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Tom’s Guide

Technology

John Velasco

I drove the Mazda CX-70 for a week — and it proves hybrids don’t need to sacrifice power to be fuel efficient

Mazda Tom Guide John Velasco Economy Lexus Toyota

Hybrid vehicles are known for their impressive fuel economy, but they often sacrifice power in the process. The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is one of the few that breaks that tradition, blending outstanding efficiency and muscle.

This mid-size SUV starts at $42,250 for the base trim, jumping up to $56,135 for the Turbo S Premium trim I drove for a week — with both earning an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg.

While many of the best electric cars offer better long-term savings with their all-electric powertrains, I still believe hybrid cars are the best way to go for the majority of people. The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium proves it’s the perfect middle ground for skeptics. Here’s why.

2026 Mazda CX-70: Specifications

	2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Preferred	2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium
Engine	3.3L inline 6 turbo engine (AWD)	3.3L inline 6 turbo engine (AWD)
Fuel Economy	24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined	23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gallons	19.6 gallons
Horsepower	280 hp	340 hp
Wheels	21-inches	21-inches
MSRP	$42,250	$53,240
Price Tested	N/A	$56,135

2026 Mazda CX-70: Testing summary

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I drove a total of 208.8 miles during my week testing the CX-70, averaging 24.5 mpg. That's right on target with the manufacturer's claims, but it is lower than the efficiency I got from testing other hybrid SUVs like the Mazda CX-50, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and Lexus UX 300h.

To be fair, though, those SUVs are smaller with less powerful engines — whereas the CX-70 is a midsize SUV with a 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 that delivers 340 hp. I was actually most impressed by the 30.1 mpg I averaged during a long-distance highway test, which I think is an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size and weight.

Don’t let the numbers fool you into thinking it isn’t efficient because the all-gas Genesis GV80 I tested recently averaged a dismal 19.4 mpg. While that is also a midsize SUV, albeit with three rows, it really highlights the CX-70’s efficiency advantage.

	2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium	2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S	2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus	2025 Lexus UX 300h Premium AWD
Price tested	$56,135	$34,705	$41,470	$45,485
Total miles driven	208.8 miles	215.4 miles	260 miles	337 miles
Average Fuel Economy	24.5 mpg	45 mpg	40.8 mpg	48 mpg
Best short distance fuel economy	20.8 mpg	63 mpg	43 mpg	64.7 mpg
Best long distance fuel economy	30.1 mpg	44.3 mpg	39.9 mpg	46.7 mpg

2026 Mazda CX-70: What I Like

Impressive power for a hybrid

I’ve driven my share of hybrids, and while I usually prioritize fuel economy, these vehicles are often underpowered. However, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium is one of the few hybrids that commands serious power.

Accelerating and overtaking slower traffic is effortless thanks to that 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 engine. There's an immense amount of torque behind it, which came as a genuine surprise the first time I pulled away from a stop sign and felt the car's immediate response.

Spacious Interior

I’m a fan of the red and black trimmed seats, which give the cabin a distinctively sporty vibe, but I was even more impressed by the sheer amount of room. The interior is remarkably spacious, from the generous legroom in the rear — enough to comfortably accommodate the tallest of passengers — to the massive trunk. In fact, it's large enough to fit my JackRabbit OG2 Pro ebike with ease.

Adaptive Front-Lighting System

One feature that truly elevates the "premium" feel of this trim is the Adaptive Front Lighting System. It allows the headlights to pivot in the same direction as the steering wheel, which is incredibly helpful on winding roads at night. By pivoting up to 15 degrees, the headlights illuminate the path exactly where I’m steering, rather than just pointing straight ahead into the darkness.

Smooth adaptive cruise control

I’m the type of driver who relies heavily on adaptive cruise control during long road trips, and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 doesn't disappoint.

The system keeps a watchful eye on traffic conditions, smoothly applying acceleration and braking to maintain a safe following distance. I felt confident letting the lane-centering assistance guide the steering, since it was quick to identify vehicles merging into my lane and reacted with gentle braking. It's exactly the convenience I love using constantly to make the drive as comfortable as possible, while keeping guard over the vehicle should my reaction time unexpectedly lapse.

2026 Mazda CX-70: What I Don't Like

No touchscreen display

Mazda is one of the few car makers that still insists on having a non-touchscreen main display. This becomes a point of frustration when I’m constantly rotating the command knob next to the shifter to navigate the interface.

What would normally take a couple of taps ends up becoming a labored process where I occasionally miss a selection because I’m trying to move through the menus quickly.

Antiquated interface

I’m also frustrated by the antiquated interface, which is made worse by its cumbersome, menu-driven system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support make me less reliant on the stock software, the system would benefit from a modern makeover to match the intuitiveness found in vehicles like the Polestar 4 and Rivian R1S.

2026 Mazda CX-70: Verdict

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium is a rare breed in the hybrid world. Just like other hybrid vehicles, it prioritizes fuel economy to cover long ranges — without sacrificing on power. It’s honestly the perfect middle ground for the driver who isn't ready to shell out the extra for a comparably sized EV, but who is also tired of the dismal fuel economies of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles.

With a starting price of $42,250, the CX-70 has the room and utility to be an ideal family car. By moving up to the $56,135 Turbo S Premium trim I tested, you're paying for a top-tier experience complete with a head-up display, stronger engine performance, 360-degree camera views, heated seats, auto-dimming side mirrors, and more.