2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Lexus NX

$40,445 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a fun-to-drive crossover that saves money upfront or a hybrid luxury entry often boils down to priorities, and the 2025 Mazda CX-70 versus the 2026 Lexus NX clearly highlights this trade-off. The Mazda comes in significantly cheaper at an MSRP of $40,445, offering a robust 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque paired with standard All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the Lexus NX prioritizes fuel economy, boasting an exceptional 40 combined MPG compared to the CX-70's 25 combined MPG, although it demands premium fuel. The Mazda is substantially larger at 200.8 inches long, translating to much greater utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the NX only manages 22.7 cu ft. While the Lexus commands $3,730 more, its efficiency focus is a major factor for high-mileage drivers, despite having only 240 hp.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its outstanding 40 combined MPG, drastically lowering running costs compared to the CX-70's 25 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provides superior space for families, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Lexus NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-70

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-70 for its significantly higher output of 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 presents better upfront value with a $40,445 MSRP and standard AWD, despite the Lexus's fuel savings.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You need maximum utility, as the CX-70 offers a class-leading 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer accessible power, leveraging the CX-70's 280 hp and use of regular unleaded fuel.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the $40,445 entry price point.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the NX achieves an impressive 40 combined MPG.
You prefer a smaller, more nimble vehicle, as the NX is over 17 inches shorter in length (183.5 inches).
You desire the prestige and features associated with a Lexus brand vehicle, accepting the $44,175 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Lexus NX
Length	200.8"	183.5"
Width	-	73.4"
Height	68.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	122.8"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
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	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Lexus NX.

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

The 2026 Lexus NX has an MSRP of $44,175, which is $3,730 more expensive than the Mazda CX-70's starting price of $40,445. This initial cost difference is a significant factor when weighing the long-term running cost savings.

Which crossover is significantly better for fuel economy?

The 2026 Lexus NX is far more efficient, delivering 40 combined MPG (42 city/38 highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-70 achieves 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway), showing a 15 MPG gap in combined efficiency.

Is the Mazda CX-70 more powerful than the Lexus NX?

Yes, the CX-70 offers notably more power with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 240 horsepower. This 40 hp advantage means the Mazda will feel quicker off the line.

Which vehicle offers more interior hauling room?

The Mazda CX-70 is the clear winner for cargo hauling, providing 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Lexus NX is significantly smaller internally, offering only 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Do these vehicles require different types of fuel?

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which is typically cheaper. The 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which adds to its operating cost despite the high MPG figures.

How do the drivetrains compare between these two SUVs?

The Mazda CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus NX base model utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).