Bob Penkhus Mazda South - Mazda CX-70 vs Mazda CX-90 in Colorado Springs, CO: Two Rows or Three Rows?
If you are shopping for a new Mazda SUV in Colorado Springs, CO, one of the most practical questions is also one of the most important: do you need two rows or three? The Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 both bring upscale craftsmanship, confident performance, standard i-Activ AWD, and the kind of premium driving feel that makes Mazda SUVs stand out. The difference is how you plan to use the space. For some drivers, the Mazda CX-70's roomy two-row layout is ideal for commuting, road trips, outdoor gear, and daily errands. For others, the Mazda CX-90's three-row cabin makes more sense for carpools, visiting family, growing households, and extra passenger flexibility.
At Bob Penkhus Mazda South, we work with shoppers from Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, Fountain, Pueblo, Woodland Park, and surrounding communities, so we know SUV needs can vary quite a bit. A driver commuting along I-25 may prioritize a refined cabin and responsive power. A family near Broadmoor, Briargate, or Old Colorado City may care more about seating flexibility and easy access for kids. Someone who spends weekends heading toward Cheyenne Mountain, Pikes Peak, or trailheads west of town may want cargo room, all-wheel-drive confidence, and available towing capability. That is where comparing the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 side by side becomes helpful.
The Quick Difference: Mazda CX-70 Is Two-Row, Mazda CX-90 Is Three-Row
The Mazda CX-70 is a midsize two-row SUV built for drivers who want generous cargo space, premium comfort, and strong performance without a third row. It is a smart fit if you usually drive with one to four passengers but still want room for luggage, sports equipment, camping supplies, pet gear, or home improvement runs. Mazda designed the CX-70 with optimized storage solutions, including useful cargo-area compartments, bag hooks, available remote-folding rear seats, and a sub-trunk area for keeping smaller items out of sight.
The Mazda CX-90, by contrast, is the better match when passenger space is the deciding factor. It offers three rows and seating for up to eight passengers depending on configuration. That gives Colorado Springs families more flexibility for school drop-off, sports practices, visiting grandparents, or weekend drives with friends. The CX-90 also offers a premium, quiet cabin with available features such as a panoramic moonroof, available Bose audio, USB-C access in multiple rows on select models, and available second-row captain's chairs depending on configuration.
Why Colorado Springs Drivers May Prefer the Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is especially appealing if you want a spacious SUV but do not want to manage a third row you rarely use. For many local drivers, that is a real advantage. If your daily routine includes Garden of the Gods errands, downtown parking, grocery stops, and weekend escapes toward the mountains, the CX-70 gives you a large, premium-feeling cabin with a flexible cargo area behind the second row. It feels purpose-built for people who value space for life, not necessarily seats for a crowd.
Performance is another major CX-70 strength. Gas models offer a responsive inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, and the CX-70 PHEV adds plug-in hybrid flexibility for short electric driving and longer gas-assisted trips. Across the lineup, standard i-Activ AWD supports predictable handling, and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select includes modes designed to adapt to changing road surfaces and driving needs. For drivers who regularly move between city streets, foothill roads, and open highways, that confident, composed feel can make everyday driving more enjoyable.
- Best for: Drivers who want a premium two-row SUV with generous cargo room
- Great for: Couples, small families, pet owners, outdoor recreation, and road trips
- Not ideal if: You regularly need seating for more than five people
- Standout strengths: Upscale interior, strong performance, standard AWD, useful cargo solutions, available PHEV powertrain
Why Colorado Springs Families May Prefer the Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most sense when your SUV needs to be ready for more people more often. With three rows, available seating for up to eight, and flexible second-row configurations, it can adapt as family needs change. That matters for busy households around Colorado Springs where the plan can shift from a simple commute to a full passenger load after school, after practice, or during a weekend visit from relatives.
The CX-90 also offers serious capability. Gas-powered Mazda CX-90 models feature a turbocharged inline-six engine, standard i-Activ AWD, and available Mi-Drive modes including Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing. When properly equipped, select CX-90 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. That gives drivers more flexibility for small trailers, recreation equipment, or weekend projects. The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid also offers an EPA-estimated electric range for around-town trips, then uses gas and electric power together for longer drives.
- Best for: Families who need three-row seating and flexible passenger space
- Great for: Carpools, growing households, visiting family, and longer trips with passengers
- Not ideal if: You almost never use a third row and prefer maximum two-row cargo simplicity
- Standout strengths: Three-row flexibility, premium materials, standard AWD, available towing capability, gas and plug-in hybrid options
Cargo, Seating, and Daily Use: Which Layout Works Better?
