2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and appealing design, reminiscent of a sport appearance package for the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an optical illusion that made it appear slightly smaller than its CX-90 counterpart. Inside, the differences were subtle, with the CX-70 offering exclusive red leather treatment, unlike the CX-90's white leather. The interior boasted quality materials and textures, though the absence of soft-touch lower dashboard panels in the higher trims was noted. Overall, the CX-70 exuded an upscale feel, though it didn't quite reach the sophistication of luxury models, which was reasonable given its price range.

Mazda offered the CX-70 in three configurations: 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV, with trim levels including Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. Prices ranged from $41,910 to $58,905, including destination charges. During the review, two CX-70s were driven: a 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus with Soul Red paint and a PHEV Premium Plus with Polymetal Gray paint. The Turbo S had an MSRP of $58,000, while the PHEV's MSRP was $59,355, both including destination charges.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition took inspiration from the Tundra's 1794 Edition, named after the ranch where the assembly plant stands. Building on the Sequoia Platinum, it featured machined-finish 20-inch wheels, more chrome, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, American walnut wood trim, and all-weather floor mats. The lineup included SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $62,425 to $83,915, plus destination charges. The test vehicle, equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package and other upgrades, had an MSRP of $85,700, including destination charges.

The Sequoia 1794 Edition, painted in Lunar Rock and equipped with black 20-inch TRD off-road wheels, garnered attention despite its rarity on the road. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather upholstery and walnut wood trim contrasted with the black interior, marked with a lone star symbol and "1794 Edition." However, the rest of the cabin featured typical Toyota-grade plastic, which didn't match the high price tag. The TRD Off-Road Package's red accents felt out of place, though the aluminum pedals were a nice touch.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models, both featuring a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo variant produced 280 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, while the Turbo S delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models achieved an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, aided by standard 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The CX-70 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a 26-mile electric-only range and 25 mpg in hybrid mode.

All CX-70 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) with rear-wheel power bias. Drive modes included Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with the PHEV adding an EV mode. The Turbo and Turbo S models offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the PHEV managed 3,500 lbs. The CX-70's handling was athletic, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, though an adaptive damping suspension would have improved the ride quality on rough surfaces.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, with a part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system in the 1794 Edition. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul. Despite its 6,150-pound weight, the Sequoia offered quick acceleration and a robust engine note, though fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging only 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

The Sequoia 1794 Edition boasted a maximum towing capacity of 9,010 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,410 pounds, surpassing several rivals. However, its packaging and driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, affecting rear-seat room and cargo space. The ride was jittery and truck-like, with excessive lateral weight transfer on curves. The optional TRD Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the front air dam limited its approach angle and ground clearance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered ample space for up to five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Leather upholstery was standard across all trims, with Premium Plus models adding heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats provided good support, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers would have been appreciated in the Premium Plus trim.

Small-item storage was limited to lower door panel bins and center console cupholders, with a wireless smartphone charging shelf available. Cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. An accessory organizer and various cargo-enhancing accessories were available, including roof-rail crossbars and a rooftop awning.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though seven or six would be more comfortable. The 1794 Edition's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with a heated steering wheel. Long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, though they were a liability in cramped parking situations.

The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding and console features. The third row's stadium-style seating offered a good view but limited headroom, making it suitable for shorter passengers. Cargo space was limited to 11.5 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded and 86.9 cubic feet with both rows down. These figures were less than rival full-size SUVs and even Toyota's own Grand Highlander.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system offered touch-sensing capability only for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a control knob and volume toggle on the center console. Alexa Built-in provided a conversational digital voice assistant, improving the voice-recognition experience.

Pairing an iPhone 15 was quick and easy, with touchscreen functionality enhancing smartphone mirroring. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered excellent sound quality, and the Active Driving Display offered comprehensive information. A camera-based digital rearview mirror and a Hitch View angle were available as accessories.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Five connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions ranging from one to ten years. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system featured a large volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, which was frustrating. Drive Connect's natural voice recognition system, Intelligent Assistant, responded to a "Hey Toyota" wake command but had limitations. The 1794 Edition also included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, both of which were helpful in tight parking situations.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with the i-ActiveSense collection of advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features and a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support. The CX-70 received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the lane assist features were often aggravating, causing false warnings and intrusive corrections. At the time of publication, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia.