Shopping for a midsize SUV in Ashland or Richmond? Two of the top options are the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Both are among the most popular automotive brands, for good reason. Mazda SUVs and Jeep SUVs provide a strong performance, comfortable and well-appointed interiors, sleek design, and the latest safety and infotainment technology.
Whitten Brothers Automotive is comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee to help you figure out which is the right fit for your next midsize SUV purchase.
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 starts at $42,250 MSRP, and it’s available in five trim levels:
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $40,920 MSRP, and it’s available in seven trim levels:
Seating: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee each seat up to five people across two rows. The Jeep Grand Cherokee does have the option for the long (L) wheelbase, which increases the size to a three row SUV. For a three row SUV from Mazda, you’ll need the Mazda CX-90.
Upholstery and features: Cloth seats are standard on the lower trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Higher trim levels feature Capri leatherette/suede, Palermo, or Nappa leather seats. Heated seats become standard starting with the Laredo X trim level, and heated second-row seats become standard starting with the Limited trim.
Leather-trimmed seats are standard on the Mazda CX-70, and higher trims have Nappa leather-trimmed seats. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, as are heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.
Cargo space: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.3 cubic feet behind the first row. This midsize SUV also features an underfloor storage compartment for extra space.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 70.8 cubic feet behind the first row.
Infotainment: The Jeep Grand Cherokee features the Uconnect® 5 with a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen. Higher trim levels have the new 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard. The Mazda CX-70 has the Mazda Connect infotainment system. A 12.3-inch full-color display is standard across all trims. The CX-70 offers an available premium Bose® sound system.
With both infotainment systems, you have access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. For the Mazda SUV, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. This SUV also has standard Alexa Built-in. For the Jeep SUV, navigation becomes standard with the Laredo Altitude trim level.
Exterior size: The Grand Cherokee is 193.5 inches long and 70.8 inches tall. The Mazda CX-70 is 200.8 inches long and 68.2 inches tall.
Engines: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has two inline 6 turbo engine options. The standard engine is a 280-hp e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It generates 332 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S engine option increases output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The two lower trim levels of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee have a standard 293-hp 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar® engine that generates 257 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims have a new engine: a 324-hp 2.0-liter Hurricane I-4 turbo that generates 332 lb-ft of torque.
Gas mileage: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 base engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway, and the 340-hp engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. With the new 2.0-liter engine, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway.
Towing: The 2026 Mazda CX-70 towing capacity is a standard 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The higher trims have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity is 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. This is a best-in-class maximum towing capacity, towing more than competitors from Honda, Ford, and Toyota.
Drivetrain: Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® (all-wheel drive) is standard on all Mazda CX-70 trim levels.
The first four trim levels have standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4X4). The top three trim levels have standard 4×4 systems.
Drive modes: The Mazda SUV has sport and off-road modes on lower trims and Sport, off-road, and towing modes on higher trims.
The Jeep SUV has the Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, which allows you to change between five 4×4 drive modes: auto, sport, rock, snow, and mud/sand.
As you can see, both the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee are excellent midsize SUV options. Which one is better? It ultimately comes down to needs and preferences.
The Mazda SUV is longer, while the Jeep SUV is taller. For more cargo space, you’ll want the Mazda CX-70. For greater towing capabilities, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better fit.
If you prefer more high-end interior features, the CX-70 will be the winner for you. If you prefer a 4X4 system, the winner will be the Grand Cherokee.
The good news is that both are top-rated midsize SUVs, so you can’t go wrong whichever you choose.
Once you’ve decided between the Mazda SUV and the Jeep SUV, let Whitten Brothers Automotive assist you with the car-buying process. We have a Mazda dealership in Richmond and Jeep dealerships in Richmond and Ashland, where you can speak to one of our knowledgeable sales advocates, explore our inventory, and take a test drive. Contact us to get started.