If cargo is your main concern, start by thinking about how often you carry passengers. The Mazda CX-70 gives you a large two-row cargo layout, so you do not have to fold a third row down to maximize everyday utility. That can be convenient if you frequently carry bikes, skis, strollers, luggage, folding chairs, golf bags, or dog crates. Its two-row design keeps the cabin simple and cargo-focused.
If passengers are your main concern, the Mazda CX-90 has the advantage. Even if you do not use the third row every day, having it available can make life easier. You can bring extra kids to a game, accommodate family visiting from out of town, or separate passengers for more comfort on longer drives. When more cargo space is needed, the rear seats can fold to open up room for larger items. For many families, that versatility is the deciding factor.
Gas, Hybrid, or Plug-In Hybrid Options
Both the CX-70 and CX-90 offer more than one powertrain path, which is useful for Colorado Springs shoppers comparing performance, efficiency, and driving habits. The CX-70 is available with inline-six turbo power and a plug-in hybrid option. The CX-90 is available with inline-six turbo power and a plug-in hybrid option as well. The CX-90 PHEV can drive on electric power for shorter trips and then rely on the gas engine for longer travel, while the CX-70 PHEV offers similar plug-in flexibility in a two-row layout.
If you have predictable daily driving and access to home charging, a plug-in hybrid Mazda SUV may be worth exploring. If you prefer not to plug in and want smooth, responsive power with standard AWD, the inline-six options are compelling. Our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda South can help you compare how each powertrain feels during a test drive and talk through how charging, commuting distance, cargo use, and passenger needs fit your lifestyle.
Safety and Technology for Colorado Springs Roads
Both SUVs are designed with driver confidence in mind. Mazda's i-Activsense safety technologies can include features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and available 360-degree View Monitor features depending on model and trim. The Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid have earned recognition including a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, and Mazda notes similar safety confidence across several vehicles in the lineup.
Technology also plays a big role in daily satisfaction. Available Mazda Connected Services through the MyMazda App can help with remote vehicle functions depending on model, and features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, available Alexa Built-in, available wireless charging, available Bose audio, and multiple USB-C ports help keep the drive organized. Whether you are navigating Academy Boulevard, heading to Fort Carson, or taking a longer route toward Pueblo, these details make the cabin feel easier to live with.
How to Choose Between the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90
- Choose the Mazda CX-70 if: You want a premium two-row SUV with generous cargo room and do not need regular third-row seating
- Choose the Mazda CX-90 if: You need three rows for family, friends, carpools, or added passenger flexibility
- Consider a plug-in hybrid if: You have short daily drives, can charge at home, and still want gas-engine backup for longer trips
- Consider towing needs: Select CX-90 gas models offer higher maximum towing capability when properly equipped, while CX-70 and PHEV options can also support many active lifestyles
- Test drive both if: You are unsure whether you value cargo-first simplicity or passenger-first flexibility more
Shopping with Bob Penkhus Mazda South
Our Mazda dealership in Colorado Springs is built to make shopping straightforward. You can start online by browsing new Mazda vehicles, valuing your trade, or getting pre-approved for financing from home. If you already have a specific Mazda SUV in mind, our team can help you compare lease and finance options, review features, and plan a test drive. We also support your ownership experience after the sale with certified technicians, advanced diagnostic equipment, genuine Mazda parts, and convenient online service scheduling.
For many Colorado Springs drivers, the right choice comes down to one question: cargo-first or passenger-first? If you want a refined two-row SUV with excellent utility, the Mazda CX-70 deserves a close look. If your life calls for three rows and family-ready flexibility, the Mazda CX-90 is hard to ignore. Visit Bob Penkhus Mazda South at 1101 Motor City Dr in Colorado Springs, CO, or connect with our team online to compare both Mazda SUVs and find the one that feels right for your drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Mazda CX-70 bigger than the Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 are closely related midsize SUVs, but the key difference is seating layout. The CX-70 is a two-row SUV focused on cargo space and five-passenger comfort, while the CX-90 adds a third row for larger families and groups.
Which Mazda SUV is better for families in Colorado Springs?
If you regularly carry more than five people, the Mazda CX-90 is usually the better family choice because of its three-row seating. If your family mainly needs two rows plus room for gear, the Mazda CX-70 may be the more practical fit.
Do both the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 offer AWD?
Yes. Both Mazda SUVs offer standard i-Activ AWD, which helps support confident handling on Colorado Springs roads, foothill routes, and changing driving conditions.
Can I compare the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 at Bob Penkhus Mazda South?
Yes. Our team can walk you through seating, cargo space, powertrain options, technology, safety features, and financing or leasing steps so you can choose the Mazda SUV that best fits your lifestyle.