2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$40,860 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the practical new Toyota Grand Highlander and the slightly sportier Mazda CX-70? This comparison boils down to size versus polish. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at a lower $40,860 MSRP, offering more overall passenger space due to its greater height (70.1 inches) and length (201.4 inches), though its base cargo room behind the third row is smaller at 20.6 cu ft. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-70, while pricier at $42,250, packs a punch with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. The Mazda also boasts superior fuel economy ratings when looking strictly at the base FWD/AWD configurations, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Toyota's 24 MPG combined, primarily due to the CX-70’s better city rating of 24 MPG versus the Highlander’s 21 MPG city rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the slight winner for commuting due to its better 24 MPG city rating and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for families because its larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long and 70.1 inches high) generally translate to better interior roominess.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is better for enthusiasts, delivering higher output with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers better initial value, starting at a lower MSRP of $40,860 versus the CX-70's $42,250.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You prioritize the lowest upfront cost, as the Grand Highlander starts at $40,860.
You need the absolute tallest vehicle, as its height is 70.1 inches compared to 68.2 inches.
You rely on the efficiency of regular unleaded fuel in a slightly larger package.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You want the highest power figures, leveraging 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions, which the CX-70 includes.
You need significantly more usable storage space, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo room versus 20.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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	Toyota	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which crossover is genuinely bigger inside for passengers?

While the Grand Highlander is slightly longer (201.4 inches vs 200.8 inches), the Toyota's overall height of 70.1 inches suggests it likely has more crucial headroom and a more upright cabin for third-row comfort.

Is the Mazda CX-70 more efficient than the Grand Highlander?

Yes, for the base configurations provided, the CX-70 has a slight edge with a combined 25 MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined. The Mazda's 24 MPG city rating beats the Toyota's 21 MPG city rating notably.

How significant is the performance difference between these two base engines?

The performance gap is noticeable; the 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander provides 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making the Mazda quicker.

Why is the Mazda CX-70's cargo capacity so much larger than the Toyota's?

The listed cargo capacities show the CX-70 at 39.6 cu ft while the Grand Highlander is only 20.6 cu ft. This suggests the CX-70 has significantly more storage volume, likely behind the third row, or the Toyota's measurement is taken differently.

Do I need premium gas for either of these vehicles?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel based on the specifications provided; both run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.

Is the extra cost of the Mazda justified by what it offers over the Toyota?

The Mazda CX-70 costs $1,390 more ($42,250 vs $40,860) but gives you AWD standard, more power, and superior cargo volume, which could justify the premium for some buyers.