2023 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both rugged and sophisticated. Its styling featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. The CX-50 introduced a newfound ruggedness with its blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, which were common among crossovers mimicking SUVs. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually offensive. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV that stood out with its sleek and sculpted design, more akin to a Lexus than a typical Toyota. Its shape was unique, with a rear roofline tapering sharply at the taillights, avoiding the weakness seen in some coupe-like SUVs. The Venza's contoured body was a departure from the usual Toyota design, with harmonious curves reminiscent of a Mazda, free from awkward side bulges. Inside, the Venza borrowed heavily from the RAV4 but elevated the experience with higher-quality materials and details. The cabin featured buttons integrated into the climate-control panel, more soft-touch surfaces, and a substantial feel approaching Lexus's luxury level. Overall, the Venza was one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup, offering a cohesive and graceful design.

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 and all-wheel drive. It delivered fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it handled like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment, offering a higher ride height and up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup included electric motor/generators and a 1.6-kilowatt-hour nickel metal hydride battery pack. A CVT sent power to the front wheels, while a separate electric motor powered the rear wheels for standard AWD. The Venza accelerated to 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The ride favoured comfort over sporty handling, with light steering effort and adequate handling. The Venza's ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a Lexus, providing enough compliance to absorb most road imperfections.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded. However, storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional bins and shelves.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's interior offered spacious front seats, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The Star Gaze panoramic roof, standard on the Limited trim, could turn opaque at the touch of a button. The Venza's rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, though headroom was limited. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, less than some competitors, and 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 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 10.25-inch display, but lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons and knobs. However, the CX-50 allowed 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, or head-up display, projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited trims offered a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system delivered sharp graphics and quick responses. The Venza 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 featured a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and less-than-stellar results in night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring. Exclusive features included Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Toyota Venza received five stars from the NHTSA in overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it the highest score of "Good" in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating in the new side impact test. The Venza was named a Top Safety Pick. All Venzas came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. The XLE added parking sensors, while the Limited trim included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror. The safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms reported.