Families have an abundance of choices when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. SUVs have made a place for themselves in the family vehicle segment, with plenty of interior and cargo space, smooth performance, and advanced vehicle safety features. If you’re shopping for a two-row SUV and wondering what the best choice is, we’ve got an idea. The Mazda CX-70 was named the 2025 Best Two-Row SUV for Families by U.S. News and World Report thanks to its fuel efficiency, high-end features, and outstanding safety scores.
“When it comes to shopping for the right car, those with families have an array of considerations that will play a vital role in their decision-making,” Alex Kwanten, U.S. News managing editor, Autos, said in a press release. “The awards recognize new models from nine automotive segments, and each winner offers an outstanding blend of space, safety, reliability, convenience, and connectivity.”
U.S. News and World Report evaluates vehicles based on their overall ranking, which includes safety, reliability, passenger space, cargo space, and the consensus opinion of automotive experts. For the “best for families” awards, the publication also considers family-friendly features and advanced technology. In all areas, the Mazda CX-70 earned the highest scores.
Highlights of this midsize SUV that made it the winner include automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and hands-free cargo access
“[T]he Mazda CX-70’s user-friendly interior is huge by class standards, with excellent backseat and cargo room. Its overall combination of space, style, features, and top-notch safety scores makes for a very family-friendly recipe,” Kwanten said in a press release.
The Mazda CX-70 starts at $40,445 MSRP, and it’s available in five trim levels:
Mazda CX-70 Engine: The base engine of this midsize SUV is a 340-hp 3.3-liter Inline 6 turbo engine that generates 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a mild hybrid powertrain. There’s a small electric motor that assists the gas engine to optimize fuel efficiency. The electric motor is charged through regenerative braking. All trim levels have standard i-ACTIV AWD® (all-wheel drive).
Mazda CX-70 Interior: The Mazda CX-70 interior offers upscale features that add luxury and comfort. It’s also a family-friendly cabin. It seats five on leather-trimmed or Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery that’s easy to clean. There’s plenty of room for diaper bags, school bags, sports and music equipment, and whatever else you need. Behind the second row is a generous 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Need more storage? When the second row is folded, the cargo space increases to 75.3 cubic feet.
Mazda CX-70 Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2025 Mazda CX-70 a Top Safety Pick+ winner thanks, in part, to this midsize SUV’s suite of standard driver-assistance and safety features. This Mazda SUV also received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Mazda CX-70 interior features two complete sets of LATCH connectors for car seats. These are located on the outer seats of the second row. The middle seat provides a tether anchor. The IIHS gave the LATCH system a rating of Good+.
Some of what’s included in the i-ACTIVSENSE® suite of safety features are blindspot monitoring, radar cruise control with stop and go, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, vehicle exit warning, smart brake support, head-on traffic avoidance assist,
Mazda CX-70 Technology: The technology inside the Mazda CX-70 is also great for families. The MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With this, you can play music, follow navigation, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, and more through your SUV’s speakers. There’s also Alexa built-in and a wireless phone charger.
This midsize SUV is also available as a plug-in hybrid SUV. The Mazda CX-70 PHEV starts at $54,400 MSRP and is available in two trim levels:
An e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV 2.5-liter engine and 68 kW electric motor power the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV. It generates a collective 323 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 26 miles. This PHEV SUV has a 490-mile total driving range. i-ACTIV AWD® is standard on trim levels.
Do you agree with U.S. News and World Report that the Mazda CX-70 is the best midsize SUV for families? If so, we’d love to guide you through the car-buying process! You can easily explore our Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-70 PHEV inventory online to find the model and trim level best suited to your needs, then contact us to learn more or to schedule a test drive. We look forward to helping you and your family find your next vehicle!
