The upcoming CX-70 and the new CX-90 will share a platform, a new inline-six engine that runs lengthwise, and a plug-in hybrid system. The CX-70’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine will not change much, so the 340 horsepower should stay the same. The CX-90’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 17.8-kWh battery and was first used in Europe in the CX-60 (shown here), could be added to the CX-70. The Mazda CX-90 is the first of two crossovers for the United States that will be built on the Japanese automaker’s new longitudinal-engine platform. This is part of Mazda‘s push into a more expensive market segment. The CX-70 will come after the CX-90, which has seven seats. Both will have a new 3.3-liter inline-six engine. As a result of the CX-90’s debut, we now know what features to anticipate in the CX-70. The CX-90 also looks at Mazda’s new design direction and details on the company’s most recent powertrains. Mazda stopped making the CX-7 in 2012, so the CX-70 will fill the gap. The CX-90, on the other hand, will replace the older CX-9. The CX-70 will be bigger than the CX-50 and sit above it. It will use the same platform and drivetrains as the CX-90, which is more extensive. It will be a mid-size crossover with two rows of seats that will compete with cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Passport. It will also move into markets where SUVs like the Lexus RX are popular. The CX-70 should look like the CX-60, an SUV for the European market that is very similar (seen in the image). Like the CX-90, it should have a shaped front end and a lot of chrome. The CX-90 will be wider than the CX-80 globally, while the CX-70 will be more comprehensive than its European counterpart. Due to its longitudinal engine layout, the CX-70 should have the same long hood and upscale proportions as the CX-90. Its more extensive US-specific bodywork should also help soften some of the CX-60’s odd angles. The CX-70 will likely have the same engines as the CX-90. One of these engines is a 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that makes 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. To get this kind of power, you need premium fuel. If you switch to 89-octane gasoline, you lose control, but Mazda hasn’t said how much. In addition, this powertrain features a hybrid system with a 48-volt battery pack and an electric motor positioned in the middle of the transmission and the engine. Most likely, all CX-70s will have all-wheel drive. The CX-70 might get the plug-in hybrid system seen in the CX-90. This system combines the 2.5-liter inline-four from the CX-5 with an electric motor placed between the engine and a new eight-speed transmission (also used with the inline-six). According to the more optimistic WLTP test conducted in Europe, the overall output is 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery gives the car 39 miles of electric range (EPA estimates are not yet available). It’s still being determined whether the hybrid will be more expensive than the six-cylinder engine or less costly. The 3.3-liter diesel and 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six with variable compression are unlikely to be brought to the United States. The CX-70 should come out later this year and will cost $38,000 to start. Even though the plug-in powertrain could have been more refined, our first drive of the CX-60 showed a well-equipped, high-quality cabin and Mazda’s usual quick handling. But when the CX-70 comes out for the first time in 2023, the inline-six engine from the CX-90 should give it more power and help it handle better.
