Compare the2025 BMW X5VS 2025 Mazda CX-70

The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-70 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X5 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.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the BMW X5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-70 has not been tested.

Both the X5 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, 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The X5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-70’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-70’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-70.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the BMW X5 xDrive50e’s reliability 30 points higher than the Mazda CX-70 Plug-In’s and the BMW X5 is rated 32 points higher than the Mazda CX-70.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 26 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mazda.

The X5 has more powerful engines than the CX-70:

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW X5 is faster than the Mazda CX-70:

On the EPA test cycle the X550e xDrive running on electricity gets better mileage than the CX-70 PHEV running on electricity (57 city/59 hwy vs. 53 city/61 hwy MPGe).

The X550e xDrive can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 39 miles. The CX-70 PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 26 miles.

The X5 has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-70’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X5 has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-70 Turbo S’ standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 19.6 gallons).

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-70 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X5’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-70:

The X5 stops much shorter than the CX-70:

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the CX-70 (275/45R20 vs. 265/55R19).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-70’s standard 55 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the CX-70 Premium’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the CX-70. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the CX-70 Premium.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-70 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X5 M60i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M60i xDrive offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mazda doesn’t offer an active suspension on the CX-70.

The X5 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-70’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X5 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The X5 M60i xDrive handles at .86 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-70 (8.3 vs. 8 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is .2 inch higher than on the CX-70 Turbo S/PHEV (8.3 vs. 8.1 inches).

The X5 is 6.6 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the X5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the X5 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 X5 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room and .1 inches more rear headroom than the CX-70.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X5. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The CX-70’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-70’s (5952 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-70 is only 5000 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the CX-70 Premium, the X5 M60i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the X5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X5’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-70 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The X5’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.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-70 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The BMW X5 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-70 Premium Plus/Turbo S.

The X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-70.

The BMW X5 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the CX-70 Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the BMW X5’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Professional can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The X5 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® chose the BMW X5 as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW X5 outsold the Mazda CX-70 by over six to one during 2024.