Compare the2024 Nissan MuranoVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

The Murano has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Murano and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Murano its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 131 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-70 has not been tested, yet.

There are almost 2 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Murano’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Murano first among midsize suvs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The CX-70 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan above average in initial quality. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Nissan Murano uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-70 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Murano has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Murano has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-70 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Nissan Murano may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1050 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Murano is 8 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Murano easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Murano uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-70 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Murano has .2 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-70.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Murano. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Murano SL/Platinum’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Murano’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Murano is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Nissan Murano, based on reliability, safety and performance.