Decoding the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Trim Lineup: GS-L to Signature

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 arrives with a trim structure that can initially appear complex: five configurations split across two distinct powertrain families (MHEV and PHEV) with overlapping names. Understanding what each trim provides—and more importantly, which features justify the price jumps between levels—helps Burnaby buyers make informed decisions without paying for equipment they won't use or skipping features they'll later wish they had.

This guide breaks down the CX-70's lineup systematically, examining the equipment differences, powertrain pairings, and value positioning of each trim. For Metro Vancouver drivers ready to purchase, this analysis provides the clarity needed to select the right configuration.

Trim Structure Overview

The CX-70 offers six distinct buying configurations. The MHEV (mild-hybrid) lineup includes GS-L, GT, GT-P, and Signature trims, all featuring the 3.3 L turbocharged inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The standard configuration produces 280 hp, while GT-P and Signature models use a high-output version delivering 340 hp. The PHEV (plug-in hybrid) lineup offers GS-L and GT variants, both using a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for 323 hp combined output and approximately 42 km of electric-only range.

Each trim builds upon the previous level's equipment. Understanding the progression helps identify where your priorities align with Mazda's equipment packages.

CX-70 GS-L: The Foundation

The GS-L serves as the entry point to the CX-70 lineup, equipped with the standard 280 hp e-Skyactiv G 3.3 L turbocharged inline-six engine with M Hybrid Boost. The powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD, delivering 9.3 L/100 km combined fuel economy (9.9 city / 8.4 highway) on regular 87-octane fuel. Maximum towing capacity reaches 2,268 kg when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories.

The GS-L provides generous equipment for the entry trim. Nineteen-inch dark grey alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic levelling, and a power moonroof establish the exterior appearance. Inside, the cabin features leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, black leatherette upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. Heated front seats provide comfort during British Columbia winters, while three-zone automatic climate control manages temperature throughout the cabin.

Technology equipment includes a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio system, and hands-free power liftgate for easier cargo loading. The comprehensive i-Activsense safety suite comes standard, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support Front with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and a 360-degree View Monitor. For Metro Vancouver drivers seeking the CX-70's core capability without premium add-ons, the GS-L delivers comprehensive functionality.

CX-70 GT: Premium Enhancements

The GT trim adds refinement and convenience features that elevate the ownership experience while maintaining the 280 hp inline-six MHEV powertrain. The exterior receives twenty-one-inch black metallic alloy wheels and a power panoramic moonroof that extends farther rearward than the GS-L's standard moonroof. Power folding exterior mirrors simplify tight parking situations common in Burnaby.

Interior upgrades focus on convenience and technology. The windshield-projected Active Driving Display presents speed, navigation, and safety information at eye level, reducing the need to glance at the instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate charging cables, and wireless phone charging keeps devices powered throughout the day. The Bose 12-speaker premium audio system transforms the listening experience with Centerpoint surround technology and AudioPilot noise compensation.

Seating upgrades from leatherette to genuine black leather upholstery. Heated rear seats (outboard positions) extend comfort to second-row passengers, and retractable rear door sunshades provide privacy and sun protection. The HomeLink wireless control system integrates with garage doors and home automation systems.

Technology enhancements include Mazda Online Navigation with over-the-air updates, front and rear parking sensors for easier maneuvering, and an upgraded rearview camera with dynamic guidelines that adjust based on steering angle. Additional safety features include Smart Brake Support Rear and Rear Crossing, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Trailer Hitch View for simplified hitch alignment when towing. The GT represents the first major equipment jump in the lineup, targeting Lower Mainland drivers who value these convenience and technology features in daily use.

CX-70 GT-P: Maximum MHEV Power

The GT-P introduces the high-output variant of the e-Skyactiv G 3.3 L inline-six engine. Power jumps to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium 93-octane fuel, representing the most powerful mass-production gasoline engine Mazda has developed. On regular 87-octane fuel, output remains at 319 hp while torque stays at 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy adjusts to 9.5 L/100 km combined (10.3 city / 8.5 highway), and towing capacity maintains the 2,268 kg maximum.

