Essentially a two-row CX-90, the CX-70 should be on sale by this summer. With the success of vehicles like the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, there seems to be a market for two-row variants of three-row vehicles which are a bit bigger than the compact, two-row crossovers, like the Mazda CX-5, that dominate the new vehicle market.

Like the CX-90 and other current Mazdas, the CX-70 is a paragon of restrained elegance. The spare, pared-back lines of the CX-70 somehow manage to impart a feel of visual tension. What ornamentation exists is jewel-like and artistically rendered.

The CX-70 shares its cabin with that of the CX-90, and as such is visually calm and generally chic, especially on higher trim models. Base trims can appear a bit stark as there are a lot of hard plastic surfaces for what, even in base form, is a very expensive vehicle. Built on the same wheelbase as the CX-90, the CX-70’s rear seat legroom should be the same but there is no third-row seat and cargo bed length will be less.

The CX-90’s powertrain choices are carried over to the CX-70. A mild hybrid, 48 volt model, hooked up to a 3.3L inline turbo six, puts out 280 horsepower in lower trims and 340 horsepower in premium models. Buyers can also choose a PHEV model that combines a normally-aspirated 2.5L four and an electric motor to create 323 total system horsepower. The PHEV model can travel up to 42 kilometers in full electric power under ideal conditions.

The CX-70 can be ordered now, with deliveries commencing this summer.