2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90: Direct Comparison and Key Differences
The Bottom Line Up Front: If you are choosing between the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the Mazda CX-90, the decision primarily comes down to seating capacity versus cargo design, as well as distinct styling personality. Both models share Mazda’s engineered large-vehicle platform, utilizing an identical 122.8-inch wheelbase, standard i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and the exact same powertrain lineup—including turbocharged inline-six engine options and a high-efficiency Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). However, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is strictly a two-row, five-passenger SUV designed with blacked-out aggressive styling, expansive cargo capacity, and clever under-floor storage. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is a three-row family flagship capable of seating up to eight passengers in a refined, chrome-accented cabin. If you want maximum third-row utility for larger families, the CX-90 leads the way; if you prioritize maximum flexible cargo room, sportier exterior details, and active lifestyle utility, the CX-70 is built specifically for you.
When Mazda introduced its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive-biased architecture for its premium crossover family, driver enthusiasm skyrocketed. By launching the two-row CX-70 alongside the three-row CX-90, Mazda solved a longstanding dilemma for SUV shoppers in Plainfield and Will County: how to get full-size flagship luxury and high-output driving dynamics without feeling forced into carrying an unneeded third-row seat. Whether you are searching through Browse New Mazda Inventory or comparing luxury midsize crossovers, understanding the nuances between these two mechanical twins helps ensure you take home the perfect vehicle for your daily drives.
What Is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and What Are Its Main Highlights?
Distinct Exterior Styling & Blacked-Out Aesthetics: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 distinguishes itself immediately with an athletic, blackout design theme. While the CX-90 leans into traditional luxury with satin chrome trim, bright grille surrounds, and polished accents, the CX-70 embraces a aggressive, performance-focused presence. It features gloss-black front honey-comb grille treatment, gloss-black side mirrors, dark chrome roof rails, and unique 21-inch alloy wheels finished with dark metallic accents. This bold design gives the CX-70 an unmistakable stance on Illinois roads, catering to drivers who want modern curb appeal with a touch of stealth elegance. From its sculpted front bumper with dark air intakes to its dark window moldings, every visual angle reinforces its purpose-built, energetic character.
Active Lifestyle Cargo Optimization: Because the CX-70 eliminates the third row, Mazda engineers re-engineered the rear cargo area to maximize day-to-day functionality. Rather than leaving empty cavernous space, the CX-70 introduces clever sub-trunk under-floor storage compartments, ideal for keeping valuables, tools, charging cables, or sports gear secure and out of sight. Additionally, the CX-70 features power remote-folding rear seats accessible directly from the rear tailgate opening. With a quick push of a button, the second-row 60/40 seats collapse flat, revealing a flat, ultra-spacious floor that effortlessly accommodates camping gear, luggage, golf bags, or hardware store runs. Drivers considering pre-owned options can also Browse Used Vehicle Inventory at Hawk Mazda to compare previous generation utility layouts.
Seating Capacity and Interior Space: 2-Row CX-70 vs. 3-Row CX-90
When evaluating space, the biggest question is how you plan to transport passengers and cargo around Plainfield and Shorewood. The Mazda CX-90 is built for family hauling flexibility, offering 6-passenger, 7-passenger, or 8-passenger configurations across three rows. It features second-row captain's chairs or a 3-passenger bench, alongside a 2-passenger or 3-passenger third row. This makes the CX-90 indispensable for large families, carpooling, or accommodating visiting relatives. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 focuses entirely on premier comfort for up to five occupants. By omitting the third row, second-row passengers enjoy generous shoulder room, legroom, and reclining seatbacks without compromising cargo area behind them. You never have to balance third-row passenger legroom against luggage space.
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Dimensional Feature
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2026 Mazda CX-70 (2-Row)
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Mazda CX-90 (3-Row)
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Seating Capacity
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5 Passengers
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6, 7, or 8 Passengers
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Wheelbase
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122.8 inches
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122.8 inches
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Cargo Vol (Behind Row 2)
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Up to 39.6 cu. ft.
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Up to 40.0 cu. ft.
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Max Cargo Vol (Row 1)
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Up to 75.3 cu. ft.
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Up to 75.2 cu. ft.
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Under-Floor Storage
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Deep Sub-Trunk Management
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Standard Third-Row Well
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The practical advantage of the CX-70 lies in how effortless cargo loading becomes. With no third row to fold or maneuver around, loading groceries, sports equipment, or hardware is simple. The sub-floor organizer keeps small items from rolling around during quick drives along Route 59. If you are debating certified pre-owned options or new luxury crossovers, feel free to Shop Certified Pre-Owned Mazda models at Hawk Mazda to evaluate earlier family seating layouts.
