2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was less jarring, with a metallic styling element that spanned the passenger side and enveloped the infotainment pod. The Bronze Edition featured 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 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It looked and felt more like a small luxury SUV, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to redesign and rename the CX-5 as the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37. The CX-5 exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication across all versions, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim offering premium features like Rhodium White metallic paint and Cocoa Brown Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed built. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbo engine's horsepower rating increased for the 2022 model year, along with improvements in structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and interior noise reduction. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced, providing a firm, connected, and communicative ride quality. The turbocharged engine delivered a rush of acceleration, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium fuel. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, with reduced body roll and responsive handling.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly out of reach. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain's chairs that slid and reclined for versatility. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. 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.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat head and legroom, and cargo space were limited. The cargo area provided 871 litres of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were also available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The lack of a voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it distracting. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, with a control knob that demanded twists and pushes. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems needed fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and excessive steering resistance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with i-Activsense driver assistance tech as standard. Exclusive features on the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with an Active Driving Display and various alerts. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning message for driving without headlights was a concern.