Compare the2026 Lexus NXVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus NX 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.

The Lexus NX’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-70 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the NX and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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 and available 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 Lexus NX 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 Lexus NX is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

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

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

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 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 43 points higher than the Mazda CX-70 Plug-In’s and the Lexus NX is rated 48 points higher than the Mazda CX-70.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 59 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked third.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

As tested in Motor Trend the NX 450h+ Premium AWD is faster than the CX-70 Turbo S:

On the EPA test cycle the NX 450h running on electricity gets better mileage than the CX-70 PHEV running on electricity (93 city/75 hwy vs. 53 city/61 hwy MPGe).

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

The NX 450h can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 37 miles. The CX-70 PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 26 miles.

The NX 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.

The NX stops shorter than the CX-70:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the NX 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 NX 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 NX 350 AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Lexus NX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 900 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The NX is 1 foot, 5.3 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the NX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The NX is 5.1 inches narrower than the CX-70, making the NX easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the NX. 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 second in service department satisfaction. With a 24% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

The NX’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.

The NX’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 NX’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 NX Luxury/450+ F Sport has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-70 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Lexus NX 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.

Compared to traditional radio, the Lexus NX’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 NX Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote 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 NX 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® chose the Lexus NX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus NX outsold the Mazda CX-70 by almost seven to one during 2024.