Lexus RX Hybrid vs Mazda CX-70

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 CX-70 offered a distinct red leather treatment unavailable in the CX-90, with quality materials and appealing textures, though it lacked the sophistication of luxury models. 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.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style with its RX 500h F Sport Performance model, featuring a bold and sometimes excessive design. The front showcased a large, black trapezoidal grille, slim headlights, and air intakes, creating a controversial look. The profile was stylish with flat flares, a character line, and a floating roofline, while the rear had a full-width taillight and sporty dark trim. Inside, the RX 500h offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, creating a sporty ambiance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the Turbo models, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The CX-70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with drive modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. The Turbo models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the PHEV managed 3,500 lbs. The CX-70's handling was athletic, though the ride could be brittle on imperfect pavement.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The RX 500h featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. The powertrain provided seamless transitions between electric and gas propulsion, with a synthetic whirr accompanying the power. The RX 500h included adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, though it wasn't significantly sportier. The ride could be firm on bumpy roads, and the steering lacked feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Premium Plus trim added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cubic feet with them folded. Mazda provided various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats, standard heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered good legroom, though accommodating three adults could be uncomfortable. The RX 500h had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet when folded, which was smaller than some competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Mazda Connect. The system offered touch-sensing capability for 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, enhancing the infotainment experience. Most models included a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with a standard head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive, though the steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads could be frustrating. A three-year Drive Connect subscription offered Google points of interest and real-time traffic information.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. Premium trim 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 NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored "Poor" in the updated moderate front overlap test by the IIHS, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick award.