2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the slightly newer, upscale feel of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the established practicality of the 2026 Ford Explorer can be tricky. If maximizing fuel economy on your daily drive is key, the CX-70 offers a better efficiency rating at 25 MPG combined versus the Explorer's 24 MPG combined, though the Explorer wins on pure highway mileage at 29 MPG compared to the Mazda's 28 MPG. Power figures are close, with the Explorer boasting 300 hp against the CX-70's 280 hp, though the Mazda counters with more pulling power at 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Ford's 310 lb-ft. Pricewise, the Explorer has a $2,115 advantage starting at $38,330. However, for outright hauling, the CX-70 provides significantly more usable space, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's lower 16.3 cu ft figure.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 takes the win for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Mazda CX-70
With nearly 24 cubic feet more cargo space (39.6 cu ft vs. 16.3 cu ft), the CX-70 better handles family gear.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer achieves a higher peak horsepower rating at 300 hp and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, appealing more to driving enthusiasts.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer provides a lower entry point with an MSRP of $38,330, saving over two thousand dollars compared to the CX-70's starting price.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You prioritize a stronger torque output for city passing, as the CX-70 offers 332 lb-ft versus the Explorer's 310 lb-ft.
- You need maximum cargo capacity, as the CX-70 boasts a class-leading 39.6 cu ft.
- You prefer the familiarity of an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with standard AWD.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Explorer undercuts the CX-70 by starting at $38,330.
- You value the absolute highest horsepower number, as the Explorer achieves 300 hp.
- You spend a lot of time on the open highway, benefiting from the Explorer's 29 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | - | 78.9" |
| Height | 68.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How do the powerplants compare between the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers slightly more peak power with 300 horsepower compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-70's 280 hp. However, the Mazda delivers more pulling force with 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Ford's 310 lb-ft.
Which crossover is more efficient for daily driving?
The Mazda CX-70 is generally more efficient overall, achieving a 25 MPG combined rating. While the Explorer gets slightly better highway mileage (29 MPG vs 28 MPG), the Mazda's better city rating (24 MPG vs 20 MPG) pulls its average up.
Is there a significant difference in size between these two vehicles?
Yes, the 2025 CX-70 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, but the Explorer is notably wider at 78.9 inches and slightly taller at 69.9 inches.
Which vehicle offers a better deal right now based on MSRP?
The 2026 Ford Explorer presents better immediate value with a starting MSRP of $38,330. This is $2,115 less expensive than the 2025 Mazda CX-70's starting price of $40,445.
Which car is better suited for carrying lots of luggage or gear?
The Mazda CX-70 is significantly better equipped for cargo hauling, providing 39.6 cubic feet of space. The Ford Explorer trails substantially in this area with only 16.3 cubic feet of reported cargo capacity.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain layout?
The Mazda CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is great for traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the base 2026 Ford Explorer features a Rear Wheel Drive setup.
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