CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria - Is i-Activ AWD Standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-70 for Glendale, AZ Drivers?
Shoppers want to know if traction is standard or a paid add-on when considering an SUV for diverse Arizona driving. On the 2026 CX-70, i-Activ all-wheel drive is included across the board, so you can focus your decision on the powertrain, features, and tech you’ll use most without sacrificing stability and confidence.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD continually monitors steering inputs, wheel speed, outside temperature, and more to proactively shift torque where it’s needed. Rather than waiting for wheels to slip, it aims to anticipate changes for a natural, planted feel. Paired with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), the system adapts even more precisely to your route. Sport mode sharpens response for on-ramps or mountain highways, while Off-Road helps on graded dirt, trailheads, or campsites. Select trims add Towing mode, which optimizes shift logic and power delivery when you’re pulling a small camper or boat, and complements helpful tools like Trailer Hitch View in the 360° View Monitor.
- Every trim includes AWD: You do not have to upgrade to access i-Activ all-wheel drive on the CX-70.
- Mi-Drive complements traction: Choose Sport, Off-Road, and on select trims Towing mode to tailor responses.
- Driver confidence is the goal: Kinematic Posture Control supports stability in corners for a composed ride.
- Assistance builds on the base: i-Activsense® features—like Smart Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring—are standard.
- Tech that helps you park and tow: The available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View improves maneuvering and hitch alignment.
In daily Glendale traffic or weekend drives along desert byways, this integrated approach comes together effortlessly. The longitudinal platform provides a planted, rear-biased feel, while the eight-speed automatic is tuned for smooth engagement and consistent torque. If you prefer electrification, the e-SKYACTIV PHEV adds EV mode to Mi-Drive—great for quiet neighborhood trips—without sacrificing the balanced dynamics that make the CX-70 feel so capable on longer journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to step up to a higher trim to get i-Activ AWD on the CX-70?
No. i-Activ all-wheel drive comes standard on every 2026 CX-70, whether you choose an e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo or the e-SKYACTIV PHEV. From there, select trims add features like the 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display, Active Driving Display, Bose 12-speaker audio, or the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View.
If you’re comparing multiple powertrains, consider how you typically drive. The 3.3 Turbo offers strong performance with M-Hybrid Boost, while the 3.3 Turbo S takes output up a notch. The e-SKYACTIV PHEV provides an EPA-estimated 30-mile EV range for short drives with the added benefit of Charge mode and EV mode in Mi-Drive. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have AWD confidence built in—no option box required.
When you’re ready to see how i-Activ AWD and Mi-Drive respond in real time, schedule a test drive. CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria, serving Chandler, Glendale, and Scottsdale, will prepare a drive route that highlights traction, smooth power delivery, and the tech features you’ll rely on every day.