How the 2026 Mazda CX-70 MHEV's 5,000 lb Towing Capacity Changes the Game for Burnaby Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you spend your weekends hauling a boat to Cultus Lake, loading up a trailer bound for Whistler, or pulling a camper along Highway 1 toward the Interior, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 MHEV deserves a close look. British Columbia's outdoor lifestyle demands a vehicle that can handle heavy loads without sacrificing the kind of driving character you actually want on the road — and that's the territory the CX-70 MHEV is built for.

The CX-70 sits at a practical intersection for Burnaby drivers: it's a two-row mid-size crossover with a towing capacity that goes well beyond what most vehicles in its class offer. Understanding what that actually means — in real numbers, across real British Columbia driving conditions — is the point of this guide.

At a Glance: 2026 Mazda CX-70 MHEV Towing Specs

What 5,000 lbs Means on British Columbia Roads

A typical fibreglass ski boat with trailer runs between 2,500 and 4,000 lbs — the CX-70 MHEV handles that load with capacity to spare. Loaded utility trailers for gear, lumber, or equipment generally sit in the 1,500–3,000 lb range. Pop-up campers and light travel trailers fall between 2,500 and 4,500 lbs. The CX-70 covers all of these when equipped with Mazda genuine towing accessories.

The spec number alone doesn't capture how the vehicle performs with a trailer attached on Coquihalla grades or the Sea-to-Sky. Sustained climbs, crosswinds between Hope and Merritt, and stop-and-go through Burnaby and Langley all stress a tow vehicle differently. The CX-70's Mi-Drive Towing Mode addresses this directly. When engaged, it recalibrates throttle mapping and transmission behaviour for hauling — reducing gear-hunting on steep grades and making the entire towing experience more predictable from the driver's seat.

How Mi-Drive and i-Activ AWD Work Under Tow

Mi-Drive is Mazda's Intelligent Drive Select system. In Towing Mode, the CX-70 MHEV reshapes powertrain response to prioritise stability and controlled power delivery over quick throttle reaction. This matters when backing a boat trailer down a gravel ramp or managing weight shifts on a tight highway on-ramp.

• Towing Mode is available across all CX-70 MHEV trims (GS-L and above) and activates with a simple switch
• i-Activ AWD continuously monitors wheel traction and redistributes torque in real time — useful at wet boat launches or loose gravel pull-offs
• Trailer Stability Control is standard, providing an additional layer of confidence when crosswinds or uneven trailer loading create sway
• The Trailer Hitch View feature (GT and above) projects a camera feed onto the central display to assist with hitch alignment

The 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost system also contributes. While it's a mild hybrid rather than a full electrified powertrain, the electric motor provides up to 113 lb-ft of torque at low engine speeds — filling in at exactly the moment you need it most: launching from a stop with a loaded trailer on a grade.

Standard vs. High-Output Powertrain: What Changes?

Both powertrains share the same maximum tow rating, so the high-output upgrade is about in-gear performance and sustained power delivery rather than raising the towing ceiling.

On sustained grades like those on Highway 3 toward Manning Park or the long climbs on the Trans-Canada east of Hope, the additional 60 hp and 37 lb-ft translate to less downshifting and a more relaxed cruise when pulling close to the vehicle's rated capacity. For drivers who tow regularly on British Columbia mountain routes, the GT-P or Signature trim's high-output engine is worth factoring into the decision.

Cargo Space and Interior Flexibility Beyond the Hitch

Towing capacity is only part of the picture. The CX-70 MHEV also provides 2,147 litres of total cargo volume with the rear seats in place. Remote-folding rear seats — operated by buttons in the cargo area — let you reconfigure the interior without climbing inside the cabin. A unique sub-trunk design provides additional concealed storage for valuables or smaller gear you want separated from the main cargo space.

For Burnaby drivers who regularly transition between highway towing and weekday urban commuting, this flexibility means the CX-70 functions as both a capable hauler and a practical daily vehicle without feeling like a compromise in either role.

Who Is the Right Buyer for the CX-70 MHEV?

The CX-70 MHEV suits drivers in British Columbia who fall into one of these profiles: active outdoor enthusiasts with a boat, camper, or utility trailer that needs regular hauling; buyers who need strong tow numbers but have no use for a third-row seat; drivers upgrading from a full-size truck or large body-on-frame SUV who want a more dynamic daily drive without giving up towing capability; or buyers moving away from a larger three-row crossover whose household no longer needs the extra seating row.

One important note: the CX-70 PHEV, the plug-in hybrid variant, carries a different towing rating of 3,500 lbs. For drivers who need the full 5,000 lb ceiling, the MHEV is the correct choice.

Experience the CX-70 MHEV at Metrotown Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 MHEV is available now at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby. Book your test drive with our team to go over the trim options, powertrain differences, and towing package details firsthand. We're here to help you match the right configuration to what you're actually hauling.