2026 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 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 four configurations in Canada, with prices ranging from $51,831 to $66,831, including fees.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style with the RX 500h F Sport Performance, though it sometimes bordered on excessive flair. The front featured a large, black, trapezoidal grille flanked by slim headlights, creating a controversial and over-stylized appearance. The profile was stylish with flat flares and a character line suggesting motion, while the rear had a full-width taillight and sporty dark trim. Inside, the RX 500h offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals, surrounded by soft-touch materials.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine in its gas-only models, producing 280 horsepower in the GS-L and GT trims, and 340 hp in the GT-P and Signature trims, with premium fuel required for the latter. The PHEV variant combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CX-70 PHEV provided 42 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 9.4 L/100 km combined. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with various drive modes available. The CX-70 excelled in handling, though the ride could be brittle on imperfect pavement.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The RX 500h used a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a seamless transition from electric to gas propulsion. It achieved a 0-96 km/h time of 5.9 seconds, though it was slower than some competitors. The RX 500h featured standard adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, but the ride could become overly firm on bumpy roads. The RX 500h offered a Custom mode for personalized settings, though it lacked the sportiness of some rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for up to five passengers, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Higher trims offered heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The CX-70's cargo space was generous, with 1,122 litres behind the rear seats and 2,132 litres with the seats folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats featuring heating and cooling. The rear seats offered good legroom, though accommodating three adults could be uncomfortable. The RX 500h provided 838 litres of cargo space with the second row up and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, which was average for the class.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch partially digital instrument cluster, with the Signature trim offering larger 12.3-inch displays. The Mazda Connect system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, with Alexa Built-in for voice commands. The CX-70 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 supported 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 were frustrating. Lexus offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with real-time traffic information.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 included the i-ActiveSense suite of ADAS, with features like active blind-spot assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and road-keeping assist. The GT-P trim added Cruising & Traffic Support with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, Mazda's track record suggested high safety marks.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS's updated moderate front overlap test, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick award.