Written by Marco V. Carvajal
2026 Mazda CX-30 Turbo S Premium Plus
Mazda has been building very stylish and beautiful vehicles, but the new CX-70 earns five stars as one of the most attractive models the brand has produced recently.
The new Mazda CX-70 is available as a PHEV or a gas model, with several trim levels in each lineup. The Premium Plus trim model I am driving is the top-of-the-line SUV for those seeking an elegant design, a very powerful inline-six turbocharged engine, and several technology features.
Competing in the popular market of conventional two-row alternatives, the CX-70 is a fun and luxurious midsize SUV, ready for most road trips, and you can buy it at a reasonable price for what you get, starting at $42K, which is good pricing and value for an elegant 2-row SUV.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Premium Plus trim that I am test-driving is the two-row version of the CX-90. It is a mid-size SUV, luxury and sporty, but without the third row, what also gives you more cargo space.
It is Mazda’s best option for those who desire good interior space, comfort, and premium finishes such as Nappa leather seats and comprehensive technology, but who prioritize cargo capacity and agility over passenger-carrying capability.
Mazda CX-70 Pricing and Trims
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 features seven models: 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 3.3 Turbo Premium, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, 3.3 Turbo S Premium, 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, with a starting price of $42,750 for the basic model, going up to $56,870 MSRP for the top trim model I am test driving Turbo S Premium Plus.
The Plug-in hybrid versions PHEV SC starting at $44,450, and PHEV SC Plus starting at $47,450.
Compared with other hybrid SUVs, the PHEV versions of the CX-70 are priced low.
In general, pricing for the CX-70 is very good in the low-mid range. The question is whether this is the type of car you want to buy, and which trim model works better for your budget and needs.
Luxury Interior
The interior of the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Premium Plus combines accessible luxury with practicality: it seats five passengers across two rows, featuring unquilted Nappa leather seats, available in black or red, that look very sporty and elegant at the same time.
The cabin utilizes premium materials, featuring wood inserts on the doors and console, metal-look accents, leather upholstery, and other elegant design details.
Cargo space is good, offering 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded down; an underfloor compartment adds versatility for stowing suitcases, luggage, or groceries.
Mazda designs beautiful interior and the CX-70 is not an exception, the minute you enter the cabin of the top trim models you just fall in love with so many nice details.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
Even if Mazda’s technology is advanced and generous, I feel there is room for improvement in its presentation and controls access. I think that the interface and shortcuts could be more user-friendly.
I would like to see a more intuitive and shortcut approach. When I try to access the different menus and controls, it takes a while to find what I need.
As a test driver, I am not as familiar with each car I drive, and it can take me a few seconds to find the functions I need. I feel that the system can improve and become more intuitive.
When working with the GPS, it takes me more time than with other vehicles, but this doesn’t mean the technology is not good or advanced; it just means it will take you more time to find the menu or functions you are looking for, but the end result is very good, and everything works very well.
In terms of safety, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Premium Plus has a good comprehensive suite of i-Activsense driver-assistance features that combine collision prevention and on-road support. It integrates Smart Brake Support, featuring detection for front cross-traffic and turns across traffic, and Rear Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection. Additionally, it includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane-Keep Assist, as well as Rear and Front Cross-Traffic Alerts to mitigate risks when changing lanes or reversing.
Mazda gives you more advanced functions such as Cruising & Traffic Support, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, operational from 0 mph up to highway speeds, Driver Monitoring, which detects fatigue or distraction, and Emergency Lane Keeping, which encompasses Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist to help you enjoy a better and safer driving experience.
The CX-70 also features Traffic Sign Recognition and a Secondary Collision Reduction System, completing a great package of safety features.
For maneuvering, one of my favorite features is the 360° View Monitor featuring “See-Through View” and “Trailer Hitch View,” which enhance situational awareness in parking lots and when hitching trailers.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Premium Plus debuts a comprehensive system featuring a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with Mazda Connect for infotainment, a 12.3-inch digital display in the instrument cluster, and an Active Driving Display, head-up display, projected onto the windshield, which helps you focus on the road ahead.
Just in case the above wasn’t enough, the Mazda CX-70 also incorporates wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless mobile phone charging, Alexa Built-in for voice commands, and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system that delivers immersive surround sound in this Premium Plus model.
Powertrain
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is only available as All Wheel Drive, which means you will always have more power on any model you buy. All trim models feature a 3.3-liter e-SKYACTIV-G engine, turbocharged inline-6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
There are two different turbo versions of this engine available for the CX-70.
Standard Turbo Engine Version
The standard engine version produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Turbo S Version
Then the Turbo S option produces much more power with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
All 2026 Mazda CX-70 models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that produces a very smooth drive.
AWD i-ACTIV
This is a fun and powerful engine that can take you anywhere with its i-ACTIV All Wheel Drive. i-Activ AWD delivers excellent fuel economy with lowered carbon emissions
The advanced Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD is an active, predictive all-wheel-drive system that uses sensors to monitor road conditions, steering angle, and wheel speed over 200 times per second.
This smart AWD acts before tires slip by shifting torque to the rear wheels, optimizing traction for safety on snow, rain, or dirt without significantly sacrificing fuel economy
Driving Performance the CX-70
On the road, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Premium Plus delivers an agile, driver-focused driving experience that most will love. The steering is precise and sporty, with a well-balanced chassis that maintains excellent body control through corners, while the suspension, though firm, manages to filter out pavement imperfections without feeling punishing.
The turbocharged inline 6 engine delivers smooth power and ample low-end torque, though it can sound noisy under heavy acceleration and generally feels more refined and athletic than many rivals in its segment.
The fast highway is where the CX-70 truly shines as it feels stable and quiet, and it has ample power for passing, exhibiting a sportier, more connected character than most mid-size SUVs, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive platform and the Kinematic Posture Control system, which reduces body roll in corners.
The Mazda CX-70 is a great car to buy with a good turbo engine power, AWD, luxury inside, and stylish on the outside, modern, attractive, powerful, with a low price compared to similar cars on the market.
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