2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was introduced with a bold aesthetic, featuring shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, and black side mirror housings. This design choice gave the vehicle a distinctive look, as if a black Sharpie had been used liberally before the design was finalized. Mazda claimed that the lower body cladding provided a light and agile appearance, suggesting the body floated over the wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 appear as though it was perpetually cresting a hill. The styling set it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback, on which it was based, with a higher ground clearance that was noticeable upon entering the vehicle. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s, with quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, enhanced by chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The GT trim offered black or white leather, and the turbocharged engine was available at this level. Pricing ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its fresh design, presented a bold and somewhat polarizing appearance. Its blunt and bulbous nose gave it an aggressive look, with visual weight over the front wheels. Black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. Despite its 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed exaggerated. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing from $45,950 to $56,450. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with electronic AWD, included features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera, and roof rack crossbars, totaling $59,082. While the interior offered an upscale two-tone look with leather upholstery, the infotainment system suffered from reflections on sunny days. The mix of illumination colours at night gave the gauges a busy appearance, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, ensuring consistent acceleration at lower speeds. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km, with an average of 9.6 L/100 km during testing. The CX-30 Turbo's AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and response. Despite its added height and weight compared to the Mazda3, the CX-30 Turbo offered a sophisticated driving experience, with effortless acceleration and subtle handling dynamics. The Off-Road mode provided additional capability, allowing the vehicle to handle muddy paths and dirt roads with confidence.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 6.7 L/100 km. The total output was 243 horsepower, a reduction from the previous generation's 306 horsepower. While the new hybrid system improved efficiency, it compromised driving enjoyment. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration, and the steering felt lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the vehicle's weight led to unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it struggled. The electric motor torque and EV Mode were strengths, providing a quiet and comfortable ride on the freeway, but overall, the driving experience was uninspiring.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. The cabin's design created a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, with 572 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. However, the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the centre console limited its usability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with all seats folded. Storage was plentiful, but the wireless charger blocked access to the centre storage area, and the lack of storage wells for securing items was a drawback.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The GT trim included SiriusXM, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim, along with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The voice recognition system worked well, though it didn't control climate settings. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle. The driver information display offered detailed data and settings adjustments.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came equipped with a full suite of safety features and ADAS, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. New for 2021 were intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.