s chairs. Inline-six models include a 60/40-split third-row bench. Cargo space measures 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.

The CX-70: More Space for Gear

Without a third row, the CX-70 turns that area into cargo room. You get 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 75.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus underfloor storage. Golf bags, coolers, and luggage for a weekend getaway all fit with room to spare. Explore trims and options on our Mazda CX-70 page.

Power, Efficiency, and Towing

Both SUVs use the same lineup of powertrains. The 3.3L inline-six turbo pairs with a 48V mild-hybrid system to make 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the Turbo S and output climbs to as much as 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft with premium fuel. A plug-in hybrid version delivers 323 total system horsepower for drivers who want to use less gas around town.

Mazda rates the CX-70 3.3 Turbo at 24 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg, and the CX-90 inline-six turbo at 23 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg. Properly equipped inline-six turbo models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which covers a small boat, a pair of personal watercraft, or a compact camper for a weekend away.

Features That Make Sense in the Desert

• Standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, which sends power to the wheels that need it on gravel roads and windy days
• Mi-Drive modes on the CX-90, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes
• Available heated and ventilated front seats, with ventilated second-row seats on select CX-90 trims
• An available panoramic moonroof for mountain views around the valley
• Standard Vehicle Exit Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Smart Brake Support
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch center display on the CX-70

Ventilated seats can make a big difference when the summer sun has been beating down on a parked car. Ask our team which trims include them so you get the comfort features that matter most to you.

Five Questions to Ask Before You Decide

• How many people ride with you on a typical week, not just on holidays?
• Do you haul more passengers or more gear?
• Will you tow a boat, camper, or toy hauler?
• Would a plug-in hybrid fit your daily driving and home charging setup?
• Is a lightly used model worth considering? Our Mazda certified pre-owned inventory is a good place to compare.

Once you have your answers, our Mazda finance team can help you find a lease or loan that fits your budget. We also suggest bringing the whole family to the test drive, so everyone can try the back rows and you can load the cargo area with the gear you carry most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda CX-70 a three-row SUV?

No. The Mazda CX-70 has two rows and seats five. The Mazda CX-90 is the three-row option, seating up to eight with a second-row bench or seven with captain’s chairs.

Which has more cargo space, the Mazda CX-70 or CX-90?

The CX-70 has more space behind its rear seats, with 39.6 cubic feet versus 14.9 cubic feet behind the CX-90’s third row. With all rear seats folded, the CX-70 offers up to 75.3 cubic feet and the CX-90 offers 74.2 cubic feet.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Mazda CX-70 or CX-90?

They’re very close. Mazda rates the CX-70 3.3 Turbo at 24 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg, and the CX-90 inline-six turbo at 23 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg.

Do the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. Both SUVs come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive, which automatically sends power to the wheels with the most grip.

Where can I compare the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 near Palm Springs?

Visit Palm Springs Mazda at 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234, or call (760) 328-2102. We’re happy to line up both SUVs so you can drive them back to back.

Drive Both at Palm Springs Mazda

Choosing between the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 comes down to one question: do you need a third row? Pick the CX-90 for extra seats or the CX-70 for extra cargo room, and either way you get turbocharged power, standard all-wheel drive, and top safety ratings. Browse our new Mazda inventory to see what’s available, or stop by our Cathedral City showroom on East Palm Canyon Drive. Drivers from Palm Desert and across the Coachella Valley are always welcome.