Comparing Mazda’s Hybrid Models: CX-90 PHEV vs. CX-70 PHEV

Those who know the history of the Mazda brand know all about its commitment to having a positive environmental impact. In fact, part of the company’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision is investing in next-generation technologies, including hybrid vehicles. For 2025, Mazda has made good on that promise, offering two hybrid options: the CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and the CX-70 PHEV. Let’s compare and contrast these exciting new Mazda hybrid models.

2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV vs. 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV: Overview

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV debuted along with the standard Mazda CX-90 for the 2024 model year. A replacement for the CX-9, the 2024 CX-90 took over as Mazda’s largest-capacity SUV, offering three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. For 2025, it maintains that size advantage with a few key updates to the interior and exterior styling that add to the value and utility of the CX-90 PHEV.

In contrast, the Mazda CX-70 PHEV is brand new for the 2025 model year. It is a two-row, five-seat mid-size SUV that offers the same features as the CX-90 PHEV. Like the CX-90, the 2025 CX-70 comes in a standard version as well as a plug-in hybrid option.

Exterior and Interior Design

When it comes to understanding the difference between Mazda’s two hybrid vehicles, the best place to start is their design. Although many of the functional features of the 2025 CX-90 PHEV and 2025 CX-70 PHEV are similar, the look of these vehicles, both inside and out, sets them apart.

Exterior Features

It doesn’t take a long look to notice that the CX-70 and CX-90 are built on the same wheelbase, making their exterior profiles very similar. Recognizing this similarity, Mazda decided to visually differentiate between the two models through its accents and coloring. The 2025 CX-90 PHEV sports the more traditional silver/chrome accents along spaces such as the roof rails and door handles, while the 2025 CX-70 PHEV is accented in black paired with a unique wheel design that makes the CX-70 stand out from its slightly older sibling.

Interior Features

Like all Mazda vehicles, the interiors of the CX-90 and CX-70 are among the biggest draws for many drivers. Outfitted with luxury touchpoints, including plush leather seats and steering wheels, both vehicles continue the Mazda tradition of offering a premium interior that leaps and bounds above others in its class.

The biggest and most noticeable difference between the 2025 CX-90 PHEV and 2025 CX-70 PHEV is also found in the interior. Because they are built on the same platform, but with a different maximum seating capacity, the interior configuration is different. Simply put, the CX-90 has a third row of seats, while the CX-70 has more cargo capacity.

Size and Dimensions

Interestingly, although there are fewer seats in the CX-70, Mazda chose to keep the second row in the same location as it did for the CX-90. As a result, the first-row seating dimensions for both vehicles are identical:

• First row headroom: 39.6 inches

• First row shoulder room: 57.2 inches

• First row hip room: 56.2 inches

• First row leg room: 41.7 inches

In comparison, the absence of a third row in the CX-70 PHEV means that there is more readily available cargo space, even though the grand total space is dead even. Specifically, with all seats up, the CX-90 includes only 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while the CX-70 offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. To get that kind of space in the CX-90, you will have to lay the third row flat. With second row seats down, both vehicles offer the same maximum cargo space, 75.2 cubic feet.

Powertrain and Performance

In terms of power and performance, Mazda decided to keep things simple between the 2025 CX-70 PHEV and 2025 CX-90 PHEV. They are essentially the same, and both are incredibly impressive.

Mazda’s Hybrid Engine Option

To date, Mazda only offers one hybrid engine option, available in both the CX-70 and CX-90. A combination in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine and 68-kW e-SKYACTIV® PHEV electric motor, it offers drivers a combined 323 horsepower (hp). In tests, this combination has proven to be quite effective, with both vehicles clocking in at 5.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph). In both cases, Mazda’s hybrid engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Fuel Range and Efficiency

Because they are plug-in hybrids, one of the biggest questions drivers have is regarding the range and efficiency of the vehicle. Again, this is an identical statistic between the CX-90 and the CX-70. A Level 1, 120V AC charger will take 6 hours and 40 minutes to charge the battery from 20% to 80%. With a Level 2, 240V charger, that time drops to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

As for fuel efficiency and range, both vehicles offer 25 mpg when running on their automatic transmissions. That number bumps up to 56 mpgE when using electricity, which offers a range of about 490 miles on a full charge.

Safety and Technology Features

Driver and passenger safety is another important cornerstone of the Mazda brand, and their choices for the CX-70 PHEV and CX-90 PHEV are no different. Although the new-to-market CX-70 has not received any safety designations so far, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation, the highest honor awarded by that institution. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2024 CX-90 PHEV a 5-star crash safety rating.

Safety Integration Features

Several top safety features included in all trim levels of both the Mazda CX-90 PHEV and the Mazda CX-70 PHEV promote safety and peace of mind. This includes standards such as dual front air bags as well as front side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection, dynamic stability control, and a rear monitor with available 360-degree view. Other safety features include blind spot monitoring, blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning system, and radar cruise control.

Visit DePaula to Find the Mazda Hybrid SUV for You

Mazda has put a lot of work into creating two fantastic hybrid vehicles that offer drivers choice and reliability. However, the best way to discover which Mazda hybrid is right for you is to experience them firsthand. Call DePaula Mazda today to schedule your test drive.