2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Lexus RX: Which SUV tows with more confidence and control for weekend getaways near Verona, WI?

Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison – 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Lexus RX: Which SUV tows with more confidence and control for weekend getaways near Verona, WI?

If you are cross-shopping two-row midsize SUVs for family trips, one of the first questions that comes up is towing confidence. Can you pull a small camper to Governor Dodge State Park or bring a pair of kayaks to the Yahara chain without white-knuckle moments? Here is a deep, practical look at how Mazda’s CX-70 and the Lexus RX approach towing and control, and what you need to know before you hitch up.

Let’s start with the numbers that shape your experience. Properly equipped, the CX-70 is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds on select trims and includes a dedicated Towing mode within Mi-Drive to optimize shift mapping and throttle response under load. That is paired with a handy Trailer Hitch View within the available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, making it simpler to line up the ball mount and trailer coupler. By contrast, the RX family is commonly rated up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. While the RX can be optioned with a Panoramic View Monitor for enhanced visibility, it does not add a hitch-specific camera view, and its maximum capacity limits what you can tow compared to the CX-70’s upper trims.

Beyond ratings, what affects your confidence is how the vehicle puts power down and manages weight transfer. CX-70’s longitudinal layout and standard i-Activ AWD create a rear-biased feel that helps stability when merging or climbing grades, and Kinematic Posture Control works in the background to reduce body lift during cornering. On the highway, that translates to composed tracking, even in gentle crosswinds. The RX, particularly in 500h F SPORT Performance form, brings DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and taut chassis tuning that many drivers appreciate for daily commuting and relaxed trips, but it is not oriented toward higher-capacity towing.

Power delivery also matters when you are pulling away from a stop with a trailer in tow. CX-70 gas models use the e-Skyactiv-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with M-Hybrid Boost—280 horsepower in standard form, or 340 horsepower in Turbo S trims—offering a broad torque curve that feels responsive without drama. The available e-Skyactiv PHEV adds instant electric torque with an EV mode for quiet maneuvering in driveways or campgrounds. Lexus RX offers multiple powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbo (RX 350), a fuel-sipping hybrid (350h), a plug-in hybrid (450h+), and the performance-leaning 500h. They are polished and efficient, with the 450h+ delivering an EV range suitable for short errands before an overnight charge. For higher-capacity towing, though, the Mazda’s available inline six and towing calibration give it the edge.

Hitching and reversing are the moments that raise heart rates for new and seasoned towers alike. The CX-70’s available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View reduces guesswork; what might have taken multiple attempts becomes a single, confident move. It is a thoughtful detail that can prevent minor dings in crowded boat launches or storage lots. The RX’s available panoramic camera system is excellent for parking and placing wheels precisely along a curb, but the lack of a hitch-aiding perspective means more reliance on a spotter or trial-and-error when aligning the coupler.

Another common question is how all-wheel drive factors into traction at the ramp or on loose campground paths. CX-70’s standard i-Activ AWD monitors wheel slip and anticipates traction needs before you feel them, and Off-Road mode within Mi-Drive helps maintain steady progress on uneven surfaces. RX models offer AWD widely, with intelligent responses that boost confidence in rain and light gravel. If you expect to launch watercraft on steeper or algae-slick ramps or contend with unpaved campground access, the CX-70’s calibration and standard AWD across every trim are strong advantages.

Driver assistance plays a role in reducing stress, too. Both SUVs offer robust safety suites—i-Activsense on Mazda and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 on RX—covering essentials like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane support. Where CX-70 pulls ahead for towing is in those specialized aids: a dedicated Towing mode in Mi-Drive, available Trailer Hitch View, and a rear-biased AWD feel that provides reassuring stability when correcting for trailer sway or adjusting speed on downhill grades.

Finally, consider day-to-day life when you are not towing. CX-70’s cargo area provides flexible space with remote-folding rear seats and a sub-trunk that keeps straps, gloves, and locks organized out of sight. The RX cabin is serene and beautifully finished, with an available panorama glass roof and standout audio options. Either vehicle will make a pleasant daily driver. But if your weekends involve trailers, the CX-70’s feature set is directly aligned with that reality.

Still weighing which attributes matter most in your specific use case? Here is a quick, practical checklist you can run through at home before you visit a showroom:

1. Trailer type and weight: Verify the fully loaded weight of what you plan to tow, including water, fuel, and gear.
2. Hitching and storage: Consider where you will store the trailer and how often you will hitch up solo.
3. Launch and access conditions: Think about ramps, gravel drives, and steep grades you will encounter.
4. Cabin priorities: List the comfort and tech features you use daily so you can compare equivalent trims.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the CX-70 really tow more than the RX?

Yes. When properly equipped on select trims, the CX-70 is rated up to 5,000 pounds, while the RX lineup is commonly rated up to 3,500 pounds. Always consult each vehicle’s owner’s manual and verify your trailer’s loaded weight before towing.

Will all-wheel drive help with boat launches or gravel paths?

Absolutely. The CX-70 includes standard i-Activ AWD on every trim and an Off-Road mode in Mi-Drive. Most RX models offer AWD, and systems like DIRECT4 on the 500h provide excellent traction. For frequent launches or unpaved campsites, the CX-70’s standard AWD and calibration are confidence-inspiring.

What about plug-in hybrids—can I tow with those?

Yes, both lineups offer PHEV models. The CX-70 PHEV adds electric torque and an EV mode for quiet maneuvering, while the RX 450h+ emphasizes an extended EV driving range. Review towing ratings and charging needs to pick the right fit for your routine.

If you want hands-on guidance, a side-by-side look at hitch-aiding cameras, and a test route that mirrors your weekend plans, the team at Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison is ready to help. We are serving Sun Prairie, Verona, and Middleton with tailored walkarounds and detailed towing demonstrations so you can make a confident decision the first time.

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