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 CX-70 offered a distinct red leather treatment, unavailable in the CX-90, while maintaining a similar interior design. The SUV boasted quality materials, 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 for a mainstream brand, though it didn't quite reach the sophistication of luxury models.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring a Luxury package and the TX 500h hybrid starting with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The TX retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. The gas-only engine delivered 280 horsepower in the GS-L and GT models, while the GT-P and Signature trims boasted 340 hp, 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 gas-only version averaged 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while the PHEV provided 42 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 9.4 L/100 km. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with various drive modes available. The CX-70 excelled in handling, though its ride could be harsh on imperfect pavement.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid offered 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h employed Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

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 and heated rear seats. The CX-70 provided ample cargo space, with 1,122 litres behind the back seat and 2,132 litres with the rear seat folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch partially digital instrument cluster, with the Signature trim offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system featured touch-sensing capability only with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 12.3-inch screen. The system was user-friendly, with a control knob and volume toggle on the centre console. Alexa Built-in provided a reliable voice assistant, and most models included a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functionality and lack of labels could be confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a subscription-based in-dash navigation system, voice assistant, and digital key. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. The GT-P trim added Cruising & Traffic Support with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. While crash-test evaluations were pending, Mazda's safety track record was strong.

The 2026 Lexus TX included the Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering when necessary, though it could activate unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it could be slow to resume speed. The NHTSA rated the TX five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it mixed ratings.