Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-70
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$71,700RRP
- no option data for this car
$73,020RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Lexus NX & Mazda CX-70
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus NX starts from $71,700 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-70 opens at $73,020. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $1,320.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $78,870 and $80,322 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $4,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Lexus NX
- REC-006214 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a programming issue, the Adaptive High Beam System (AHS) LED units (high beam) and AHS ECUs (Electronic Control Unit) may incorrectly detect the signals for switching from low beam to high beam.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005731 · published 20 Jul 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the DC-DC converter that supports charging the 12V battery may short circuit and overheat resulting in a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005525 · published 12 Sep 2022Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-70
- REC-006434 · published 15 Sep 2025Due to a software programming issue of the Body Control Module (BCM), the instrument cluster fuel level may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-70 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-70. The Mazda CX-70 counters with Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-70 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus NX and 3-zone in the Mazda CX-70.
Drivetrain
The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-70 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-70 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda CX-70 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 460mm shorter than the Mazda CX-70 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-70 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 598L in the Mazda CX-70, giving the Mazda CX-70 a 78L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1141L vs 2015L.
For towing, the Mazda CX-70 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,425/year for the Lexus NX and $2,309/year for the Mazda CX-70. That is a $884 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-70). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-70 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus NX: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 72
The Lexus NX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 72), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 28), safety (Lexus NX ahead by 21), performance (Mazda CX-70 ahead by 14). The Lexus NX will save you roughly $884 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-70 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus NX and Mazda CX-70?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $71,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-70 by $1,320.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Lexus NX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda CX-70, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-70 has the largest boot at 598L with the seats up (2,015L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-70 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-70 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-70 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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