Compare the2026 Mazda CX-5VS 2026 Genesis GV70

The Mazda CX-5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GV70 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The CX-5 has a standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GV70 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the CX-5 and the GV70 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, all wheel drive, 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are almost 3 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 52 more problems per 100 vehicles, Genesis is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 7 places higher in reliability than Genesis.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the GV70:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The GV70 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-5 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The GV70 doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the GV70’s (36.8 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-5 S/Select has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV70 (8 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the CX-5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s minimum ground clearance is .9 inch higher than on the GV70 (8.2 vs. 7.3 inches).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 750 pounds less than the Genesis GV70.

The CX-5 has 2.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GV70 (106.5 vs. 103.6).

The CX-5 has .1 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, 1.1 inches more rear headroom and 2.7 inches more rear legroom than the GV70.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GV70 with its rear seat up (33.7 vs. 28.9 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GV70 with its rear seat folded (66.5 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-5 easier. The CX-5’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the GV70’s liftover is 29.9 inches.

The CX-5’s cargo area is larger than the GV70’s in every dimension:

The CX-5 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The GV70 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Mazda CX-5 retains 57.6% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 48.25% resale value of the 2026 Genesis GV70 after five years, which can save the Mazda’s owner up to $12631 in depreciation.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Genesis GV70 by almost four to one during 2025.