2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a refreshed exterior with new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a new rear liftgate. These updates aimed to enhance its premium appeal, especially in the Signature trim, which featured body-colour lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $30,500 and going up to $43,650 for the Signature trim, which included a turbocharged engine as standard.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza stood out with its sleek and sculpted design, resembling a Lexus more than a typical Toyota. Its contoured body and tapering roofline gave it a unique appearance among midsize crossover SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the RAV4 but elevated the cabin with higher-quality materials and a more luxurious feel. The dashboard and centre stack were similar to the RAV4, but the Venza featured better-integrated climate controls and more soft-touch surfaces. The overall design was cohesive and attractive, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering a fuel consumption rate of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged version delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a slightly higher fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, contributing to its sporty handling and improved driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard all-wheel drive. The Venza's acceleration was smooth, reaching 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds. The hybrid system provided seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, while the regenerative braking system efficiently recharged the battery. The Venza prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. Its ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's, though not as plush as a Lexus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Venza offered spacious front seats with excellent outward visibility, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats provided ample legroom and foot room, though headroom was limited. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres, less than some competitors, and it was not rated for towing. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but it lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The GT and higher trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which provided satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and above featured a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. The XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, activated by saying "Hey Toyota." The base audio system had six speakers, while the XLE and Limited models boasted a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system with enhanced sound quality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Venza earned five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE added parking sensors and reverse automatic braking, while the Limited trim included a surround-view camera system, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror.