2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$42,250 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is fuel economy, where the Highlander Hybrid achieves a 35 combined MPG compared to the CX-70's 25 combined MPG, a 10 MPG advantage. However, the CX-70 counters with superior output, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. Pricewise, the CX-70 enters at a lower MSRP of $42,250 versus the Toyota’s $47,020, creating a $4,770 initial savings. Dimensionally, the CX-70 is the larger vehicle at 200.8 inches in length versus 194.9 inches for the Highlander Hybrid, though the Mazda sacrifices substantial utility with only 16 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-70's 39.6 cu ft. The final analysis hinges on whether efficiency or raw performance and space define the priority for the buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers significantly better fuel economy at 35 combined MPG, reducing weekly operating costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 provides substantially more usable storage capacity at 39.6 cu ft versus the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 carries a significantly lower entry price of $42,250, saving buyers $4,770 upfront.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics supported by 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Maximizing cargo utility is essential, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of capacity.
A lower initial purchase price is critical, starting at $42,250 versus the competitor's $47,020.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is the top priority, given its class-leading 35 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the consistent driving characteristics of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
You require a marginally shorter vehicle for garage fitting, measuring 194.9 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 CX-70 and the 2026 Highlander Hybrid?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the more powerful vehicle, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritizes efficiency with 243 horsepower.

How significant is the fuel economy gap between these two crossovers?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid holds a considerable lead in efficiency, achieving 35 combined MPG across city and highway driving. The Mazda CX-70 is rated for only 25 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers better utility based on published cargo volumes?

The Mazda CX-70 is superior for cargo, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of space. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is severely limited by comparison, offering only 16 cubic feet.

Is the higher MSRP of the Toyota justified by its standard equipment or powertrain type?

The Toyota’s $47,020 MSRP is $4,770 higher than the Mazda’s $42,250, reflecting its hybrid powertrain technology despite having lower horsepower ratings.

Do both vehicles utilize All-Wheel Drive and which uses a traditional automatic transmission?

Both the CX-70 and the Highlander Hybrid come standard with All-Wheel Drive. The Mazda utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Toyota employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).