2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$40,965 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus NX bursts onto the scene emphasizing serene efficiency, offering a refined experience anchored by its 203 hp engine and an excellent 28 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-70 dials up the drama, packing a potent 280 hp and a commanding 332 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing exhilaration over sheer mileage. While the Lexus sits at a slightly lower MSRP of $40,965, the Mazda compensates with significant utility, boasting a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. Performance enthusiasts will gravitate toward the CX-70's substantial 77 hp advantage. For the daily grind, the NX’s slightly more efficient fuel economy (26/33 MPG) versus the CX-70’s (24/28 MPG) hints at its commuter appeal, though the larger CX-70 offers superior family hauling capability and standard AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is the clear family choice, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 39.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 dominates performance metrics with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, leaving the NX's 203 hp far behind.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers a more attainable entry point with a lower MSRP of $40,965, providing premium refinement at a lower cost.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Lexus NX achieves 33 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a lower initial investment, starting at an MSRP of $40,965.
You want the inherently safer driving dynamics associated with standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) for consistent highway cruising.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, highlighted by the CX-70's expansive 39.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
Your drive demands raw power, evidenced by the CX-70's class-leading 332 lb-ft of torque.
All-Weather confidence is non-negotiable, as the CX-70 includes standard All-Wheel Drive.

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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Size	235/60R18	275/45R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
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	✓	✓

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 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 compared to the 2025 Lexus NX?

The Mazda CX-70 offers significantly more thrust, generating 280 horsepower, which is a 77 hp advantage over the Lexus NX's 203 horsepower. This difference is also visible in torque figures, with the CX-70 posting 332 lb-ft against the NX's 184 lb-ft.

Which crossover is better suited for long highway commutes based on efficiency?

The 2025 Lexus NX is the more efficient option for consistent highway commuting. It achieves an EPA-estimated 33 MPG on the highway, slightly edging out the CX-70's 28 MPG highway rating.

If I have a large family, which vehicle offers more utility?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the superior utility choice for families, providing 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This dwarfs the 22.7 cubic feet offered in the smaller 2025 Lexus NX.

What is the key difference in drivetrain technology between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Lexus NX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 comes standard with All Wheel Drive (AWD), also utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Are there significant price differences between the base models?

The starting prices are relatively close, with the 2025 Lexus NX priced slightly lower at $40,965. The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has a slightly higher base MSRP of $42,250.