We’re Driving Mazda’s CX-70 And CX-80 With Gas And Diesel Inline Sixes: Got Questions?

Mazda has spent the past few years climbing the premium ladder, crafting a lineup of SUVs that are increasingly refined and, dare we say, luxurious. Soon, we’ll have the opportunity to drive the two most recent additions to its complex SUV line-up, namely the CX-70 and CX-80, but before we hit the road, we want to hear from you, the readers: What do you want to know about them?

We’ll be testing both models back-to-back in Australia, where the lineup is, let’s just say, a bit confusing. To set the record straight, the CX-60 and CX-90 are also part of Mazda’s Aussie portfolio, rounding out what could be considered the most perplexing family photo in the automotive world.

Breaking Down Mazda’s Mid-Size SUV Lineup

For those unfamiliar, the CX-60, which measures 186.6 inches (4,740 mm) long riding on a 113.0-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase, is the smallest of the group. It’s not sold in North America and is available exclusively as a five-seater. We tested it last year and were thoroughly impressed. Meanwhile, the CX-80 is a larger three-row model that shares the same DNA but stretches out to a 122.8-inch (3,120 mm) wheelbase and a total length of 196.5 inches (4,990 mm). Like the CX-60, it’s not coming to the U.S.

Review: The Mazda CX-60 D50e Azami Is A Classy Diesel SUV

Then there’s the CX-70. Sold in North America, it’s essentially the two-row, five-seat counterpart to the three-row CX-90. Depending on the configuration, the CX-90 offers options for captain’s chairs or a bench in the middle row, as well as either a two- or three-seat bench in the back, allowing it to accommodate six, seven, or eight passengers. If you assumed the CX-90 is longer than the CX-70, you’d be mistaken—it’s the same vehicle riding on a 122.8-inch (3,120 mm) wheelbase with one less row of seats. Simple, right?

MAZDA CX-80

CX-80 vs. CX-90

Now, you might be wondering how the three-row CX-80 we’re testing in Australia compares to the CX-90, which is sold in both North America and Australia. While they share the same 122.8-inch (3,120 mm) wheelbase, the CX-90 is about 4 inches wider at 78.5 in. (1,994 mm) compared to the CX-80’s 74.4 in. (1,890 mm)—and approximately 4 inches longer overall at 200.8 inches (5,100 mm) versus the CX-80’s 196.7 inches (4,995 mm).

MAZDA SUV CHEAT SHEET

First Up: The CX-80 Pure

We’ll first be jumping behind the wheel of the CX-80 Pure. Down Under, this is the base version of the CX-80, priced from AU$60,182 (~$37,400). Our tester will have the G40e powertrain, which is a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six petrol with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 280 hp (209 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Other versions of the CX-80 sold in Australia include the AU$67,675 (~$42,000) Touring, the AU$74,770 (~$46,500) GT, and the AU$80,189 (~$49,900) Azami.

Next: The CX-70 Azami SP

The following week, we’re testing the CX-70 that is also available in the States. This time around, we’ll be seeing what it’s like in the flagship Azami SP guise, priced from AU$91,584 (~$57,000) and fitted with the diesel version of Mazda’s 3.3-liter inline-six. We found this engine to be an excellent companion in the CX-60 and CX-90 we tested in late 2023, and suspect it’ll be equally as well suited to the CX-70. In the US, CX-70 prices range from $40,445 to $57,450.

Your Turn: Ask Away

Have questions about these two premium SUVs? Want to know if the CX-70 or CX-80 lives up to Mazda’s new upscale ambitions? Curious about that inline-six diesel or how these models compare to competitors? Drop your questions in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer them after putting both SUVs through their paces.