*Not actual model
Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers - How the 2026 Mazda CX-70’s i-Activ AWD Improves Traction on Snowy Roads around Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado drivers ask smart, real-world questions, and one of the most common is whether the 2026 Mazda CX-70’s standard i-Activ all-wheel drive is up to the task when roads turn slick. Short answer, yes. The system continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs, then proactively sends torque to the wheels that need it. Coupled with a rear-biased platform and Kinematic Posture Control, the CX-70 remains stable and composed in situations that can unsettle ordinary crossovers. Add Mi-Drive modes with Sport and Off-Road to tailor response to your route, and the CX-70 inspires confidence across winter’s freeze-thaw cycles, slush berms, and surprise dustings on the morning commute.
Where i-Activ all-wheel drive truly shines is in its seamless operation. You do not need to guess when to engage it. It is always on, anticipating slip before it becomes a problem, and balancing traction without the busy, abrupt feel of some systems. On a slick neighborhood incline, the system quietly apportions torque, limiting wheelspin as you ease away. On a winding county road, the rear-biased layout helps the Mazda track true through the corner. And in deeper, uneven snow on unplowed side streets, Off-Road mode refines throttle and stability logic to maintain momentum with measured control. Pair these fundamentals with available equipment like a windshield wiper de-icer and the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View for low-speed maneuvering in heavy snowfall, and you have a two-row SUV that is ready for Colorado’s unpredictable weather.
The CX-70’s broader chassis and powertrain toolkit deepen its winter credentials. The e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with M-Hybrid Boost delivers smooth, low-end response for delicate throttle control on icy surfaces, while the e-Skyactiv PHEV adds instant electric torque for confident starts. Each powertrain pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission tuned for direct engagement. Beyond traction, the braking and stability systems integrate with i-Activ all-wheel drive to help keep you on your intended path. And when you encounter variable surfaces on the same drive, Mi-Drive lets you adapt with a quick turn of the selector, ensuring the CX-70 feels planted and predictable even as conditions change block by block.
Safety and visibility matter just as much in winter, and the 2026 CX-70 backs you up with a robust i-Activsense® suite. Standard Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning help manage everyday risk. Available Cruising & Traffic Support assists in congestion, while Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and the 360° View Monitor expand awareness in complex intersections and tight lots with snowbanks. Voice-first controls via Alexa Built-in reduce distraction so you can keep your attention on the road, and the 12.3-inch Mazda Connect display with touch functionality when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto gives you intuitive access to navigation and weather.
For shoppers comparing winter-ready SUVs, the CX-70’s mix of real traction, balanced handling, and thoughtful technology is compelling. You can drive confidently to early lifts on powder days, traverse rutted neighborhood streets, and return home on wind-polished pavement with the same calm assurance. It is not just about capability, though. Inside, available heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and premium materials like Nappa leather create a warm, quiet space to decompress after a cold day out. And thanks to practical cargo features including a unique sub-trunk and remote-folding rear seats, your winter gear stays organized and out of sight when you are parked downtown.
If you are eager to feel how these systems work in real conditions, schedule a winter-focused test drive that includes a variety of surfaces and speeds. Ask to try Off-Road and Sport in Mi-Drive, experiment with the 360° View Monitor in a tight space, and verify your ideal safety feature mix. When you are ready, our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers can tailor the experience and walk you through available accessories, including Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories if your winter plans include pulling a small trailer or snow machines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-Activ all-wheel drive always engaged or do I need to switch it on?
It is always on and working in the background. You can fine-tune the vehicle’s overall behavior using Mi-Drive modes such as Off-Road or Sport.
Which features help most with winter visibility and low-speed maneuvering?
Available equipment includes a windshield wiper de-icer and a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. Front Cross Traffic Alert can assist with snowbank-obstructed intersections, too.
Can I tow in winter conditions with the CX-70?
Yes. Select trims add a Towing mode in Mi-Drive and offer up to 5,000 lbs of maximum towing when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. The available Trailer Hitch View helps with alignment when the ground is slick.
Does the PHEV version change how the all-wheel drive system behaves?
Both powertrains use standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. The e-Skyactiv PHEV adds instant electric torque for smooth takeoffs, while the system continues to proactively manage traction just as it does on the turbo models.
We are proud to be serving Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs with expert guidance on trims, powertrains, and winter accessories. When you are ready to get answers tailored to your drive and your driveway, our team is here to help you choose confidently.
Request more 2026 Mazda CX-70 information
Categories:
Mazda CX-70
