Lexus TX 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 differences were subtle, with the CX-70 offering exclusive red leather treatment, unlike the CX-90's white leather option. The interior boasted quality materials and textures, especially in higher trims, 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.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered a few updates for the model year. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid came with a standard panoramic glass roof and new Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. However, the interior materials fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and the overall cabin could have benefited from more attention to detail.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models, which housed a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo variant produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models featured a standard 48-volt mild-hybrid system, achieving an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. The PHEV version combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. It offered 26 miles of electric-only range and returned 25 mpg in hybrid mode. All CX-70 models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with various drive modes available. The Turbo and Turbo S 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 harsh on imperfect surfaces.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a base model with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid variant, however, delivered 404 hp from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX featured multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX was well-suited for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 accommodated up to 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 were supportive but could benefit from adjustable side bolsters and massagers. Small-item storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cu-ft with them folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ featured standard luxury amenities like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable center console, while the third row was spacious enough for adults. The front seats lacked thigh support, but the heating function was excellent. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with it folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The liftgate featured an available kick sensor for easy access, and all TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

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 function buttons on the center console. The system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, with Alexa Built-in providing a responsive voice assistant. Most models featured a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. An Active Driving Display and a camera-based digital rearview mirror were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was user-friendly but had some quirks. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a subscription-based navigation system and other features like a voice assistant and digital key. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed powered.

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 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 NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering when necessary, though it could be overly sensitive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and a hands-free option was available via subscription. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the driver's side small overlap front crash test and a "Good" rating for the passenger's side.