Compare the2025 Lexus RXVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

Both the RX 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 and rear 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.

The RX 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.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-70. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-70 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CX-70’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The CX-70 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 58 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 50 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 7th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 7th.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 26 more horsepower (366 vs. 340) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the CX-70 Turbo S’ optional 3.3 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 450h+ Luxury 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the CX-70 Turbo S:

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 37 miles, up to 10% further than the CX-70 PHEV‘s -mile range on a full charge and a full tank of fuel. The CX-70 PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 26 miles.

The RX offers an available 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.

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

The RX offers an available 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 RX 450h+ Luxury handles at .83 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 better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-70 (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RX 350h’s minimum ground clearance is .1 inch higher than on the CX-70 Turbo S/PHEV (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Lexus RX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 700 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The RX is 8.3 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the RX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the RX 450h+ Luxury is quieter than the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus:

The RX has .5 inches more front hip room and .5 inches more rear hip 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 RX. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 36% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 14th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the CX-70 Premium, the RX 450h+ Luxury has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-70 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the CX-70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RX’s standard Smart 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 RX’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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-70 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Lexus RX 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 RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The CX-70 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The Lexus RX 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.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park 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 RX 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 Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.