Mazda’s CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus: AN ELECTRIFYING RIDE

Mazda’s CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus: 

AN ELECTRIFYING RIDE

Combining Mazda’s legendary drivability with excellent fuel economy, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus is a force in the luxury crossover market.

“The Red Car,” as our two-year-old grandson, Connor, called it when he pleaded for its return, this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) attracts eco-conscious drivers, tech lovers, driving enthusiasts, and those who appreciate sleek aesthetics. 

Its class-leading technology, refined design, upscale materials, polished craftsmanship, and impressive performance make it a well-rounded choice for various drivers, as well as for two-year-olds who appreciate objects that appeal to their senses.

Not only does the powertrain offer smooth and ample power, but it does so through rear-wheel drive. Combined with Mazda’s chassis design and suspension geometry expertise, the CX-70 reminds us that this company brought us zoom-zoom.

“More red car!”

Is it gas or electric? Yes

The CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. With a combined output of 323 horsepower, this hybrid has ample power and torque for quick acceleration and effortless highway cruising. 

The CX-70’s PHEV system offers essential benefits, such as regenerative braking to recharge the battery on the go, an EV mode for zero-emission driving, and a hybrid mode that blends electric and gas power for efficient operation. 

On electric power derived from a night plugged into a 110-V outlet, the CX-70 PHEV has an EPA-estimated range of 35 miles. When that is gone, the CX-70 becomes an everyday hybrid, averaging around 27 mpg. 

With a 13.2-gallon tank, it has a range of 375 miles. That is better than the range of internal combustion engine (ICE) midsize SUVs that come with fuel tanks 50% larger and thus cost 50% more to fill.

The EPA estimates the combination of all-electric and hybrid driving will return around 56 mpg for the CX-70. Still, with PHEVs, actual mileage is the most subjective metric in the automotive world. It depends very much on how far one drives every day – and how often an owner plugs in.

Beautiful Blonde Grammy and I bought a Ford Escape PHEV 12 months ago and discovered she seldom uses the gas engine in town. The 32-mile battery range is further than she drives on most days. Of the first 4,000 miles, 3,300 were all-electric; we averaged more than 242 mpg. 

May I digress a moment? How does she become Grammy, but I am Ho-Ho? Yes, it has the same cadence as Grampa, but .. Ho-Ho? 

We recently drove the Escape to the Smokeys and put 1,750 miles at 34.5 mpg on the hybrid system; our lifetime fuel economy fell to 67.6 mpg. Now that we are back in town, that average is again climbing.

Pricing

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus starts at $45,000 for the base model and climbs to around $53,000 for the fully loaded trim. It is competitively priced against rivals like the Lexus NX 350h and the Audi Q5 TFSI e.

All CX-70 models are hybrid, but Mazda offers versions without the plug-in battery, HEV in the jargon. The HEV powertrain option features a 3.3L inline six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This powertrain offers two variants: a standard version with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque and a high-performance version with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft torque. 

Both versions are paired with a mild hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency without requiring a plug-in charger. Pricing for the base GS-L trim with the mild hybrid-3.3L combination starts at $49,750, while the GT trim starts at $54,350.

Built in Japan, the CX-70 PHEV is not eligible for federal income tax credits. Our Ford PHEV, assembled in Louisville, came with a $5,600 tax credit. Remember, however, that these rules are obscure, subject to change, and come with loopholes. No tax credits are available for those who purchase a PHEV built overseas, but they are available for those who lease.

Cabin and Design

Mazda’s design prowess shines in the CX-70’s upscale cabin, which features top-notch materials, excellent build quality, and a driver-centric layout. Standard safety technologies include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

If the CX-70 PHEV had been on showrooms when we were buying a year ago, and if a tax credit had been available, we would have leaned strongly toward the Mazda.

We are not the only ones. 

According to Edmunds.com, the CX-70 PHEV stands out with its “luxurious cabin and sporty handling.” Meanwhile, Car and Driver lauds the vehicle’s “sublime steering and agile chassis.” Motor Trend’s review highlights the CX-70’s “efficient hybrid powertrain,” while Kelly Blue Book applauds its “gorgeous exterior styling.” Consumer Reports notes the model’s “exceptional fuel economy.”

Reliability and Safety

Mazda’s formidable reputation for reliability carries over to the CX-70 PHEV. Predicted reliability scores are above average, and the automaker backs the vehicle with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty.

Bottom line

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus is a compelling choice in the competitive luxury crossover market. With its style, performance, efficiency, and value combination, the CX-70 sets itself apart from its rivals and makes a convincing case as a must-drive option.

For young families, red ones seem preferable.