2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Mazda CX-70
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Mazda CX-70 often boils down to prioritizing efficiency and brand refinement over outright power and space. If your daily commute stresses over fuel stops, the Lexus NX wins easily, delivering a 28 combined MPG versus the CX-70's 25 combined MPG, a noticeable difference over a year. However, the Mazda pushes back hard with performance, offering a significant 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the NX’s 203 hp. For families needing storage, the CX-70 offers a massive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the NX’s smaller 22.7 cubic feet. Despite the Mazda being slightly cheaper at $40,445 versus the Lexus's $40,965, the overall equation pits the more efficient, compact Lexus against the much larger, significantly more potent Mazda.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is the superior choice for commuting due to its better fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 provides substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is clearly the enthusiast's pick, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the NX.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 offers much more horsepower and cargo space while having a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,445.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize gas mileage and want a 28 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the NX is 17.3 inches shorter in length than the CX-70.
- You want the refined, quiet driving experience associated with Lexus, running on standard 203 hp.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire strong acceleration from the segment-leading 280 hp engine.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 200.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | - |
| Height | 66.1" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 265/55R19 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Mazda CX-70.
Is the difference in horsepower between these crossovers significant for daily driving?
Yes, the 77 horsepower difference is very noticeable; the Mazda CX-70 offers 280 hp compared to the Lexus NX's 203 hp, making the Mazda much quicker when merging or passing.
How much more cargo space does the CX-70 really offer over the NX?
The Mazda CX-70 provides an extra 16.9 cubic feet of cargo room (39.6 cu ft vs 22.7 cu ft), which is substantial for larger grocery hauls or road trips.
Which vehicle is better if I strictly look at fuel economy?
The Lexus NX is the clear winner for fuel consumption, achieving 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG.
Are both models using the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a similar shifting feel, although the power delivery will feel different due to the significant engine spec disparity.
Does the higher power of the CX-70 negatively impact the price?
Surprisingly, no; the 2025 Mazda CX-70 starts at $40,445, which is slightly less than the base 2025 Lexus NX starting at $40,965, offering more performance for less money upfront.
Do I get standard AWD with the Lexus NX?
No, the standard configuration provided for the Lexus NX is front-wheel drive, whereas the Mazda CX-70 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
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