2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 electrifies the drive with a spirited 280 horsepower and a muscular 332 lb-ft of torque, promising immediate engagement right off the line. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander emphasizes established reliability, though its 265 horsepower setup offers a more sedate experience, reflected in its slightly lower torque rating of 310 lb-ft. The CX-70 boasts superior fuel efficiency with a combined 25 MPG, edging out the Highlander's 24 MPG. Design-wise, the CX-70 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches, allowing for a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's smaller 16 cu ft rear capacity, despite the Highlander having a greater width at 76.0 inches. This contrast pits Mazda's dynamic focus against Toyota's proven practicality, with a clear $4,825 starting price advantage favoring the CX-70.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 wins for commuters due to its higher combined 25 MPG efficiency compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 offers significantly more usable space, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
With 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CX-70 delivers a superior power delivery for driving enthusiasts.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 presents superior value starting at an MSRP of $40,445, undercutting the Highlander by $4,825.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You prioritize spirited performance, benefiting from 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You need maximum hauling ability, as the CX-70 provides 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to save on fuel costs immediately, thanks to the 25 MPG combined rating versus 24 MPG.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prefer a more compact footprint on the road, as the Highlander is nearly 6 inches shorter in length (194.9 inches).
- You prioritize width in your garage or parking spot, noting the Highlander is 76.0 inches wide.
- You are looking for a known quantity in the segment, despite the higher starting MSRP of $45,270.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | - | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 112.2" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | 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. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 57.2 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
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 Highlander.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Mazda CX-70 delivers more power with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, noticeably exceeding the Highlander’s 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The CX-70 holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating, using regular unleaded fuel in both cases.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 significantly larger than the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Yes, the CX-70 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches versus the Highlander’s 194.9 inches, which translates directly into better cargo volume.
Why is the Toyota Highlander so much more expensive at launch?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a higher starting MSRP of $45,270, representing a price gap of $4,825 compared to the CX-70's $40,445 entry price.
Do both AWD crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Both the CX-70 and the Highlander are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and both feature All-Wheel Drive capabilities.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?
The Mazda CX-70 provides vastly more space for hauling with 39.6 cubic feet, whereas the 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a smaller 16 cubic feet of cargo room.
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