2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$42,250 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the newly sized 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the established 2026 Toyota Highlander can feel like a tough call, especially when balancing space against driving dynamics. The CX-70, measuring 200.8 inches long, clearly prioritizes sheer room over the 194.9-inch Highlander, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft, a crucial factor for large hauls. However, Mazda packs more punch; the CX-70 boasts 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Furthermore, the CX-70 saves you cash upfront, starting at $42,250 compared to the Highlander's $45,270 MSRP, a difference of $3,020. While the fuel economy is nearly identical at 25 MPG combined for the Mazda versus 24 MPG for the Toyota, the power advantage and significant cargo benefit make the CX-70 look compelling for practical buyers seeking performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 25 MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG while still providing ample size.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 easily wins for families needing space due to its superior 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers more performance credentials with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 undercuts the Toyota Highlander by $3,020 on the MSRP while offering better power figures.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You frequently haul large items and need the maximum utility from the 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize engine output, as the CX-70 delivers 280 hp, significantly more than the Highlander's 265 hp.
You want to save $3,020 on the initial purchase price while getting AWD standard.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prefer a slightly more compact footprint in urban areas, as the Highlander is 5.9 inches shorter in length.
You don't require the maximum cargo capacity and are comfortable with the 16 cu ft available.
You prioritize a proven track record, assuming the Highlander nameplate offers more established long-term confidence.

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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

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	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
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 2026 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 much bigger than the 2026 Highlander?

Yes, the CX-70 is noticeably larger, boasting a length of 200.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. This translates directly to cargo benefits, with the CX-70 offering 39.6 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

Which crossover is better for straight-line performance?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the clear performance leader here, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Highlander offers less power, putting out 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The Highlander starts at an MSRP of $45,270, making it $3,020 more expensive than the $42,250 MSRP of the Mazda CX-70.

Are there significant differences in fuel economy between these two AWD models?

The differences are minimal for regular unleaded use; the CX-70 achieves a 25 MPG combined rating (24 city/28 highway), just one MPG better than the Highlander’s 24 MPG combined rating (21 city/28 highway).