The exterior styling receives distinctive touches. Twenty-one-inch wheels feature machined spokes with polished finish and dark painted pockets, creating visual separation from the GT's black metallic wheels. Signature LED headlights and taillights, adaptive front lighting system, and black chrome "Inline 6" fender badging establish the GT-P's premium positioning. Piano black exterior mirrors, roof rails, rear spoiler, and various garnishes create a cohesive blacked-out appearance unique to the CX-70.

Interior appointments step up to Nappa leather upholstery in black or Garnet Red, providing premium feel and long-term durability. Ventilated front seats address British Columbia summer heat by actively cooling rather than just ventilating. The eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat matches the driver's adjustability, and two-position memory for the driver's seat automatically restores preferred positioning. Exterior mirrors link with the memory system, adjusting to saved positions. The black interior roof liner creates a more intimate cabin atmosphere, and the frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated HomeLink reduces glare during night driving.

Advanced driver assistance technology reaches a higher level in the GT-P. Cruising & Traffic Support combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, reducing driver workload during highway travel. The system now includes Unresponsive Driver Support, which detects an incapacitated driver through a series of escalating alerts and can eventually bring the vehicle to a stop while engaging hazard lights. Emergency Lane Keeping provides more assertive intervention than the standard Lane-keep Assist, applying steering inputs to help avoid roadway departures or predicted collisions with surrounding vehicles.

The GT-P targets buyers seeking maximum performance from the mild-hybrid powertrain. The 60 hp increase delivers noticeably stronger acceleration, particularly useful when merging onto British Columbia highways with full passenger loads or when towing near the maximum capacity.

CX-70 Signature: Ultimate MHEV Experience

The Signature represents the top MHEV configuration, retaining the 340 hp high-output engine from the GT-P while adding final luxury touches that create a distinctive ownership experience. The exterior receives twenty-one-inch wheels with machined spokes, polished finish, and dark painted pockets—matching the GT-P specification but paired with the Signature's exclusive interior.

The defining feature is the Premium Windsor Tan Nappa leather upholstery, unavailable on any other trim. Quilted leather with contrasting stitching covers the seats, while Windsor Tan Grand Lux Suede panels accent the dashboard and door trim. The two-tone steering wheel combines black and Windsor Tan leather. Dark Arbor wood-tone accents throughout the cabin add natural warmth, and gunmetal finish trim details provide visual contrast. The black interior roof liner maintains the intimate atmosphere established in the GT-P.

Technology reaches its peak with the Signature. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster replaces the standard seven-inch TFT display, providing more information and customization options. The centre Mazda Connect display expands to 12.3 inches with touchscreen capability when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Driver Personalization System uses facial recognition to automatically restore individual driver preferences—seat position, climate settings, audio presets—when you enter the vehicle. Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment with memory settings completes the customization. A 150W power outlet in the cargo area supports tools, camping equipment, or emergency devices.

Advanced safety systems unique to the Signature include Emergency Lane Keeping with Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, which can detect vehicles approaching in your lane and provide steering intervention to help avoid frontal collisions. Rear pedestrian detection monitors for people crossing behind the vehicle when reversing. The 360-degree View Monitor gains See-Through View functionality, which digitally makes the vehicle appear transparent on the display to help visualize obstacles below the sight lines. Smart Brake Support Front Crossing and Turning Across Path features detect cross-traffic at intersections, and Secondary Collision Reduction automatically applies brakes after an initial rear-end collision to help reduce secondary impacts.

For buyers seeking the ultimate CX-70 experience with mild-hybrid efficiency, the Signature delivers. The premium over GT-P is substantial, and buyers should evaluate whether the exclusive materials and advanced features align with their priorities.

CX-70 PHEV GS-L: Plug-In Hybrid Entry

The PHEV lineup uses a fundamentally different powertrain: a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output reaches 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium 93-octane fuel. The system provides approximately 42 km of electric-only range and achieves 4.2 Le/100 km fuel consumption in hybrid operation. Towing capacity decreases to 1,588 kg compared to MHEV models. The PHEV supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, with Level 2 charging completing in approximately 1.3 hours from 20% to 80% state of charge.

