2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami Diesel: Too Expensive for What You Get?

Let’s get one thing straight (or not): the Mazda CX-70 is a good car—it does what it says on the box. But in 2025, is that still enough? Is it enough just to get by?

Mazda’s slow flirtation with premium territory now has it rubbing up against the likes of real luxury. And at $95,000 on the road, you’ve got to wonder—would a buyer consider a full hybrid or EV from another brand instead? Toyota’s hybrids outperform Mazda’s mild-hybrid tech, and more importantly, why does Mazda have three similarly sized SUVs when one fully realised model would do?

What’s Mazda Thinking?

The CX-90 didn’t exactly set hearts racing. We didn’t rate it as highly as the luscious CX-9 it replaced. The CX-80 PHEV offers better performance and better economy, while still packing the tech and confidence the CX-70 brings to the table.

Looks That Work

In the right light, the CX-70’s rakish silhouette pulses with movement, like ripples dancing over a bubbling stream. There’s muscle here too, with styling cues borrowed from the CX-8, CX-9, and even the Mazda3.

But… it doesn’t look special enough for the price tag.

Yes, it’s handsome. But there’s no bling, no “look at me” sparkle. AWD? Sure. Off-roader? Not really. The cabin is elegant, but there’s too much scratchy plastic in places.

Has Mazda missed the mark?

Cabin: A Near Triumph

Inside, the SP Pack‘s orange and black theme is dramatic in the best way. Soft Nappa leather, suede-like trim, and a large sunroof with an opaque internal shade give the space a premium feel. There is plenty of space even in the generous 2nd row.

Tech Highlights:

Twin 12.3” displays
Head-Up Display nearly as wide as the driver screen
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
A sound system good enough to host a Beyoncé listening party (leotard optional)

The front seats are heated and cooled. The rear outboard seats are heated too. You’ll feel like royalty—or at least a moderately successful drag queen in a glittery SUV.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Review – 2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami Diesel Review: Too Expensive for What You Get? Review – Alan Zurvas

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ABOVE: CX-70 Azami (red interior shown)

The Drive: Smooth, Mostly

A 3.3L inline-six diesel with mild hybrid assist should feel exciting—but it doesn’t quite. It’s more breezy than brawny.

The 8-speed auto is sometimes hesitant, no doubt trying to conserve fuel. We achieved around 7.5L/100km, which is respectable for a 2-tonne SUV, but behind what Toyota’s full hybrids can do.

Mild-hybrids just don’t offer full EV driving. They’re the “lite beer” of electrification: fine, but not fabulous.

This is not the sort of car young gay couples will take camping, but if they did, only easy tracks and paved camp grounds would be accessible.

How Does It Compare?

On its own, the CX-70 feels:

Posh
Spacious
Light on the juice

But the moment you remember a LandCruiser or one of the tougher 4X4s is in the same ballpark, the CX-70’s road-only personality starts to feel a bit… beige.

We tested the CX-80 PHEV the week after, and while heavier, it felt more composed. Still, the CX-70 glides along smoothly thanks to adaptive cruise and lane keeping.

The steering is well-weighted, and although the CX-70 doesn’t enjoy corners, the drive modes add some spice. It’s more about comfort and calm than speed and sass.

Engines & Specs

Diesel: 187kW / 550Nm
Petrol: 245kW / 500Nm
Both use Mazda’s mild-hybrid system
8-speed auto across the range
Euro 5 compliant (Euro 7 kicks in by 2027)

Sport mode livens up the diesel for freeway entries, but let’s be real—you’ll live in Normal.

Convenience & Practicality

USB-C & 12V outlets throughout
Head-Up Display with crystal-clear readouts
Front seat heating & cooling
Rear seat heating (outboard only)
Opening sunroof for that fresh-air fabulousness

Parking: A Breeze

Top-notch cameras and 360-degree views make parking easy, even for those of us who usually leave it crooked and hope no one notices.

Ride Quality

Smooth and refined. Around town, the CX-70 offers a whisper-quiet cabin and that subtle feeling of expensive calm. The kind of peace you’d expect from a yoga retreat or a brunch date with a boy who does pottery.

The App: Modern Mazda Magic

The CX-70 has an inbuilt SIM, linking it to a phone app that lets you:

Call for help after a crash
Geofence younger drivers
Track a stolen car
Remote lock/unlock
Find your CX-70 in a multi-storey carpark

(We didn’t test the app ourselves—but it sounds very James Bond, if Bond wore driving gloves and loved brunch.)

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Final Word

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami Diesel is a beautifully made, generously equipped SUV that plays at being premium. But at $95k, it’s entering a space where real hybrids and EVs shine brighter. The lack of full electrification, the scratchy plastics, and the slightly underwhelming engine make you pause and ask:

Is it really worth it?

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