If you are comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. the 2026 Lexus RX, you are looking at two well-known names in the two-row midsize SUV space—each with a distinct philosophy. The CX-70 emphasizes engaging dynamics and confident capability with standard i-Activ AWD, available PHEV versatility, and the brand’s signature chassis tuning. The RX focuses on serene cruising, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, and a broad lineup with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. For drivers in Madison, WI, balancing daily commuting along the Beltline with weekend getaways, the difference comes down to the substance you can feel every time you drive: power delivery, traction, towing confidence, and intuitive controls. From Sun Prairie to Verona, shoppers tell us they want an SUV that fits busy routines yet feels genuinely special behind the wheel. That is where the CX-70’s longitudinal powertrains, Mi-Drive modes, and Kinematic Posture Control stand out. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, our team sees how these attributes translate to real-world confidence—rain, shine, or fresh snow—while the cabin tech, cargo solutions, and available 30-mile PHEV EV range round out a thoughtful, driver-first package.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-70 | 2026 Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Yes | No |
| Available Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Yes | Yes |
| Inline 6 turbo engine option | Yes | No |
| Max towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs (properly equipped) | Yes | No |
| Mi-Drive with Sport and Off-Road modes (Towing/EV on select trims) | Yes | No |
| Kinematic Posture Control | Yes | No |
| 360° View Monitor with See-Through & Trailer Hitch View | Yes | No |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Built-in | Yes | No |
| Power panoramic sunroof | Yes | Yes |
The CX-70 wears its proportions with purpose. A long hood and rear-drive stance telegraph performance, while black badges, a honeycomb grille, and available 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels dial up the athletic look. For 2026, every CX-70 receives glossy black emblems, and Premium trims add a hands-free power liftgate, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, and distinctive details like a contrasting front valence. The power panoramic sunroof on upper trims brightens the cabin and expands the sense of space when you are running errands or heading out of town in Madison. The RX is equally eye-catching, with its signature spindle-inspired grille, available panorama glass roof, and a refined palette of exterior colors. Both SUVs offer LED headlamps and available advanced lighting systems. Where the CX-70’s design goes beyond aesthetics is in how it supports function: roof rails ready for weekend gear, tow-focused camera views on select trims, and a tailgate opening that makes loading bulky boxes straightforward. It is a shape that looks premium yet works hard—precisely the blend many two-row buyers appreciate.
Step inside CX-70 and the thoughtful details reveal themselves quickly. The 12.3-inch Mazda Connect display supports touch functionality with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in lets you handle smart-home tasks or playlists hands-free. For 2026, ventilated front seats are now standard on the Preferred trim, with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel also included—comforts you appreciate on early school runs or late nights after games in Madison. Upper trims elevate the mood with Nappa leather upholstery, a power panoramic sunroof, and a Bose 12-speaker audio system, while retractable rear sunshades and remote-folding rear seats underscore the CX-70’s family-friendly focus. Storage is smart, too: the underfloor sub-trunk conceals valuables, and added hooks and compartments make quick work of groceries or gear. The Lexus RX counters with an elegant cabin and an available 14-inch touchscreen, semi-aniline leather on Luxury grades, and premium audio from Mark Levinson. Both SUVs deliver premium touchpoints; what sets CX-70 apart is how many high-value amenities become standard, plus ergonomics that feel geared toward active, engaged driving without sacrificing everyday ease.
Under the skin, CX-70 engineering pays dividends you feel in every corner and lane change. The SUV’s longitudinal layout and rear-biased i-Activ AWD contribute to poised handling, while Kinematic Posture Control subtly helps the body settle in turns for a more planted, confident feel. Mi-Drive allows quick selection of Sport or Off-Road modes, and on select trims adds Towing for more composed trailering; PHEV models add an EV mode for electric-only driving in neighborhoods or garages. The available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View simplifies backing up to a trailer—hugely helpful the first time you tow a camper or pair of jet skis. Lexus RX offers capable dynamics with available DIRECT4 all-wheel drive on the 500h F SPORT Performance and thoughtful ride tuning across the lineup, along with available Dynamic Rear Steering on select models. It is a comfortable cruiser. The CX-70, by contrast, leans into driver engagement and control without sacrificing refinement, giving shoppers an uncommon level of confidence and feedback in this segment—an advantage you notice more each mile.
The CX-70 lineup offers three compelling choices. Gas models use the e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with M-Hybrid Boost for responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery; output ranges from 280 hp in base form to 340 hp on Turbo S trims. The e-Skyactiv PHEV pairs electrified torque with a manufacturer-rated 30-mile EV range for 2026, ideal for short commutes or gym runs without starting the engine. All variants pair with an eight-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. Lexus RX counters with a 2.4-liter turbo in the RX 350, a highly efficient 350h hybrid, the 450h+ plug-in hybrid with a manufacturer-estimated 38-mile EV range, and the 500h F SPORT Performance tuned for power. The RX portfolio is broad and polished. The difference many drivers note is the CX-70’s inline six: the smooth, low-end pull, the composure at highway speeds, and the simple, natural way it responds to throttle inputs. For those who value an SUV that feels eager on ramps and relaxed at a cruise, that characteristic matters—a lot.
Every CX-70 includes the i-Activsense suite of safety features, with Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard. Step up, and you can add Cruising & Traffic Support, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. The Trailer Hitch View is particularly useful when aligning a ball mount—small detail, big confidence. Lexus RX also emphasizes safety, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across the line and features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Both SUVs aim for strong ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with features evolving via over-the-air updates where applicable. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, we focus on how these systems support real-world driving: steady adaptive cruise responses in mixed traffic, lane support that helps reduce fatigue, and surround views that reduce parking stress in tight garages or crowded lots.
For shoppers who want an SUV that feels rewarding every day yet practical for everything else, our recommendation is the CX-70—balanced, capable, and ready for life here at Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison.
When you look at the 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. the 2026 Lexus RX, you see two polished, premium approaches to the two-row SUV. The RX offers a serene ride, comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, and an impressive range of hybrid options. The CX-70 brings a distinctive edge: standard i-Activ AWD across the board, engaging handling aided by Kinematic Posture Control, Mi-Drive modes tailored to your day, and the poise and pull of an available inline six. Add in the available 30-mile PHEV EV range, tow-friendly camera technology, abundant standard comfort features, and cargo-smart touches, and you have an SUV that excels at both the commute and the weekend. We are confident shoppers will appreciate how cohesively it all comes together. Visit Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison to see how the CX-70 fits your routine and your favorite drives. Our team is ready to help you compare trims, feel the difference on a test drive, and match features to your priorities in Madison.
