No News is Good News: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus
Regular readers know that Mazda's largest SUVs, the CX-90 (three rows of seating) and the CX-70 (two rows) have experienced some issues since their launch three years ago. Mazda, to its credit, has been hard at work addressing the problems, and I'm happy to report that a week in the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S didn't uncover any issues.
The CX-70 is the same vehicle as the CX-90. Both are available in either gasoline-powered or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, and the only real difference is that the CX-70 is one inch shorter and there is no third row of seats.
I reviewed the PHEV CX-70 two years ago, and this time, we have the CX-70 Turbo S---a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine making 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, it's capable of some decent hustle---0-60 in about 6.3 seconds.
And the fuel economy is not bad, given all-wheel drive and the lack of any electrification---an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
It's not reasonable to expect an SUV to handle like a Miata, but Mazda continues to produce drivers' cars---vehicles that exceed expectations when it comes to handling, chassis dynamics and driving enjoyment.
There's 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats...fold that and it's 75.3.
Our test vehicle was in Premium Plus trim, with materials and workmanship that wouldn't be out of place in a luxury brand costing thousands more.
The base price of the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus is $56,670 ($58,200 including destination). That money buys a lot of standard equipment (see the window sticker at the end of this review).
The Premium Plus trim is a complete enough package that there were only a handful of extra-cost options: $100 for a cargo organizer, $390 for illuminated doorsill plates, $595 for the Zircon Sand paint color, $175 for the "logo welcome light" (the Mazda logo projected onto the ground at night from under the exterior mirrors) and $215 for a retractable cargo cover.
Bottom line on the window sticker: $59,675.
I'm still not sure why the CX-70 exists---you could just buy a CX-90 and fold down the third row when you don't need it. But if two will do, the CX-70 should absolutely be on your list of candidates.
2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus at a glance:
Price: $56,670 base/$59,675 as tested
Engine: 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder
Horsepower: 340 (on premium fuel)
Torque: 369 lb-ft.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,849 lbs.
0-60 Acceleration (Motor Trend data): 6.3 seconds
EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Fuel tank capacity: 19.6 gallons
EPA Range Estimate: 462 miles
Class competitors: Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Toyota Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango
