2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e review (video)

It’s easy to be bedazzled by Mazda’s new SUV range. But it’s a small trade-off for having a spoiling for choice, as Australia is one of only a few countries to be offered all CX models under the Japanese manufacturer’s new ‘Large Product Group’.

We now have the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. All of which use Mazda’s new rear- and all-wheel drive design with a longitudinal, inline-six engine family, in an effort to re-invent the brand as a more luxurious manufacturer.

Though, the numbers in their model names don’t necessarily correspond to their order by size. You see, the CX-70 is predominantly the same SUV as the CX-90 but without a third row of seats. Likewise with the CX-60 and CX-80 medium SUVs. This means the CX-70 is actually bigger than the CX-80. Just think, the CX-70 and CX-90 are a pair, and the CX-60 and CX-80 are a pair.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Specifications

Engine: 3.3-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder
Output: 187kW@3750rpm / 550Nm@1500-2400rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×9.5, 275/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2125kg
Power-to-weight: 11.36:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.4L/100km
Our consumption: 6.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 74L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 34.62kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.08 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.25 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.48 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.11 seconds at 146.4km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.700g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.50m in 3.14 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.397g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $84,970

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: How much does it cost?

Mazda’s uplift in engine sizes and interior indulgence come with a steep increase in price. Pricing commences from $75,970 for the base CX-70, and extends to $84,970 for the top-trim Azami with the D50e engine (excluding on-road costs).

You can choose both the petrol ‘G50e’ or diesel ‘D50e’ engines across two trim levels; the GT and the Azami. The entry-level Touring seen in the CX-90 is not available in the CX-70, hence why both the CX-70 and CX-90 start their pricing just $1420 apart. But in both the GT and Azami guise, you’re paying about $8500-$11,500 more to get that third row of seats in the CX-90.

Our week with the diesel Azami was also enjoyed with the optional SP Package, which costs an extra $3500.

Given the luxury segment it competes in, the CX-70 is one the cheapest of the major players. It is cheaper than the Volkswagen Touareg range ($86k to $130k), the Jaguar F-Pace ($81k to $115k), the Lexus RX ($90k to $127k), and the Volvo XC90 ($100k to $128k). However, the price might be a jagged pill to swallow for traditional buyers of Mazda vehicles.

The CX-70 is offered with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. It requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km (the petrol engine is 15,000km). Incrementally, each service by a Mazda dealer costs $473, $660, $1015, $660, $490, $1185, and $473 over 7 years or 70,000km. Over the 7-year period, models with the petrol engine cost $293 less to service in total, and cover 35,000km more (105,000km).

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Interior & packaging

Step inside the Japanese-built CX-70 Azami, and it’s immediately clear that this is a vehicle aimed at those who appreciate fine details. With a huge 5120mm length and 1994mm width like the CX-90, there is plenty of room to focus on luxury and spaciousness, but without the third row.

The cabin is stunning, with leather-wrapped seats that feel like they were tailored with the highest of precision. The contrasting brown and black Nappa leather on the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels give the cabin an upscale, stylish feel. This comes with the SP package. Otherwise you receive a choice of all black or burgundy colours.

Whether you’re sitting in the front or the back, the comfort is top-notch, with plush cushioning and plenty of adjustment to help you find your ideal driving position. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, and the second-row passengers aren’t left out either, also incorporating heated seats and window blinds.

The steering wheel adjusts electrically, adding an extra layer of convenience. In addition, ambient lighting subtly enhances the atmosphere at night, casting a soft glow on the leather, dashboard, and centre console. It’s the kind of cabin you could easily spend hours in without feeling fatigued.

Practicality is also high on the agenda. The cabin offers ample storage, from the glovebox and large centre console, to the door pockets. The rear seats are spacious enough for adults on long journeys, and the boot, offering 598 litres (or 2015 litres with the back seats folded down), provides enough capacity for day-to-day luggage or weekend getaway gear. Interestingly, the 7-seat CX-90 in the same spec offers more, at 608L/2025L.

Super-long rear doors provide a huge entrance opening, and we love how they swing open to almost 90 degrees, making it more practical for securing children in their seats. A 150W, 240-volt power outlet is thrown in, which is not a common standard fixture in non-EVs.

You can count on a comprehensive array of safety tech, regardless of the model you select. Items like 360-degree cameras, 10 airbags, blind-sport monitoring, side door exit warning, driver attention and monitoring alert, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, smart front, rear, and turn-across traffic brake support, and front and rear cross-traffic alert, standard across the range. ANCAP hasn’t provided a rating yet.

Then other luxury features exclusive to the Azami include with a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, that upgrade from standard leather to Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, the 360-degree cameras include a see-through mode, a personalising driving position guide, and machined 21-inch alloy wheels with an alternative design.

On the tech front, all CX-70’s are fitted with a huge 12.3-inch widescreen centre touch-screen and a 12.3-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster. You get wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fantastic Bose 12-speaker sound system, ‘Mazda Connected Service’ telematics for three years, integrated sat-nav, physical air-con buttons separated from the screen, and a wireless phone charger.