The PHEV GS-L includes all standard GS-L equipment from the MHEV lineup. The key difference is the 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster (versus the seven-inch TFT display in MHEV GS-L models), providing better visualization of the hybrid system's operation. Mi-Drive gains EV mode, allowing the driver to operate on electric power alone for as long as battery charge permits. A Charge Mode button enables the gasoline engine to charge the battery while driving—useful for preserving electric range for later urban driving.

The PHEV GS-L makes sense for Metro Vancouver drivers with daily commutes under 42 km who have home charging access. Daily driving can occur entirely on electric power, while longer trips use the gasoline engine without range anxiety. British Columbia's electric utility rates make charging costs significantly lower than gasoline on a per-kilometre basis.

CX-70 PHEV GT: Premium Plug-In Hybrid

The PHEV GT builds on the PHEV GS-L foundation, adding most GT trim features from the MHEV lineup. Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels with machined spokes provide visual enhancement. The hands-free power liftgate and power panoramic moonroof match the MHEV GT specification. Inside, Nappa leather upholstery in black or Garnet Red elevates the cabin, and ventilated front seats actively cool during warmer months. Heated rear seats extend comfort to second-row passengers, and the eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat matches the driver's adjustability. Driver's seat memory stores two preferred positions.

The 1,500W power outlet in the cargo area provides substantially more capability than the Signature's 150W outlet. This outlet can power tools, camping equipment, outdoor appliances, or serve as emergency backup power during outages—adding utility beyond transportation. The PHEV GT provides a premium plug-in hybrid experience for British Columbia drivers who want electric efficiency combined with enhanced comfort and convenience features.

Trim Comparison: Key Decision Points

Which Trim Fits Your British Columbia Driving?

Selecting the right CX-70 trim depends on how you use your vehicle daily and what features provide genuine value in your Metro Vancouver driving. The GS-L offers comprehensive functionality for buyers who want the CX-70's capability without premium materials or advanced convenience features. Leatherette seating proves durable and easy to maintain, and the standard eight-speaker audio system provides adequate sound quality for most listeners.

The GT makes sense for drivers who spend significant time in their vehicles and value convenience features that simplify daily routines. Wireless connectivity eliminates cable management, the Bose audio system dramatically improves the listening experience during British Columbia road trips, and the head-up display reduces the need to look away from the road to monitor speed or navigation. Leather seating and heated rear seats add comfort for family use.

The GT-P targets buyers needing maximum acceleration and who appreciate premium materials. The 60 hp increase delivers stronger performance when merging, passing, or towing. Nappa leather upholstery provides noticeably better feel than standard leather, and ventilated front seats address summer heat effectively. The advanced driver assistance systems—particularly Cruising & Traffic Support—reduce fatigue during longer highway trips.

The Signature appeals to buyers seeking the most exclusive CX-70 experience. The Windsor Tan interior creates a distinctive appearance unavailable elsewhere in the lineup, and the Driver Personalization System with facial recognition provides seamless customization. The advanced safety systems offer the highest level of protection Mazda provides. However, the substantial premium over GT-P requires careful consideration of whether these features align with your priorities.

The PHEV GS-L works best for Metro Vancouver commuters with home charging and daily driving distances under 42 km. Your daily routine can operate entirely on electric power, essentially eliminating fuel costs for local driving while maintaining gasoline flexibility for weekend trips. The investment in PHEV technology pays back through reduced fuel consumption over time, particularly given British Columbia's favorable electric rates.

The PHEV GT combines plug-in efficiency with premium comfort features. If you've already decided on PHEV powertrain and value Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and the 1,500W power outlet, the GT justifies its premium. The outlet particularly adds utility for outdoor recreation, job sites, or emergency preparedness—uses that extend beyond typical automotive function.

Your New CX-70 is Waiting

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 trim lineup offers configurations for diverse British Columbia priorities—from efficient daily commuting to premium long-distance capability. Understanding the equipment progression helps you select the trim that delivers the features you'll use without paying for options that don't align with your needs.

Contact our sales team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby to discuss which CX-70 trim fits your Metro Vancouver driving and to schedule a test drive across all powertrain options.