2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

$40,445 · Crossover

$41,360 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 bursts onto the scene, immediately captivating drivers with a potent 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, promising a genuinely engaging drive from its standard All-Wheel Drive setup. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander leans into pragmatic utility, offering a taller stance at 70.1 inches and an impressive cargo volume of 39.6 cu ft, though its 265 horsepower setup is less aggressive. While the Mazda achieves a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, the Toyota prioritizes sheer capacity. The CX-70 starts slightly cheaper at $40,445 compared to the Grand Highlander's $41,360 MSRP. These two crossovers represent distinct philosophies: exhilarating performance versus maximizing family space and stature.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 provides superior combined fuel economy at 25 MPG and more dynamic power delivery for the daily drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander is significantly taller at 70.1 inches and offers substantially more expansive interior capacity than the CX-70.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-70

With 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CX-70 clearly offers superior performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda undercuts the Toyota on price while delivering higher power output and marginally better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You demand the thrilling output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque for spirited driving.
You prioritize a lower entry price point, starting at $40,445, while still getting AWD.
You value the efficiency of 28 MPG highway driving from your standard AWD machine.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

Your primary need is maximum physical space, especially given its 70.1-inch height and superior capacity.
You prefer a larger overall footprint, evidenced by its 78.3-inch width.
You need an easy-to-use crossover where the powertrain focuses strictly on reliable daily duties rather than aggressive performance.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Toyota Grand Highlander
Length	200.8"	201.4"
Width	-	78.3"
Height	68.2"	70.1"
Wheelbase	122.8"	116.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	373.8/498.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	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	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	60.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.5 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	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.

Which vehicle is faster, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 or the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Mazda CX-70 is demonstrably faster on paper, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Toyota's 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-70’s focus is clearly on driver engagement and quicker acceleration.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two large crossovers?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the undisputed champion for hauling gear, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space. The Mazda CX-70 lags considerably behind in this metric, offering only 20.6 cu ft.

Is there a significant difference in starting price and fuel type?

Yes, the Mazda CX-70 starts cheaper at $40,445 compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander's $41,360 MSRP, and both vehicles are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel.

What are the drivetrain differences for tackling slippery conditions?

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, making it inherently more capable in varied conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with a Front Wheel Drive setup.

Which crossover is generally taller and potentially easier to enter and exit?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is substantially taller, measuring 70.1 inches in height, which may offer a more commanding view of the road and easier ingress/egress compared to the Mazda's 68.2-inch height.

How do their transmission setups differ?

Both utilize 8-speed automatics, but the Mazda CX-70 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, giving the driver more direct control over gear selection. The Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic geared more toward seamless efficiency.