Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Mazda CX-70

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint option. The design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually overwhelming, with mismatched textures and tones, and a lack of perceived quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sportier appearance with redesigned fasciae, a different grille, and new wheels. It was visually appealing and appeared slightly smaller than its CX-90 counterpart. Inside, the CX-70 offered quality materials and textures, though it lacked the refinement of luxury models. The interior featured exclusive paint colours and a red leather option, with a focus on upscale design. The CX-70 was available in four configurations in Canada, with prices ranging from $51,831 to $66,831, including fees.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. It offered standard AWD and a Predictive Efficient Drive system, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was noted for its lack of high-speed passing power and limited towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms. It featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The ride was described as compliant but uninspiring, with a focus on fuel economy and a quiet highway experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine in gas-only models, with outputs of 280 to 340 horsepower depending on the trim. The PHEV variant combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 323 horsepower. The CX-70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with multiple drive modes including an EV mode for the PHEV. It provided a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The CX-70 was praised for its athletic handling and responsive steering, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect surfaces. The PHEV offered a quieter drive with an electric-only range of 42 kilometres.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. It featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts in higher trims. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and second-row captain’s chairs, but the third row was cramped and uncomfortable. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was criticized for being complex and impractical.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided seating for five, with heated front seats and a triple-zone climate control system as standard. Higher trims offered heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The interior featured firm but supportive front seats, though adjustable side bolsters were suggested for better support. Small-item storage was limited, but the cargo area was spacious, with up to 2,147 litres available with the rear seats folded. The CX-70 also offered various cargo-enhancing accessories for added practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics were criticized for lacking contrast.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch instrument cluster, with a 12.3-inch display available in the Signature trim. The Mazda Connect system offered touch-sensing capability for smartphone mirroring platforms, with a control knob and volume toggle on the centre console. Alexa Built-in provided a conversational digital voice assistant, improving the voice-recognition experience. The CX-70 included a 12-speaker Bose sound system, delivering excellent sound quality, and an Active Driving Display for comprehensive information.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured the i-ActiveSense collection of safety features, with additional semi-autonomous steering-assistance systems in higher trims. The GT-P trim included a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. This system was effective on highways and freeways, offering a safe, automated stop if the driver became unresponsive. While crash-test evaluations were not available, Mazda's strong safety record suggested high marks for the CX-70.