Engine Options and Performance: Inline-6 Turbo vs. Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
Under the hood, both the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 showcase Mazda’s commitment to thrilling driving dynamics. Built on a rear-biased AWD architecture, both SUVs deliver linear acceleration, sophisticated cornering stability, and smooth power delivery through an 8-speed automatic transmission without a torque converter. Buyers can select from three identical high-performance powertrains across both vehicle lineups.
e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo
• Horsepower: 280 hp • Torque: 332 lb-ft • Hybrid System: M Hybrid Boost 48V • Towing: Up to 3,500 lbs (5,000 lbs optional) • Focus: Smooth daily acceleration, optimal highway fuel efficiency, and refined low-end responsiveness for suburban commutes.
e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo High Output
• Horsepower: Up to 340 hp (on premium fuel) • Torque: 369 lb-ft • Hybrid System: M Hybrid Boost 48V • Towing: 5,000 lbs max capacity • Focus: High-performance acceleration, thrilling engine note, and effortless towing capabilities for boats, campers, and trailers.
e-Skyactiv PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid)
• Horsepower: 323 hp combined • Torque: 369 lb-ft • Electric Range: 26 miles pure EV driving • Towing: Up to 3,500 lbs • Focus: Zero-emissions short-distance commuting around Plainfield combined with long-range gas hybrid freedom for road trips.
Interior Luxury, Technology, and Connectivity Features
Exclusive Red Nappa Leather & Premium Cabin Materials: Inside the cabin, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 introduces an exclusive Red Nappa leather upholstery option inspired by Mazda’s 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5 Miata. Combined with black contrast stitching and dark metallic accents, this cabin colorway creates an atmosphere of bespoke sport luxury. The CX-90 offers its own distinct high-end finishes, including traditional Japanese Kakenui stitching, tan Nappa leather, and genuine curly maple wood trim across top-tier trims.
Next-Generation Tech & Integrated Amazon Alexa: Both models come standard with Mazda Connect centered on a crisp 12.3-inch full-color center display. Drivers benefit from wireless Apple CarPlay™ and wireless Android Auto™ integration, qi wireless phone charging, and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster gauge display. Notably, the CX-70 is among the first Mazda vehicles to feature fully integrated Amazon Alexa voice control. Drivers can change cabin temperature, adjust radio stations, control smart home devices from the road, or ask for directions using natural voice commands without taking hands off the steering wheel. If your current vehicle needs software updates or maintenance, you can easily Schedule Your Service Today with our certified technician team.
Trim Levels and Price Ranges for the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90
Because the CX-70 and CX-90 share platforms and mechanical architecture, pricing across equivalent trim tiers is tightly matched. However, Mazda bypasses the entry-level Select trim on the CX-70, starting the CX-70 lineup directly at the feature-rich Preferred trim level. This means the CX-70 comes standard with premium equipment like leather seats, 19-inch wheels, and power moonroof from the base model up.
Preferred & Premium Trims
• Leather upholstery & power front seats • 12.3-inch display with wireless connectivity • i-Activsense safety suite standard • Bose 12-speaker audio on Premium • Panoramic sunroof & hands-free power liftgate • Ideal balance of value and premium convenience.
Premium Plus & S Trims
• Nappa Leather seats (Exclusive Red on CX-70) • Ventilated front seats & heated steering wheel • 360° View Monitor with See-Through View • 340-hp High Output Inline-6 on S trims • 21-inch alloy wheels • Towing package up to 5,000 lbs.
PHEV Preferred & Premium
• 2.5L PHEV Powertrain with 323 total hp • EV mode selector (26 miles electric range) • Level 1 & Level 2 charging capabilities • Standard 1500W outlet in cargo area • Full suite of i-Activsense driver assists • Exceptional efficiency for daily commuters.
What Are the Main Day-to-Day Pros and Cons of Owning a 2026 Mazda CX-70?
The Pros: Why Drivers Love the 2026 CX-70• Uncompromised Cargo Design: No third row means under-floor compartments, flat cargo floor, and easier packing for trips. • Driver-Centric Dynamics: Rear-wheel drive bias gives crisp turn-in, sharp steering, and sports-car responsiveness. • Aggressive Appearance: Gloss black exterior trim and unique wheels stand out compared to traditional family haulers. • Luxury Amenities: Standard leather seating, 12.3-inch display, and available Red Nappa leather rivals European luxury brands.
