Mazda SUVs have it all—premium accommodations, spirited performance, smart versatility, and a striking road presence—but they aren’t all built for the same kind of driver. If you’ve found yourself weighing the CX-70 against the CX-90 for your commutes, family life, and downtime adventures, you’re already on the right track. We’ll break down the key differences between the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 so maybe you’ll have a better idea of your focus when you get to the showroom here in Shiloh, Illinois.
Size and Seating
The comparison often starts and finishes here for shoppers. A major difference between the CX-70 and CX-90 comes down to how many people you need to carry. The CX-90 is Mazda's 3-row flagship SUV and seats 7 or 8 passengers depending on the configuration. That makes it a strong choice for larger families or anyone who regularly hauls a full crew, with or without all their stuff.
The CX-70, on the other hand, is a 2-row midsize SUV. With fewer rows, it trades some passenger capacity for a slightly more focused interior that feels well-suited to couples or smaller families who prioritize comfort and economy over max seating.
Powertrain Options
Both models offer 2 powertrain paths—a turbocharged inline-6 gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. The PHEV variants—while robust in performance—are efficiency-focused. The 2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV delivers a breathtaking 323 hp and 369 lbs.-ft. of torque, while earning up to 61 MPGe combined. That’s after you’ve used your 32-mile all-electric range.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV comes in at 56 MPGe combined with its larger size, while delivering that same power. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, that gap in the Mazda CX-70 vs CX-90 comparison may tip the scales. For drivers near Shiloh, IL who want a more traditional driving experience, both the CX-70 and CX-90 inline-6 turbocharged models deliver strong performance with a combined EPA estimate of 25 MPG.
Safety Credentials
Both the CX-70 and CX-90 are key in Mazda’s reputation for safety. Mazda has been named the Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports, and as of July 2026, it holds more IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand. That includes the 2026 CX-70 and CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid. That means whichever model you choose in this Mazda CX-70 vs CX-90 comparison, you're getting a vehicle that has been rigorously recognized for protecting drivers and passengers. The i-Activsense® driver assistance suite is a large part of the brand’s safety credentials, with standard features such as Smart Brake Support automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist which can help keep you centered, and adaptive front lighting which turns with you.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best way to understand the Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90 differences is to experience both in person. If your priority is maximum passenger space and 3-row flexibility for not only passengers, but cargo like flat-pack furniture, big grocery runs, and camping equipment, the CX-90 delivers. If you prefer a 2-row layout with slightly better hybrid efficiency, the CX-70 makes a strong case.
Either way, you're choosing a vehicle from a brand that leads the industry in safety recognition and continues to expand its electrified lineup. Stop by Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, Illinois to explore both models and find the one that moves you.