2026 Mazda CX-90 vs CX-70: Which Mazda SUV Is Right for You?
Any modern family vehicle must meet your and your family's transport needs and, ideally, fit your lifestyle and, of course, your household budget.
Fortunately for shoppers who want the most from their vehicle spend, Mazda's SUV lineup not only meets most families' needs but exceeds them with top-selling, stylish, thoroughly modern choices in all sizes.
Where do the CX-90 and CX-70 fit into Mazda’s SUV lineup?
These two midsize SUVs are the flagship models in Mazda’s latest family of SUVs and the largest SUV models that Mazda has on sale in the US.
Either way, buyers get Mazda's most advanced platform and powertrains, along with high levels of luxury and comfort features without breaking the bank.
Are the CX-90 and CX-70 the same size?
Yes, the Mazda CX-90 and the Mazda CX-70 are near-identical twins sharing the same exterior size and body dimensions, except for the CX-90’s ever-so-minute increased height thanks to its rooftop antenna.
Both models are 201.6 inches long and 84.9 inches wide, riding on a long wheelbase of 122.8 inches. The CX-90 stands up to 68.7 inches tall, and the CX-70 is around 68.2 inches high.
Both the CX-90 and CX-70 offer a useful 8.1 inches of ground clearance for limited off-road excursions without damaging the Mazda’s underbelly.
These two models share a bold exterior design that shows off an athletic stance, finished with plenty of modern, sporty features.
The CX-90 and CX-70’s dramatically styled front fascia features a honeycomb mesh grille with a chrome finish for the CX-90 and a Piano Black finish on the CX-70, standard LED headlights with auto on/off and high-beam control, and LED daytime running lights.
The rear view shows the CX-70’s sportier lower rear bumper design with unique parking reflector bezels, while the CX-90 features a more elegant horizontal, chrome-accented trim.
A comprehensive list of key exterior features includes:
- Power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof with tilt feature
- Side mirrors with memory positioning and tilt-in-reverse function
- Automatic power-folding side mirrors
- Aluminum roof rails in black for the CX-70 and silver for the CX-90
- Hands-free rear power liftgate
Buyers of both models can choose shared core color options including Jet Black Mica, while Rhodium White Premium and Soul Red Crystal Metallic are extra-cost choices.
The CX-70’s sportier black exterior trim offers unique paint choices of Melting Copper, Polymetal Gray, and Zircon Sand, while the CX-90’s chrome exterior accents match model-specific shades, including Artisan Red Premium, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Platinum Quartz, and Sonic Silver.
The CX-90 and CX-70 both offer solid silver, multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels on their lower trims and different finished 21-inch rims on upper trims, wrapped in 275/45/21 tires.
Which model has the better interior: CX-90 or CX-70?
Interior-wise, they're the same size, share a passenger volume of 141.6 cubic feet, and offer the same upscale cabin design with premium-quality materials and traditional high levels of Japanese craftsmanship, but differ in passenger-carrying capacity.
The CX-90, however, trumps the CX-70 in passenger capacity, with three rows of seating and space for up to eight passengers, depending on trim level and configuration, making it ideal for larger families.
The CX-90 features two front bucket seats and a bench-type second and third row, each with space for three passengers. Buyers seeking a more luxurious passenger space can replace the second-row bench with two captain's chairs to seat up to seven.
The CX-70’s cabin offers only two rows of seats for up to five passengers, but rear passengers get to enjoy more legroom to stretch out than those seated in the CX-90.
Both models offer a standard 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, plus the upmarket feel of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift knob. Standard features extend to a tilt and telescopic steering column, paddle shifters, and a push-button start
Standard on both models are a 7-inch or 12.3-inch fully digital LCD driver cluster display and further features that include the following and more:
- Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry
- Three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
- One-touch down/up power windows
- Speed-sensing auto-locking power door locks
Do the CX-90 and CX-70 offer the same cargo space?
Buyers who want maximum cargo space should look at the CX-70.
The CX-90's extra seating, however, comes at the expense of cargo space, which measures 14.9 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split third-row seat row. Once folded down, 40.0 cubic feet of space is available, and dropping down the 60/40 split fold-down and reclining second-row bench seats increases cargo space up to a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet.
The CX-70’s larger cargo area comes at the expense of seating capacity. A generous 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.3 cubic feet once the 60/40 split fold-down/reclining second-row seats are down.
Which SUV offers better performance: CX-90 or CX-70?
Both models share the same engine options: an e-SKYACTIV®-G turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with 48V M-Boost mild hybrid technology, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful S option with 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Mazda's PHEV e-SKYACTIV-Drive 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard, along with a rear-biased i-Activ AWD all-wheel-drive system, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Sport/Off-road/Towing modes, and Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control.
Which Mazda SUV is better for towing: CX-90 vs CX-70?
Both models, when fitted with the powerful turbo engine, offer the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Which Mazda SUV is right for you: CX-90 or CX-70?
Buyers should ask themselves, “Do I need a third row of seats, or is increased cargo space a higher priority?”
Bigger families will do well to choose the CX-90 for its extra seating, while the CX-70 is perfect for smaller families who want more cargo space for everyday life and holiday adventures.
On matters of affordability, the CX-90 lineup's entry-level trims start at about $39,300, while the CX-70 range skips the entry-level trims and starts at about $42,750 for more highly equipped models.
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