Tag Archives: Mazda

2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus

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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.

Mazda CX-70. Long enough for three, but with just two rows. (Image: Mazda)

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.

There’s Something About Mazda Design

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By Gary S. Vasilash

Several years ago I met Derek Jenkins, who was heading up Design at Mazda North America.

Then Derek introduced me to one of his colleagues on the team, Julien Montousse.

Both of those guys were doing extraordinary work. Although Mazda sales numbers are low when you put them into context of most other marques, arguably if the vehicles lacked the superb execution of design—inside and out—that they exhibit (and have had for the past several years), then those numbers would likely be microscopic and business-wise it would be catastrophic.

Jenkins moved on to Lucid, where he is leading the design efforts. The Lucid Air is both extraordinary and exquisite from the styling perspective. Simply an amazing vehicle and would be even if it didn’t have its propulsion system.

Montousse moved on, as well, but in his case to Archer Aviation, the company that is creating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which Archer plans to have its aircraft in commercial service by 2025.

The Archer Midnight. No, not a car. (Image: Archer Aviation)

Montousse and colleagues just won a MUSE Design Award for the Archer Midnight eVTOL.

Montousse: “After spending most of my life designing cars, I saw from a distance that technology breakthroughs were happening in aerospace and that they would unlock new aircraft architectures. When developing a product in a completely new space like eVTOL aircraft, it’s important to instill confidence and earn the trust of consumers.”

Then, sounding much like a car guy, he went on: “When setting out to design Midnight, we focused on creating a powerful aircraft design that forged an emotional connection between passenger and aircraft. Midnight combines high function with high emotion delivering a travel experience unlike any other.”

Swap out some of those nouns with automotive terms.

Seems like there must be something in the water at Mazda for two extraordinary talents to have come from there.

Mazda: Looks Aren’t Everything

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The MX-30 EV has a problem, and that is how it is engineered

By Gary S. Vasilash

When it comes to vehicle styling, Mazda is a stand-out company. It is remarkable how the company has consistently brought out vehicles with the sheet metal shaped and formed in ways that would only be in the “concept car” category for other OEMs, and even then they might hesitate.

And Mazda has kept the Miata (which is officially known as the “MX-5,” but even though that’s been the case for some years, it will always be the Miata) in production when those people wearing the proverbial green eyeshades would have struck it from the list of offerings a long, long time ago.

2022 Mazda MX-30 EV: Looks good. Doesn’t go far. (Image: Mazda)

That Mazda has continued is a testament to what could be called “pluckiness.”

And the auto industry is a better place for it.

Which brings me to the forthcoming 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV.

And why I think it is going to be, well, let’s just say not particularly successful.

Yes, it is a crossover, which is good in the market.

Yes, it continues with the Kodo design language, evolved, which is good for everyone who looks at vehicles.

Yes, it probably has a great interior, as this has been something that Mazda has been consistently brining to market. (Apparently the interior of the MX-30 features cork, a nod to the company’s founding more than a century ago as a cork manufacturer.)

Yes. Yes. Yes.

But.

It has an EPA estimated range of 100 miles.

That is absolutely insufficient.

Mazda evidently knows that because for owners of the MX-30 (and know that the vehicle will be available in California, not other markets) there is what it is calling the “Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program,” which provides access to other Mazda vehicles—all of which have a >100-mile range—for up to 10 days per year for three years.

The base MSRP is $33,470. And just 100 miles?