2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look that was popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a softer character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, a design flourish also seen on the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that spanned the passenger side, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition introduced 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suited to a paper towel than a car. The Softex synthetic leather substitute felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available in the top trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and a sportier driving position. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, from the fuel-efficient GX, GS, Kuro, and GT to the more powerful Sport Design and Signature trims with a turbocharged engine. Our test drive in the Sport Design grade, equipped with the turbo engine, showcased the CX-5's improved driving dynamics, reduced noise, and enhanced ride quality. The CX-5's blend of compliance and composure instilled trust in the driver, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for initial acceleration or additional traction. Toyota estimated a 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The engine hum was subtle under light acceleration but became a drone when more power was needed, especially on hills. The Highlander Hybrid's braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway, contributing to a quiet driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque as the entry-level option. The revised six-speed automatic transmission provided more responsive performance, and all CX-5s came with standard AWD. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, or 9.0 L/100 km with cylinder deactivation. The turbocharged engine, available on higher trims, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the CX-5's driving dynamics. The 2022 CX-5's improved ride and handling reduced body roll and provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it a credible alternative to small entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned and adjustable for comfort, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin, along with large door pockets. The second-row seats offered ample head- and legroom, with captain's chairs that slid and reclined for versatility. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children or smaller adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings that provided improved comfort and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The infotainment system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but the display was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, with SiriusXM satellite radio following the same packaging.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround-view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked as advertised but could benefit from fine-tuning.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, 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, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.