Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers - Mazda CX-70 vs Mazda CX-90: Which New Mazda SUV Fits Colorado Springs, CO Drivers?
If you are shopping for a premium-feeling Mazda SUV in Colorado Springs, one of the most useful questions is not simply "Which SUV is bigger?" It is "Do I need a third row, or would a larger two-row SUV fit my life better?" That is where the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 become especially relevant. Both bring refined Mazda design, standard i-Activ AWD, confident powertrains, advanced driver-assistance technology, and upscale cabins, but each one is built around a different kind of daily routine.
At Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers, we work with drivers from Colorado Springs, Monument, Castle Rock, Parker, and surrounding communities who need vehicles that can handle far more than one kind of drive. One day might mean commuting on Powers Boulevard or I-25, the next might involve a run to the Air Force Academy area, a family dinner downtown, or a weekend trip into the mountains. For many local shoppers, the choice between the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 comes down to seating, cargo flexibility, towing needs, and whether a plug-in hybrid option makes sense.
The simplest way to think about the difference is this: the Mazda CX-70 is a two-row SUV with generous cargo space and a more personal, adventure-ready layout, while the Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV designed for families and passengers who regularly need seating for more people. Both offer the polished driving character Mazda is known for, but the right choice depends on what you need behind the front seats.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if You Want Two Rows and Maximum Everyday Cargo Flexibility
The Mazda CX-70 is ideal for Colorado Springs drivers who like the size, power, and premium feel of a midsize SUV but do not need a third row. Its two-row layout gives you a roomy rear seat and a large cargo area that works well for gear-heavy lifestyles. If your weekends involve hiking packs, skis, golf clubs, home improvement supplies, pet crates, or road trip luggage, the CX-70 offers the space and versatility to keep up without making you manage seats you rarely use.
Another major strength of the CX-70 is its focus on comfort and convenience. Mazda designed the CX-70 with features such as available leather seating, an available power panoramic sunroof, available heated and ventilated seating, and clever cargo solutions, including underfloor storage. That kind of layout can be especially helpful around Colorado Springs, where drivers often want a vehicle that feels refined enough for weekday commuting but practical enough for active weekends near Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, or the foothills west of town.
Performance is also a major reason to consider the CX-70. Gas-powered CX-70 models use a 3.3-liter Inline 6 Turbo engine with standard i-Activ AWD, and plug-in hybrid models combine electric driving capability with gas-engine flexibility. Select CX-70 gas models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories, making this SUV a strong fit for drivers who want to bring along small recreational trailers or other weekend equipment.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if You Need Three Rows for Family and Passenger Space
The Mazda CX-90 is the better match if you regularly carry more than five passengers or want the flexibility of a third row. The CX-90 can seat up to eight passengers depending on configuration, and select models offer second-row captain's chairs for easier third-row access and a more open cabin feel. For Colorado Springs families with kids, visiting relatives, school carpools, or busy weekend schedules, that extra row can make everyday driving feel much easier.
The CX-90 also brings a premium cabin experience that feels designed for long drives. Available features include a panoramic moonroof, Bose premium audio, multiple USB-C outlets, available 360-degree View Monitor technology, and thoughtful seating configurations. On drives from Colorado Springs to Denver, ski areas, or family destinations across the Front Range, the CX-90 gives passengers more ways to stretch out, stay charged, and stay comfortable.
Like the CX-70, the CX-90 is available with gas and plug-in hybrid powertrain choices. Gas-powered CX-90 models feature an Inline 6 Turbo engine with standard i-Activ AWD, while the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid offers short-distance electric driving with the confidence of a gas engine for longer trips. The CX-90 PHEV offers an all-electric driving range for around-town errands and a combined gas-electric range for extended travel, which can be appealing if much of your week is spent running local errands but you still want road-trip flexibility.
Key Differences Colorado Springs Shoppers Should Compare
- Seating needs: Choose the Mazda CX-70 if five seats are enough; choose the Mazda CX-90 if you want three rows and seating for up to eight passengers.
