2026 Mazda CX-70 vs CX-70 PHEV: Which Should You Buy?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo delivers 280 hp from a 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 paired with standard AWD. The CX-70 PHEV uses a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor, adds up to 32 miles of EV range, and has a lower maximum towing capacity. This page breaks down every key difference so you can match the right powertrain to your needs, then check current inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda.

The Short Answer

Both share the same two-row, five-passenger cabin and identical cargo volumes, so the primary difference comes down to powertrain, towing needs, and how often you can take advantage of electric driving.

Specs Head-to-Head

Full 2026 CX-70 specs and trims

Performance and Powertrain

The CX-70 Turbo uses the e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48V mild-hybrid system that supplements the gasoline engine without providing a dedicated electric-only driving range. The standard-output version on Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trims produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. Step up to the 3.3 Turbo S trims and output climbs to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel.

All Turbo variants pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD. The tow rating reaches 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories on Premium, Premium Plus, and Turbo S trims.

The CX-70 PHEV uses the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain, combining a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 with a 68 kW electric motor for a combined system output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It adds Charge Mode and an EV mode within Mi-Drive, allowing up to 32 miles of fully electric operation. Its maximum tow rating is 3,500 lbs.

When the battery is charged, shorter trips in and around Tuscaloosa or nearby Northport may be completed using electric power. On longer drives, the powertrain can use both gasoline and electric propulsion.

The inline-6 Turbo provides a different powertrain character from the PHEV's four-cylinder hybrid setup. Both use an 8-speed automatic and i-ACTIV AWD, and both include Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) and Mi-Drive with Sport and Off-Road modes. The PHEV also adds an EV mode to Mi-Drive.

EPA fuel economy and MPGe ratings for both CX-70 variants

Interior, Space, and Cargo

Both variants share a two-row, five-passenger cabin with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row and 75.3 cu ft with the rear seats folded. Cargo volume remains the same regardless of powertrain.

Trim level determines most of the interior differences. The CX-70 Turbo Preferred and CX-70 PHEV SC offer different combinations of seating materials and convenience features. The Turbo Preferred includes leather seating and wireless phone charging, while the PHEV SC uses leatherette seating and does not include wireless charging. Those additional features become available on the PHEV SC Plus.

Moving up either lineup adds features such as heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and upgraded seating materials. The Turbo S Premium Plus includes quilted Tan Nappa leather with suede dashboard inserts.

Sunroof availability also varies by trim. The Turbo Preferred includes a power sliding sunroof, while Premium Plus and Turbo S trims offer a power panoramic sunroof. The PHEV trims do not list a panoramic sunroof in their specifications.

Three-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, and the 12.3-inch center display are available throughout both lineups. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is standard on Premium, Turbo S, and PHEV Plus trims, while the Turbo Preferred uses a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument display.

Technology and Safety

Both variants use a 12.3-inch Mazda Connect center display. The Turbo Preferred and both PHEV trims include Alexa Built-in and front and rear USB-C inputs. Wireless phone charging is included on the Turbo Preferred but not the PHEV SC.

The Turbo Preferred provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The PHEV SC uses wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless integration differing by trim.

Bose 12-speaker audio is standard from the Turbo Premium trim upward across the standard-powertrain lineup. The PHEV trims use an 8-speaker system. Mazda Online Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio with a trial subscription, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink are available on select Turbo trims.

Safety technologies shared across the lineups include Smart Brake Support, Lane-Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Driver Attention Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning.

Select Turbo trims add technologies including Emergency Lane Keeping, Cruising and Traffic Support, Secondary Collision Reduction, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Front Cross Traffic Alert. Additional features vary by trim.

The CX-70 PHEV has received IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings. Shoppers should review the latest ratings for the specific CX-70 powertrain and configuration they are considering.

IIHS safety ratings for the 2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV

Mazda i-Activsense safety feature details

Value and Ownership

Warranty coverage starts the same for both with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The PHEV also includes coverage applicable to its electrified powertrain and battery components, with terms that may vary based on location and emissions regulations.

The Turbo reaches its 5,000 lb maximum tow rating on qualifying trims when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. The PHEV is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs. For shoppers who regularly tow a boat, trailer, or recreational equipment, that difference may be an important factor.

Fuel economy and charging access also separate the two powertrains. The Turbo returns 24 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG on standard-output trims. The PHEV is rated at 61 MPGe combined when accounting for gasoline and electric operation.

Drivers who can charge regularly and complete many trips within the PHEV's electric range may use less gasoline. Drivers who rarely charge or routinely cover longer distances may place greater value on the Turbo's conventional fueling and higher towing capability.

Pricing, incentives, and vehicle availability can change. Check current CX-70 inventory and available Mazda offers at Tuscaloosa Mazda when comparing specific trims.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both share the same fundamental Mazda CX-70 platform, cabin dimensions, cargo capacity, and i-ACTIV AWD system. The decision comes down to how you drive each day, whether regular charging is practical, and how much towing capability you need.

See Both CX-70 Powertrains at Tuscaloosa Mazda

Shop current Mazda CX-70 inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda to compare available Turbo and PHEV models. The team can help you review trims, features, towing requirements, and charging considerations based on your driving needs. Browse available stock online or schedule a test drive to experience the differences between the inline-6 Turbo and the PHEV.

Frequently Asked Questions