2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an option. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a busy interior featuring a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and mismatched textures. Despite its quiet ride, the interior quality felt lacking, with inexpensive-feeling controls and storage areas that were prone to noise.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70, resembling a sportier version of the CX-90, featured redesigned fasciae, a new grille, and dark accents, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, it offered exclusive paint colors and a red leather interior option, with quality materials and appealing textures. The CX-70 was available in three configurations: 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV, with prices ranging from $41,910 to $58,905. The test vehicles included a 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus and a PHEV Premium Plus, both with premium paint options. The CX-70's interior felt upscale for a mainstream brand, though it lacked the refinement of luxury models. It offered a spacious cabin with quality materials, though some areas could benefit from additional soft-touch surfaces.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its 4,430-pound weight, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing due to its limited torque. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle averaged only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for city and suburban driving, with a compliant ride and quiet highway performance, but lacked engaging driving dynamics.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice of powertrains. The 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 and 340 horsepower, respectively. The PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 323 horsepower. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-70's handling was athletic, with responsive steering and sizable brakes, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect pavement. The PHEV provided a smoother and quieter drive in EV mode, with a 26-mile electric-only range. The Turbo S model averaged 23.5 mpg, while the PHEV achieved 30.8 mpg, including electric driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked sufficient thigh support. The third row was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered seating for five, with standard heated front seats and triple-zone automatic climate control. Premium Plus trims added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were firm and supportive, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers would enhance comfort. Small-item storage was limited, but a wireless smartphone charging shelf was available. The CX-70 provided 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. An accessory organizer and various cargo-enhancing options were available to maximize utility.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. Upper trims received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, offering features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Mazda Connect offered touch-sensing capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a control knob and volume toggle on the center console. The system was graphically pleasing and intuitive, with Alexa Built-in for voice commands. The CX-70 featured a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent sound quality. An Active Driving Display and a camera-based digital rearview mirror were available, enhancing the SUV's technology offerings.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured the i-ActiveSense collection of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features and a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support. This system provided hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance and initiated a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The CX-70 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.