2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and upscale appearance, reminiscent of a sportier version of the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an illusion of a smaller size compared to its sibling. Inside, the CX-70 offered a distinct red leather interior option, setting it apart from the CX-90. The SUV boasted quality materials and textures, especially in higher trims, though it lacked some luxury touches like soft-touch lower dashboard panels. Despite not reaching luxury model sophistication, the CX-70 provided an upscale feel for its price range, with configurations including 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV, and trim levels ranging from Preferred to Premium Plus.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander prioritized function over form with its boxy silhouette and minimal style lines. The exterior featured a wide, flat-bottomed grille and varied wheel sizes across trims. The interior was practical, with a spacious third row offering over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander. The cabin included leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, bronze accents, and ambient lighting, creating a light and airy atmosphere. The Grand Highlander offered a range of trims, including LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with hybrid options and a powerful Hybrid Max variant. The focus was on practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models, both equipped with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo variant delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S increased output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, achieving an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering 26 miles of electric-only range and 25 mpg in hybrid mode. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with various drive modes for different conditions. The CX-70 excelled in handling, thanks to its suspension design and large wheels, though it lacked an adaptive damping suspension for a smoother ride.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower. The hybrid variant used a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, generating 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max combined the 2.4-liter turbo-four with a hybrid system for 362 hp. Most models came with FWD, with optional AWD, and the Hybrid Max featured full-time AWD for enhanced stability and agility. The Grand Highlander offered a smooth ride, with firm brakes and light steering for easy cruising. The Multi-Terrain Select system provided settings for various off-road conditions, though the vehicle was not designed for serious off-roading. The Hybrid Max variant offered quick acceleration, but the Sport mode showed minimal impact on performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Premium Plus trims added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered firm support, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers were absent. Storage space was limited to door panel bins and center console cupholders, with a wireless 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. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured three-zone climate control with physical controls, heated front seats on most trims, and heated and ventilated seats in upper trims. The third row offered over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The vehicle was family-friendly, with easy car seat installation and retractable window shades. Storage solutions included a dash shelf, a cubby in front of the shifter, and multiple cupholders. Cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The Grand Highlander offered a power liftgate and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system offered touch-sensing capability only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a control knob and volume toggle on the center console. The system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, with Alexa Built-in for voice commands. The CX-70 featured a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent sound quality. Additional technology included an Active Driving Display, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera with Hitch View.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive, though some menus were confusing. Voice assistant, navigation, and phone-as-key functionality required a subscription. Most trims included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable displays. The Platinum trim offered a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system with a see-through bird’s-eye view. A 10-inch head-up display showed speed, road signs, and navigation. The Grand Highlander included multiple USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging pads, with additional 120-volt outlets in upper trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including features like 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 safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert was standard across all trims. Traffic jam assist was available on top trims, while Proactive Driving Assist was best turned off due to its non-committal nature. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.