A midsize SUV with something of a rational but curious difference. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023 the mean family size in the average household was 3.15 members. While it is not clear what constitutes the other 0.85, it is clear that there are fewer than four whole family members.

And according to the 2022 American Community Survey, conducted by the Census Bureau, in 2022 68.7 workers aged 16 and above drove to work alone, which is an increase over 2021’s 67.8%, but well below 2019’s 75.9%.

One more data point: while this is constantly changing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in August 2023, 19.5% of workers worked from home. Presumably that had an effect on the number of people who drove to work alone.

All of this is to perhaps provide a rationalization for the interior configuration of the Mazda CX-70, a large-ish midsize SUV: 200.8 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, 68.2 inches high; as a reference, the Ford Explorer is 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide and 69.6 inches high.

You look at those numbers and figure that we’re talking about the same proverbial ballpark in terms of size. And you’re right.

But what’s different about the CX-70 compared to the Explorer and many other SUVs in this large-ish midsize segment is that it has two rows of seats, not three.

Given all of the data about the number of people and vehicle use, seating for five is probably pretty much all one would need on a regular basis. Or an irregular basis there is that need for a third row, a space that is generally not particularly accommodating, especially for those who have moved on from elementary school.

Still, there is a tendency to opt for the “just in case,” so plenty of people buy three-row SUVs, even if that third row is always folded flat.

And Mazda offers the CX-90, which is the dimensional twin of the CX-70, though with the third row.

This additional complexity in the lineup is curious. As is the fact that when I visited the Mazda shopping site, the starting MSRP for a 2024 CX-90 was $37,845 and for a 2025 CX-70 $40,445, and while there are undoubtedly some content differences, it seems, well, odd.

But in terms of passenger roominess it is worth noting that the two vehicles have the same passenger volume: 141.6 cubic feet, which goes to the point of the third row inhabitants not being particularly happy.

Back to the vehicle at hand.

Like all the CX-70 trims, it is AWD.

It is powered by a 3.3-liter, turbocharged in-line six cylinder engine that produces 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel). There is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While Mazda has been known for the past few years of providing exterior designs for its lineup of vehicles that put it in a very small category of OEMs that are consistently innovating, the CX-70’s exterior design is certainly handsome, but it is not as distinctive as Mazdas have been.

It seems as though for the CX-70 they decided they’d put the focus on the interior design. In this Premium Plus package there are the 12.3-inch Mazda Connect center infotainment display, seven-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display, head-up display, Bose 12-speaker audio, Mazda Online Navigation with over-the-air update capability, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and more.

What is surprising is not the Nappa leather for the seats or the two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel. But the fact that there are suede inserts on the dash.

There is a wide range of driver assistance tech, ranging from traffic sign recognition to cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

Fitted with “Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories” it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The starting MSRP for the vehicle is $55,950.

While that is certainly understandable given what is listed on the sticker and in the general overall performance of the vehicle (though I did experience some turbo lag on occasion), what will probably make it difficult for people to opt for it is that seat delete.