- Cargo priorities: The Mazda CX-70 gives you a two-row layout with generous cargo flexibility; the Mazda CX-90 gives you cargo versatility plus the option to fold the third row when you need more space.
- Daily driving feel: Both SUVs feel composed and premium, but the CX-70 may appeal more to drivers who want a personal midsize SUV, while the CX-90 is better for larger family routines.
- Powertrain choices: Both offer gas and plug-in hybrid options, so shoppers can compare smooth turbocharged performance with electrified flexibility.
- Towing plans: Properly equipped CX-70 and CX-90 gas models can offer strong towing capability, while PHEV models offer a different balance of efficiency and utility.
- Passenger comfort: The CX-90 is the clear choice for frequent passenger hauling; the CX-70 is excellent if rear-seat comfort and cargo space matter more than a third row.
How Standard AWD Helps Around Colorado Springs
One advantage shared by both the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 is standard i-Activ AWD. Around Colorado Springs, that matters because driving conditions can change quickly between neighborhoods, elevations, and routes. Even when the roads are dry, local drivers often appreciate extra confidence for steep grades, gravel access roads, trailhead parking areas, and highway travel along the Front Range.
Mazda's i-Activ AWD is designed to do more than react after wheel slip occurs. It proactively monitors vehicle dynamics and helps distribute torque for a more predictable, connected feel. Paired with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, these SUVs can adapt to different driving situations with modes that may include Sport, Off-Road, available Towing, or EV mode depending on model and powertrain. For shoppers who want capability without giving up a refined drive, that balance is a major Mazda advantage.
Should You Consider a Plug-In Hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid version of the Mazda CX-70 or Mazda CX-90 can be a smart fit if your normal day includes shorter local trips but your life still demands long-distance flexibility. Many Colorado Springs drivers spend weekdays going between home, work, school, the grocery store, and local appointments. A PHEV can let you use electric driving for many routine trips when charged, while the gas engine remains ready for longer drives beyond the city.
The CX-70 PHEV is a strong option if you want two-row space, versatile cargo room, and electrified performance. The CX-90 PHEV is the better choice if you want plug-in hybrid capability with three-row seating. Both use standard all-wheel drive and offer Mazda's refined driving feel, so the bigger question is not whether plug-in hybrid technology is useful. The better question is whether your passenger needs point toward the CX-70 PHEV or CX-90 PHEV.
Shopping With Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers
Once you have narrowed your choice, our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers can help you compare trims, features, powertrains, and accessories in a practical way. We offer convenient purchase and lease options, and you can begin from home by valuing your trade, applying for financing, and exploring vehicles online. We also offer online purchase options and free delivery in Colorado, which can make the process easier if your schedule is packed.
Our Mazda dealership is located at 7455 Test Drive in Colorado Springs, near the Powers corridor, which makes us convenient for shoppers throughout the city and nearby communities. Whether you are comparing the CX-70 and CX-90 in person or continuing your research online, our goal is to help you choose the SUV that fits your real life - not just the one that looks good on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Mazda CX-70 bigger than the Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 are both midsize Mazda SUVs, but the key difference is seating layout. The CX-70 is a two-row SUV focused on cargo flexibility, while the CX-90 is a three-row SUV designed for larger passenger needs.
Which Mazda SUV is better for families in Colorado Springs?
If your family needs three rows, the Mazda CX-90 is likely the better fit. If your family usually travels with five or fewer people and wants more everyday cargo room, the Mazda CX-70 may be the smarter choice.
Do the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 both offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Both Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 models feature standard i-Activ AWD, giving Colorado Springs drivers added confidence for changing road conditions, elevation changes, and weekend travel.
Can I get a plug-in hybrid version of both SUVs?
Yes. Mazda offers plug-in hybrid versions of both the CX-70 and CX-90. The CX-70 PHEV is a two-row plug-in hybrid SUV, while the CX-90 PHEV adds three-row versatility.
Where can I compare the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 in Colorado Springs, CO?
You can compare new Mazda SUVs with our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers. We can walk you through seating, cargo space, towing capability, technology, financing options, and online shopping tools to help you choose confidently.