Recon vs CX-70
In the midsize suv class, the Recon and the CX-70 are natural rivals. Taken area by area, the Recon wins 2 of 4. That doesn’t make the CX-70 a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Recon wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing CX-70 wins
- Safety & Tech Recon wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.9
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Off-road & Towing8.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Recon has 390 hp more power
The spread here is large: 670 hp on the Recon versus 280 hp on the CX-70. Expect to notice it. The Recon’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Recon has 288 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Recon makes its strongest case: 620 lb-ft against 332 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The CX-70 has 1,700 lb more towing capacity
The CX-70 clearly leads on max towing, and 5,000 lb versus 3,300 lb is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The CX-70 has
The CX-70 is larger on wheelbase, at 122.8 in compared with 113 in. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
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The Recon has a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Recon leads with 14.5 in to 12.3 in. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
In overall size, the CX-70 is ahead, which is good news only if a bigger car is what you want.
Dimensions
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.3 in | 200.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Recon leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Recon leads where it counts. The Recon adds 390 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Recon is the safer choice.
Total system output
Recon: 670 hp CX-70: 280 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Recon: 620 lb-ft CX-70: 332 lb-ft The Recon’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
CX-70 leads
Look at the off-road & towing table and one name keeps coming out on top: the CX-70. In its favor, the CX-70 has 1,700 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. If off-road & towing is your priority, the CX-70 is the car to pick.
Max towing
Recon: 3,300 lb CX-70: 5,000 lb If you tow regularly, the CX-70’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Recon leads
The CX-70 keeps it close on safety & tech, yet the Recon holds a small lead. The Recon stands out with a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. Bottom line for safety & tech: the Recon has the edge.
Largest touchscreen
Recon: 14.5 in CX-70: 12.3 in The Recon’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | Dual electric motors, 100 kWh battery | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 670 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 280 hp |
| Torque | 620 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (dual-motor) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Electric range | 222 mi Shortest electric range | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 65.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 9.10 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,300 lb | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14.5 in (winner) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.3 in | 200.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 122.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Recon | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $65,000 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Recon if…
- you want more power (670 hp vs 280 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (620 lb-ft vs 332 lb-ft of torque)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (14.5 in vs 12.3 in)
Choose the CX-70 if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,000 lb vs 3,300 lb)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you’re loyal to Mazda and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Recon or the CX-70?
The Recon wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want 1,700 lb more towing capacity, where the CX-70 has the edge.
Which is larger, the Recon or the CX-70?
It’s the CX-70 that is larger: 200.8 in, versus 193.3 in for the Recon.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Jeep’s Recon against Mazda’s CX-70. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Recon brings 390 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Recon has a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen. To be fair, the CX-70 has 1,700 lb more towing capacity, and that’s not nothing.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Recon fits. If off-road & towing matters more, the CX-70 makes more sense.
My pick: if it were my money, the Recon, unless you’d trade the rest for 1,700 lb more towing capacity.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.