Exuding a bold and refined presence, the exterior design boasts an elevated bonnet line and a rearward-tilted back, evoking the stance of a rear-wheel-drive roadster. Extended horizontal taillights accentuate the SUV’s width and power, while smooth door contours and a selection of luxurious colour options enhance its sleek appearance. In spite of its new level of elegance, the Mazda identity remains unmistakable, with the distinctive bull shark grille and striking headlights reflecting the brand’s ‘Kodo’ design philosophy.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Powertrain & handling

Beneath the bonnet, the Skyactiv-D engine is made up of a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel running a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that is charged via regenerative braking. The system produces a respectable 187kW of power and boasts 550Nm of torque, making it more than capable of tackling hills and hurried take-offs. In fact, we clocked 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.25 seconds.

Mazda’s ‘Skyactiv-Drive’ is unlike traditional torque converter autos. This uses twin clutches on either side, with the electric motor in between. It’s not as smooth as a regular auto, especially off the line. But gear shifts are quick. From there power is sent to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, and drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, and Off-road modes.

Mazda’s engineers have also worked hard to make this powertrain as efficient as possible. As engines are generally getting smaller, this big six is surprisingly economical. The official average fuel consumption figure is just 5.4L/100km. That is a vast improvement over the G50e petrol engine’s 8.1L/100km average. And in our harsher testing, our figure of 6.5L/100km is just as impressive for a vehicle with this power and two-tonne weight.

A significant influence comes from the mild-hybrid system and Mazda’s ‘i-Stop’ technology, which operates at all speeds. The engine shuts off when power isn’t needed – even at speeds above 100km/h – during coasting or braking. When it’s time to move again, the i-Stop resumes. It isn’t as seamless in transition as some, but it does its job. It also has a hefty fuel tank, so you should be able to travel more than 1100km before refuelling (theoretical average range is 1370km).

Now to some quirks. Yes, there is more than one. The first is the heavy, clunky steering, which makes the car feel bigger and more cumbersome than it actually is. This can be a bit disconcerting at first, especially when navigating tight parking spots or low-speed manoeuvres. At higher speeds, the steering does settle, but the initial sensation of weight is something you’ll notice. It doesn’t have the sharp, agile feel that other Mazdas have, and that might not sit well with those who appreciate lighter, responsive steering that requires less effort.

When it comes to suspension, the CX-70 offers a generally smooth ride, though it’s not without its faults. The suspension can struggle on soften bumps or potholes. Your track stays strong, but an initial thud as you roll over a bump reverberates straight into the cabin. It doesn’t quite have the same level of cushioning you get from other premium SUVs. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to note.

Still on downsides, there is one feature that might frustrate some drivers – a notorious power cut from what Mazda calls Smart Brake Support (SBS). As part of the i-ACTIVSENSE system, it has the ability to cut power and brake when it thinks you’re too close to a vehicle in front, assuming you’re about to collide with it. While this is a safety feature, it can be a pain when you’re trying to dart out into traffic or from a slow to fast lane.

The system hesitates your actions and brakes, as it assumes you are going to collide with the car you’re pulling away from. But it leaves you stuck in a situation where you have frustrated cars behind you due to the hesitation. Backing off the accelerator pedal and pressing it down does not change anything either. You’re rendered stuck at the same speed as the car you’re trying to pass until it is completely outside the trigger bounds. It’s an intrusive system unlike other manufacturer systems.

Curiously, we found the D50e exhibited an odd engine note. While the powertrain is mostly smooth, there’s a peculiar “whoosh” noise that emanates from the engine under acceleration. It’s not exactly unpleasant, but it’s a non-adjustable sound that is unnatural to a straight-six engine. We couldn’t find any artificial sound settings to turn off in the on-screen menu. Some might find it odd, especially since the rest of the interior is so refined.

Off-road capability is limited by its 203mm of ground clearance. Performance is also constrained by the low-profile tyres and 21-inch alloy wheels, and the space-saver spare. Consequently, it’s ideal for lighter off-road challenges. Towing capacity is also of medium-level competency in the CX-70 D50e. 2500kg is not among the greatest, but it is respectable.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Luxurious interior: The CX-70 Azami with SP Package offers a beautifully crafted cabin with premium Nappa leather, elegantly placed ambient lighting, and top-tier comfort features.
• Impressive powertrain: Equipped with a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel, the D50e delivers a robust 187kW and 550Nm of torque.
• Practicality and space: With ample storage, spacious rear seats, and a generous 598-litre boot, the CX-70 caters well to family needs.
• Fuel efficiency: Despite its powerful engine, the Skyactiv-D impresses with an average fuel consumption of just 5.4L/100km, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size and power.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Key considerations before you buy

• Ease of manoeuvring: The steering is notably heavy and clunky, particularly at low speeds, making tight manoeuvres less comfortable.
• Suspension comfort: While the CX-70 offers a composed ride, the suspension transmits an initial thud over bumps, which compromises comfort compared to other SUVs in this premium range.
• SBS quirks: The Smart Brake Support system can be overly cautious compared to systems in other cars, where it cuts power and brakes when it believes you’re too close to another vehicle, causing frustrating acceleration delays in certain driving situations.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Azami D50e: Video