The Practical Considerations: Factors to Keep in Mind• Full-Size Exterior Footprint: Because the CX-70 shares the 122.8-inch wheelbase with the three-row CX-90, it occupies the same garage footprint and turning circle as a full 3-row crossover. • Strict 5-Passenger Limit: If you ever need to carry six or seven people, the CX-70 cannot add third-row seats after purchase. Drivers needing occasional 7-passenger flexibility should opt for the CX-90. • Firm Dynamic Suspension: Mazda’s sports tuning delivers exceptional cornering control, but produces a firmer ride over rough pavement than floating soft-riding crossovers. Ready to trade in your current vehicle? You can quickly Get Your Trade-In Value online before visiting Hawk Mazda.
Standard Safety Features and i-Activsense Technologies
Safety remains central to Mazda’s core engineering philosophy. Both the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety systems under the i-Activsense banner, designed to monitor surroundings, prevent collisions, and protect your family during winter driving in Will County.
Active Collision Mitigation
• Smart Brake Support: Automatic emergency braking for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. • Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you to vehicles in blind spots with visual & acoustic signals. • Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Detects incoming vehicles while backing out of driveways.
Cruising & Driver Assistance
• Unresponsive Driver Support: Gently brings the SUV to a stop if the driver becomes medical non-responsive. • Mazda Radar Cruise Control: Stop & Go capability on busy highways. • Lane Keep Assist: Prevents unintentional lane drift.
Winter Traction & Utility Tech
• i-Activ AWD: Predictive all-wheel drive continuously monitors wheel slip in snow & rain. • Trailer Hitch View: Camera alignment overlay for hooking up trailers. • 360° View Monitor: Complete overhead visibility in tight parking lots.
Which Mazda SUV Fits Your Lifestyle in Plainfield and Shorewood?
Living in northeastern Illinois means balancing daily suburban commutes along Route 59, weekend shopping trips, and unpredictable winter weather across Will County. Choosing between the CX-70 and CX-90 ultimately reflects your lifestyle demands: • Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-70 if: You lead an active lifestyle, frequently travel with luggage, golf clubs, or camping gear, prefer aggressive blackout styling, and do not require seating for more than five passengers. The PHEV variant is especially suited for short daily commutes between Plainfield and Joliet on battery power alone. • Choose the Mazda CX-90 if: You manage family carpools, carry youth sports teams, host out-of-town guests, or require 6-to-8 passenger seating capability. The CX-90 provides ultimate multi-row flexibility while retaining Mazda’s signature driving dynamics.
No matter which model fits your driveway, standard i-Activ AWD ensures confident traction through snow, slush, and heavy summer rainfall in Northern Illinois. You can order original accessories or replacement filters directly when you Order Genuine Mazda Parts from our facility.
What Strategies Can Help You Get a Better Deal on a 2026 Mazda CX-70?
1. Leverage Vehicle Trade-In Value: Used car values remain strong across Illinois. Before purchasing your new CX-70 or CX-90, obtain an official appraisal on your current vehicle. Applying your trade-in equity directly toward your down payment lowers monthly financing commitments and reduces overall sales tax liability. 2. Evaluate Promotional Lease vs Finance Offers: Mazda Financial Services regularly offers attractive promotional APR interest rates and lease incentives on the CX-70 PHEV and Inline-6 models. Leasing a PHEV can also capture federal or state clean-vehicle lease subsidies that lower your monthly payment.
3. Compare Trim Tier Features Carefully: Since the CX-70 comes standard at the Preferred trim level, you don't need to step up to higher trims just to get leather seating or a sunroof. Reviewing package specs helps ensure you only pay for features you actually use. 4. Work with Hawk Mazda Specialists: Our finance team at Hawk Mazda works with top competitive lenders to secure flexible rates tailored to your budget. Contact our team or Call us at (779) 260-6502 to review current seasonal promotions.
Compare the CX-70 and CX-90 in Person at Hawk Mazda
Reading specifications and viewing photos is a great start, but nothing replaces testing both vehicles back-to-back in person. Sitting in the driver’s seat of the 2026 Mazda CX-70 lets you experience the exclusive Red Nappa leather, feel the responsiveness of the inline-6 turbo engine, and test the power remote-folding rear seats firsthand. At Hawk Mazda, located conveniently on Route 59 in Plainfield, our friendly Mazda brand specialists are ready to walk you through both models side-by-side. We will help you test cargo room, evaluate third-row access in the CX-90, explore financing options, and take both SUVs for an informative test drive.
Drive Home in Your Ideal Mazda SUV from Hawk Mazda Today
Whether you choose the sporty, cargo-ready 2-row 2026 Mazda CX-70 or the spacious 3-row Mazda CX-90, you are investing in dynamic engineering, refined luxury, and long-term reliability. Explore our complete online inventory today, complete a pre-approval finance application, or stop by Hawk Mazda in Plainfield, IL, to take your test drive!
