I have always said that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have the best of both worlds. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV had so much to offer. Starting with the outside, the Melting Copper Metallic color was an instant attention grabber. The strong shaping of the SUV gave it an aggressive design. It seems like wheels are getting bigger and bigger but the 21-inch on the CX-70 followed the trend. Thankfully they looked good and had plenty of sidewall to offer some road absorption.

Getting in, the high quality red Nappa leather was vibrant and exciting to experience. Having driven the CX-70 for over 400 miles, I was glad that the seats were extremely comfortable to help with my 400 mile road trip I took in the CX-70. The heated option was great in the early hours of my trip and then I switched to the venting option once the day warmed up. One of my favorite Mazda feature is the volume knob that doubles as a pseudo joystick that can be pushed left and right to go to the previous and next track. The infotainment joystick was also great at navigating the very simple and pleasant Mazda user interface.

Under the hood, the 2.5L plug-in hybrid is that star of the CX-70. I was a little frustrated with the how Mazda sets up their battery charging with the engine. Instead of using the drive modes, it has a button that has to be activated after every start up and the description when you press the button, was poor. The whole week I had it, I was under the impression that I couldn’t charge the battery unless it was plugged in. After deep searching of the button under the drive modes, was when I discovered its true function. My recommendation would be better description when you press the button and also have the CX-70 remember the button state from the last time you drove.

Overall, I was loving the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV. Having driven it on a mini road-trip, I was impressed with the overall feel of it. It wouldn’t meet all my requirements since it does have a lower towing rating than the non plugin version. If you don’t need to tow, I’d say it’s can battle it out at being my favorite SUV I’ve driven!