Last year, the Japanese automaker Mazda stopped selling the big CX-9 crossover SUV because it had just introduced the first-ever CX-90 model with a completely new architecture for specific markets like North America.
Unlike some parts of the world, the region is not getting the all-new CX-60 that officially launched the Large Product Group architecture with RWD and AWD setups plus a longitudinal engine layout. Instead, America first got the CX-90 large crossover SUV with three rows of seats, whereas international markets will receive the CX-80 counterpart.
Likewise, instead of the CX-60 sold exclusively outside North America, the US market will soon receive the slightly larger CX-70 model. Well, hopefully, as the model was postponed back in October 2023 for 2024 after it was originally supposed to come out late last year and join the roster alongside the small CX-30, compact CX-5, and CX-50, plus the CX-90 flagship CUV.
Now, luckily, we know that Mazda intends to reveal the CX-70 – essentially a two-row version of the CX-90 – on January 30. If they don't postpone it again, that is. Anyway, the setup is pretty much easy to grasp from the technical standpoint – it will have the same platform as the CX-60 and CX-90 with longitudinal inline-six engines and PHEV options.
That means only one thing – this new CX-70 and CX-90 duo will represent serious competition not just for other two and three-row CUVs on the market with ICE powertrains but especially for Toyota's Highlander x Grand Highlander siblings, which only offer regular hybrid powertrains. However, how they will fare against two of the most compelling offerings on the North American market remains to be seen because the CX-70 is not yet out and about across dealer lots.
It's not even official yet, but of course, that hasn't stopped the imaginative realm of digital car content creators from dreaming of its premium looks. More precisely, the good folks over at the PoloTo and AutoYa Interior have decided we shouldn't wait until January 30 when Mazda schedules the official presentation and want to show their hypothetical CX-70 design projects in advance.
For example, the resident pixel master from PoloTo strives to give the CX-70 a bit of personality and doesn't make it identical to the larger CX-90. On the other hand, they are mostly hyped about the hybrid powertrain option, but it remains to be seen if Mazda allows the CX-70 to become a performance mid-size crossover SUV with the electrified 2.5-liter and no less than 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque or if it will arrive detuned.
On the other hand, the CGI expert over at AutoYa Interior thinks the CX-70 will act more like a simplified version of the CX-90 – mostly identical at the front and inside but with a shorter and sloping rear. As always, the good thing about this channel is that they always have many ritzy color options – even if only virtually.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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