2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$40,320 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Highlander strides in with a rugged confidence, boasting 265 horsepower and an efficient 25 MPG combined economy, built on a proven FWD platform. Conversely, the brand-new 2026 Mazda CX-70 attacks the segment with a performance edge, offering 280 horsepower and superior 332 lb-ft of torque, immediately promising a more engaging drive. While both crossovers sip regular unleaded, the Mazda counters its slightly higher $42,250 MSRP with standard AWD and significantly more usable space, evidenced by its massive 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft rear hold. Though the Highlander delivers slightly better highway MPG at 29, the CX-70’s increased power makes up ground rapidly, particularly given its marginally lower 24 MPG city rating against the Highlander’s 22 MPG.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its slightly better highway fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the clear family winner, offering nearly 40 cubic feet of cargo capacity at 39.6 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 delivers superior dynamic potential with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander carries a lower entry price point at $40,320, making it the slightly more accessible purchase.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prioritize maximizing highway cruising efficiency with a 29 MPG rating.
You prefer the established reliability associated with the Toyota brand's history.
Sticking to a lower initial budget is critical, given the $40,320 starting MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You require substantial cargo hauling capability, evidenced by the 39.6 cu ft capacity.
You value immediate acceleration thanks to 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive traction is a mandatory feature for your driving conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Mazda CX-70
Length	194.9"	200.8"
Width	76.0"	-
Height	68.1"	68.2"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

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 shiftable 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)	22/29 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	41.2 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 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	39.4 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.

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 Highlander and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

Which vehicle is faster in a straight line, the Highlander or the CX-70?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 holds the performance advantage, packing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This output significantly outmuscles the 2025 Toyota Highlander’s 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo space truly compare between these two crossovers?

The difference is immense; the 2026 Mazda CX-70 provides a cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space. In stark contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers only 16 cu ft behind its third row, making the Mazda far more practical for large hauls.

Is the Mazda CX-70 more expensive than the Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $42,250 compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's $40,320 price tag.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily highway commuting?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander edges out the Mazda in highway efficiency, rating 29 MPG Highway compared to the CX-70's 28 MPG Highway, though both achieve 25 MPG combined.

What is the primary mechanical difference in the standard drivetrain setup?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-70 includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment for enhanced traction.

Are both vehicles rated to use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 are specified to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, which helps control long-term ownership costs.