This is where you make your decision. If you are constantly on carpool duty, taking the kids and their friends to soccer practice in Tustin, the CX-90 is your best friend. It offers a third row and seats up to 8 passengers comfortably.
However, if you rarely have more than four people in the car, you might feel like you are hauling around dead weight with a third row. That’s where the CX-70 shines. By ripping out the third row, Mazda created a cavernous cargo area. You can throw mountain bikes, massive Costco hauls, or large dog crates in the back without ever having to fold seats down. The CX-70 also features exclusive remote-folding rear seats—just press a button in the trunk, and the second row drops flat instantly.
Because both vehicles utilize Mazda’s fantastic rear-biased AWD platform, they both drive like premium European SUVs rather than bulky family haulers. Whether you are navigating the tight curves of Santiago Canyon or cruising the 5 Freeway through Irvine, they remain flat, composed, and incredibly quiet inside.
That said, because the CX-70 doesn’t have the heavy third-row seating hardware bolted into the back, it is slightly lighter. Enthusiasts might notice that the CX-70 feels just a tiny bit more agile and athletic when diving into corners. But honestly? They are both masterpieces of engineering. To keep either of these luxury SUVs handling perfectly, sticking to routine tire rotations and brake service is key.
Still deciding between the two? Here are the most common questions Orange County drivers ask us when comparing these two premium SUVs:
Q: Is the Mazda CX-70 really just a CX-90 without the third row?
A: Yes, essentially! They share the exact same wheelbase, powertrains, and exterior dimensions. The CX-70 replaces the third row with exclusive underfloor storage and features slightly sportier, blacked-out exterior styling cues compared to the CX-90’s chrome luxury.
Q: Do the CX-70 and CX-90 get the same gas mileage?
A: Because they utilize the exact same Inline-6 Turbo and PHEV powertrains and weigh almost exactly the same, their EPA-estimated fuel economy is nearly identical. You won’t have to sacrifice efficiency to get the third row.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: If you have a full car of passengers, the CX-70 offers more immediate rear cargo space since there is no third row taking up room. However, if you fold the second and third rows flat in the CX-90, the total maximum cargo capacity between the two vehicles is virtually the same for those big Costco runs in Fullerton.
Reading about the differences is one thing, but opening the trunk and sitting in the driver’s seat is the only way to know for sure. Do you prefer the elegant chrome trim of the CX-90 or the dark, aggressive styling of the CX-70? Do you need the passenger capacity, or the cargo floor?
At Mazda of Orange, we have a massive selection of both models. We invite drivers from Anaheim, Fullerton, Santa Ana, and all across Orange County to come down and do a side-by-side comparison. We also have excellent lease specials available for both vehicles! Fill out the form below to let us know you’re coming in for a test drive.
