2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$40,050 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 lies in usable space, where the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's substantially smaller 18.2 cu ft. Despite the difference in utility, the Explorer generates a higher 300 horsepower from its powertrain, although the CX-70 compensates with superior torque output at 332 lb-ft versus the Explorer's 310 lb-ft. Fuel economy ratings show the CX-70 achieving a slightly better combined 25 MPG, narrowly beating the Explorer's 24 MPG. Pricing also separates the two, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 against the CX-70's $42,250 entry point. Furthermore, powertrain configurations differ, with the Explorer employing a RWD platform and a 10-speed automatic transmission, contrasting with the CX-70's standard AWD setup and 8-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the definitive choice for families, offering more than double the cargo capacity at 39.6 cubic feet versus the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its higher peak output of 300 horsepower and the mechanical preference of a RWD platform.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer presents better immediate value, starting $2,200 cheaper at an MSRP of $40,050 while still delivering 300 horsepower.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You require maximum engine horsepower, topping out at 300 hp.
A lower entry MSRP of $40,050 is a primary purchasing constraint.
You prefer a Rear Wheel Drive biased platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum utility is essential, as evidenced by its 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prioritize high low-end pulling power, rated at 332 lb-ft of torque.
Standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly better combined fuel economy (25 MPG) are required.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Mazda CX-70
Length	198.8"	200.8"
Width	78.9"	-
Height	69.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	119.1"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How significant is the difference in cargo space between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Mazda CX-70 provides 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is over 100% more capacity than the 2025 Ford Explorer's 18.2 cu ft minimum figure.

Which vehicle offers superior engine output specifications?

The Ford Explorer produces more peak horsepower at 300 hp, whereas the Mazda CX-70 delivers greater peak torque with 332 lb-ft versus the Explorer’s 310 lb-ft.

Is the drive type significantly different between the Explorer and the CX-70?

Yes, the Explorer is specified with standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), while the Mazda CX-70 is equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

How do their starting prices and efficiency compare for baseline models?

The Explorer starts $2,200 lower at $40,050 and achieves 24 MPG combined, while the CX-70 begins at $42,250 and manages a slightly better 25 MPG combined.

What are the differences in their listed dimensions?

The CX-70 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Explorer’s 198.8 inches, but the Explorer is significantly taller at 69.9 inches versus the CX-70’s 68.2 inches.

Do both vehicles use the same fuel type and transmission configuration?

Both models utilize regular unleaded fuel, but the Explorer features a 10-speed automatic, while the CX-70 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.