2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

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, while maintaining nearly identical interiors otherwise. The SUV boasted quality materials and textures, especially in higher trims, though it could benefit from softer dashboard panels in its most expensive variants. Overall, the CX-70 exuded an upscale feel, though it didn't quite match the sophistication of luxury models, which was reasonable given its pricing.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander had a more utilitarian exterior design, with a wide, flat-bottomed grille and minimal style lines. The XLE trims featured 18-inch wheels, while the rest of the lineup sported 20-inch alloys. Inside, the Platinum Hybrid Max trim offered a practical brown interior with leather and Ultrasuede seats, complemented by bronze accents. The cabin felt light and spacious, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof. While the materials aligned with the Grand Highlander's price point, the fake wood trim detracted from its allure. The third row provided ample legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers, and the vehicle offered practical features like a storage shelf in the dash and a removable centre console for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The gas-only engine delivered 280 horsepower in the GS-L and GT trims, while the GT-P and Signature trims boasted 340 hp, albeit requiring premium fuel. The PHEV combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp. The CX-70's AWD system, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a rear-wheel power bias and various drive modes, including an EV mode for the PHEV. The gas-only model could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, while the PHEV managed 1,587 kilograms. Despite its robust power, the CX-70's inline-six engine lacked refinement, and the PHEV's four-cylinder engine added noise when engaged. The SUV's handling was athletic, thanks to its suspension design and large wheels, though an adaptive damping suspension would have improved ride quality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 265 hp, a 2.5-litre inline-four hybrid with 245 hp, and the Hybrid Max powertrain combining the 2.4-litre turbo-four with a hybrid system for 362 hp. AWD was standard across all powertrains, with variations in the system's operation. The Hybrid Max provided full-time AWD, enhancing stability and agility. While the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly and had firm brakes, its steering felt light, making it more suitable for easy cruising than spirited driving. The Multi-Terrain Select system offered settings for different terrains, but the vehicle's all-season tires and large overhangs limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 accommodated up to five passengers, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone automatic climate control as standard features. Higher trims offered heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats. The SUV's cargo space was generous, with 1,122 litres behind the rear seats and 2,132 litres with the seats folded. Mazda provided various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars. However, small-item storage was limited, and the infotainment screen's lack of touch-sensing capability for all functions was a drawback.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured three-zone climate control with physical buttons and knobs, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard. Upper trims added heated and ventilated front and outboard second-row seats. The third row offered ample legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers. The vehicle provided practical features like a storage shelf in the dash, a removable centre console for second-row passengers, and individual cup holders and storage for the third row. Cargo space was substantial, with 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the rear seats folded and 2,761 litres with the second row stowed. The Grand Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch partially digital instrument cluster in most trims, with the Signature trim offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system provided touch-sensing capability only for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 12.3-inch screen. The system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, though the voice-recognition system was historically problematic. However, Alexa Built-in improved voice command functionality. The CX-70 also offered a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system's graphics were sharp, and it responded quickly to inputs, though some menus could be confusing. Voice assistant, navigation, and phone-as-key functionality required a subscription. Higher trims featured a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a digital rearview camera mirror, and a 360-degree camera system. The top trims also included a 10-inch head-up display and multiple USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped 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. Higher trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features and a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support. While crash-test evaluations were not available, Mazda's track record suggested high safety ratings.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard across all trims. The top Platinum Hybrid Max trim offered traffic jam assist. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Highlander a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS gave it mostly top "Good" scores, with an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.