Summary
Diesel engines are steadily disappearing from the modern automotive landscape. Outside of specialized vehicles like heavy-duty trucks, most automakers have significantly reduced or completely phased out their diesel offerings in favor of cleaner alternatives such as hybrid powertrains.
Mazda, however, hasn’t abandoned diesel entirely. In selected global markets, the recently introduced Mazda CX-70 is available with an inline-six diesel engine. Unfortunately for American buyers, the United States is not one of the markets where this powertrain is offered.
Beyond its unique engine, the diesel-powered CX-70 also stands out for its impressive fuel economy and long driving range. Capable of delivering around 44 MPG, combined with a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, the SUV offers a theoretical driving range of up to 850 miles. Here’s a closer look at this version of the CX-70, what makes it appealing, and why diesel has become increasingly rare in today’s automotive market.
The Mazda CX-70 Diesel Is Built for Long-Distance Driving and Towing
The Mazda CX-70 joined the company’s lineup for the 2025 model year, arriving as the two-row counterpart to the three-row CX-90. While slightly smaller, it retains much of the practicality of its larger sibling, making it well-suited for families that don’t require a third row of seating.
In the United States, buyers can choose between two gasoline-powered options: a 3.3-liter inline-six offered in two output levels or a 2.5-liter inline-four paired with an electric motor in the hybrid model.
In other regions, however, Mazda offers additional powertrain choices.
One of those variants is the CX-70 D50e, powered by Mazda’s e-Skyactiv-D system. This setup combines a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with an electric motor in a mild hybrid configuration.
Together, the system produces 251 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately seven seconds. Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the only gearbox available for this model.
Why the Diesel Hybrid Isn’t Available in the US
Despite its impressive specifications, the e-Skyactiv-D mild hybrid powertrain is not sold in North America. Instead, it is reserved for customers in Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian markets.
In fact, no manufacturer currently offers a diesel-hybrid passenger vehicle in the United States.
Automakers have largely avoided diesel hybrid powertrains in the American market due to several factors, including stronger consumer preference for gasoline hybrids and electric vehicles, lingering cultural perceptions surrounding diesel, higher engineering complexity, and increased production costs.
Interior, Technology, and Everyday Practicality
Long driving range is only one of the CX-70’s strengths.
As one of Mazda’s newest models, it also features a modern interior filled with premium materials, advanced technology, and family-friendly comfort. Leather upholstery comes standard across the lineup, including an exclusive red leather interior option that isn’t available on the CX-90.
Cargo capacity is another highlight. The CX-70 provides 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 75 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. In place of a third row, Mazda includes a generous underfloor storage compartment.
The cabin also offers numerous storage solutions, including:
- Multiple cupholders
- Door pockets with bottle holders
- A spacious glovebox
- An overhead sunglasses compartment
- Two center console storage areas
- Rear seatback pockets
Infotainment and Technology Features
The CX-70 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, although most functions are controlled using a rotary controller and physical buttons rather than full touchscreen operation.
Available technology features include:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio system on higher trims
Other Mazda Models That Share the Diesel Powertrain
The CX-70 rides on Mazda’s Large Product Group platform, which is shared with several other models that also offer the e-Skyactiv-D powertrain in selected global markets.
Mazda CX-60
Introduced in 2022, the CX-60 is a midsize crossover that isn’t sold in the United States due to its dimensions, which are considered smaller than typical American buyer preferences.
Alongside the diesel hybrid, it is also available with:
- 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine
- 3.3-liter inline-six gasoline engine
- Plug-in hybrid combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor
Mazda CX-80
The CX-80 builds upon the CX-60 by adding a third row, increasing seating capacity to either six or seven passengers depending on the configuration.
Like the CX-60, it isn’t available in the US.
Depending on the market, buyers can choose from:
- Standalone diesel engine
- Mild hybrid diesel
- 3.3-liter inline-six gasoline engine
- Plug-in hybrid (2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor)
Unlike the CX-60, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine is only offered as part of the PHEV configuration.
Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 serves as the CX-70’s three-row sibling and is the only member of this platform family currently sold in the United States.
Introduced for the 2024 model year, it offers seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.
American models are powered exclusively by a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine, available in two output levels producing 280 horsepower or 340 horsepower.
Why Diesel Has Become So Rare
Once widely popular in both the United States and international markets, diesel engines now occupy only a small segment of the automotive industry.
Diesel technology dates back to the late nineteenth century and enjoyed decades of popularity throughout the twentieth century. However, over the past several decades, automakers have steadily shifted away from diesel for several key reasons.
One major factor has been the rapid growth of vehicle electrification.
Diesel’s biggest advantages have traditionally included excellent fuel efficiency, strong low-end torque, and outstanding long-distance capability. Today, hybrid and electric powertrains can provide many of those same benefits while producing significantly lower emissions, making them a more attractive solution for both manufacturers and consumers.
Tighter emissions regulations have also accelerated diesel’s decline.
While pollution standards were relatively relaxed during much of the twentieth century, environmental regulations became increasingly strict—particularly after the 1973 oil crisis. As fuel efficiency and emissions compliance became top priorities, diesel gradually lost its competitive advantage.
Dieselgate Changed the Industry Forever
Another major turning point came with the Dieselgate scandal.
The controversy centered on Volkswagen, which installed software capable of temporarily lowering diesel vehicle emissions during official testing, allowing the vehicles to appear cleaner than they actually were under real-world driving conditions.
When the practice became public in 2015, it triggered widespread investigations involving Volkswagen and several other manufacturers.
The resulting damage to diesel’s public image proved lasting. Since then, most automakers have accelerated the transition away from diesel passenger vehicles, leaving the technology primarily confined to specialized applications such as long-haul trucking and other commercial transport sectors.