2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$38,330 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the all-new 2026 Ford Explorer and the highly anticipated 2026 Mazda CX-70 often boils down to balancing upfront cost against inherent capability and efficiency. The Explorer hits the pavement with a lower starting MSRP of $38,330 compared to the CX-70's $42,250, giving the Ford an initial $3,920 advantage. However, the Mazda pulls ahead in practical metrics, boasting a superior combined MPG of 25 versus the Explorer's 24, and significantly more usable space, evidenced by its massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ford's smaller 16.3 cu ft. Power delivery is interesting too: the Explorer offers slightly more horsepower at 300 hp, while the CX-70 compensates with more pulling power, delivering 332 lb-ft of torque against the Ford's 310 lb-ft, even with the Mazda's standard All-Wheel Drive system.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 wins for commuters due to its slightly better 25 combined MPG rating and standard All-Wheel Drive security.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

Families will strongly prefer the CX-70 because it offers nearly double the cargo space at 39.6 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer appeals more to power enthusiasts by delivering a higher 300 hp output, though the Mazda counters with superior torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer provides better immediate value with a $3,920 lower starting MSRP of $38,330.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You need the lowest barrier to entry, as the Explorer starts $3,920 cheaper.
You prioritize peak horsepower, as the Explorer offers 300 hp versus the CX-70's 280 hp.
Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics appeal to your driving preference for spirited handling.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum utility is essential, given the CX-70's substantial 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want better fuel economy, as the CX-70 achieves 25 combined MPG.
You prefer higher low-end grunt, supplied by the CX-70's superior 332 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Mazda CX-70
Length	198.8"	200.8"
Width	78.9"	-
Height	69.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	119.1"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
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 (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	6-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	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

Which crossover is more powerful in the base setup?

The 2026 Ford Explorer edges out the Mazda CX-70 in raw horsepower, generating 300 hp with its 10-speed automatic compared to the CX-70's 280 hp.

How significant is the difference in cargo space?

The difference is huge; the Mazda CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of storage, which is dramatically more than the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft in this configuration.

Is the Explorer’s RWD platform better than the CX-70’s AWD?

It depends on your climate; the Explorer uses Rear-Wheel Drive, which some drivers prefer for handling balance, while the CX-70 includes standard All-Wheel Drive for better traction in poor conditions.

What is the real-world fuel economy trade-off?

The CX-70 provides slightly better efficiency overall with 25 combined MPG, while the Explorer lands at 24 combined MPG, though the Explorer has a slightly better highway rating at 29 MPG.