Compare the2026 Toyota Rav4 VS 2026 Mazda CX-70

Both the Rav4 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, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota 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.

There are over 2 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4’s warranty.

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 Rav4’s reliability 40 points higher than the CX-70.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 25 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Toyota higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 14th.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Rav4 (324 HP engine) is faster than the CX-70 Turbo S:

	Rav4	CX-70
Zero to 60 MPH	5 sec	6.3 sec
Quarter Mile	13.7 sec	14.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100.7 MPH	96.7 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

			MPG
Rav4
	FWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	47 city/40 hwy
	AWD	LE/SE 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	46 city/39 hwy
		XLE 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	45 city/38 hwy
		XSE/Limited 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/37 hwy
		SE/XSE 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/36 hwy
		Woodland 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/35 hwy
		Woodland 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/34 hwy
		GR Sport 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/33 hwy
CX-70
	AWD	3.3 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/28 hwy
		Turbo S 3.3 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/28 hwy

The Rav4 can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 49 to 54 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 32 miles.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-70 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Rav4 higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-70 (5 to 6). This means the Rav4 produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-70 every 15,000 miles.

The Rav4 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 Rav4 stops much shorter than the CX-70:

	Rav4	CX-70
60 to 0 MPH	110 feet	124 feet	Motor Trend

The Rav4 GR Sport handles at .83 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV SC Plus pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Rav4 GR Sport executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-70 PHEV SC Plus (26.2 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 26.9 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Rav4’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (36.9 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The Rav4 GR Sport’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (37.3 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 Woodland has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-70 Premium/PHEV (8.5 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Rav4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Toyota Rav4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 1050 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Rav4 is 1 foot, 7.8 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Rav4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Rav4 Woodland is quieter than the CX-70 PHEV SC Plus:

	Rav4	CX-70
Full-Throttle	73 dB	79 dB

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 the driver can close all of them 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 Toyota service department.) The driver of the CX-70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Rav4’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 Toyota Rav4 stands out above the Mazda CX-70 by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and two of them provide more flexibility.

The Rav4 (except LE/SE/XLE)’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Rav4 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 Toyota Rav4, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Rav4 first among compact suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CX-70 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Mazda CX-70 by almost 35 to one during 2025.