2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This flourish added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, with genuine leather available only on top trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness. Its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield were complemented by blistered fender swells and oversized air intake designs. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing exterior. The CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the CX-50 featured a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior was dressed in black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, and vertical air vents surrounded the instrument cluster. Despite a lone off-centre vent looking conspicuous, the overall design was attractive. The CX-50's interior and exterior combined to create a good-looking compact crossover.

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) with a supplemental electric motor powering the rear axle. Toyota estimated it would 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 needed. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, smoothing over road bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, contributing to a quieter midsize SUV experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption was 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.9 highway, and 8.9 combined. The GT Turbo trim had a turbocharged version, producing 227 hp on 87-octane gas and 256 hp on 93-octane, with torque ranging from 310 to 320 lb-ft. Official fuel economy figures were 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined. The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and no turbo lag, with Mazda’s Mi-Drive modes ensuring natural vehicle behaviour. The CX-50 felt firmer than the CX-5, with a hint of torque steer in tight turns. It offered a driving experience akin to a modern Mazda6 station wagon with Subaru Outback treatment, capable of light off-roading but lacking downhill assist control. The CX-50 Turbo's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, with reliable powertrain cooling for towing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease, and offered sliding and reclining options. A second-row bench increased passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres at maximum capacity. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control added comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though more side bolstering was needed. The back seat was roomy, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage was adequate, but door panel armrests and a dashboard shelf were missed opportunities. The power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, with a long load floor but narrow width between wheel wells. Maximum cargo space was 1,595 litres, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the lower roofline.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical 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 standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 included a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. A 10.25-inch display was standard in Canada. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on console buttons, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 offered touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

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, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and steering resistance noted.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with upgrades on all but base trims. The CX-50's systems generally worked well, though adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.