2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, and was available in limited colours like black, white, or red. The interior, while filled with plastic, was solid and of quality, featuring idiot-proof controls that were easy to use even with gloves. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past, offering an enduring appeal with its robust and purposeful stance.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 was a stylish compact crossover that exuded a sense of luxury. Despite its age, it remained a strong contender in its segment, offering high-quality materials and a refined feel. The CX-5 was available with a turbocharged engine that provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, but the CX-5 continued to offer a sophisticated and quality experience, appealing to those who valued a more luxurious feel in a mass-market vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim providing a full-time 4WD system. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it had a ground clearance of 24.4 centimetres. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control, but its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a heavy feel.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version with up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided 320 lb-ft of torque, making the CX-5 quick and responsive. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the standard engine and 9.8 L/100 km for the turbo. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, offering a firm and connected ride. It excelled on paved roads, with precise steering and responsive brakes, making it a delight to drive.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support, with options for power adjustment, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas and a cramped rear seat. The cargo area offered 871 litres of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, it provided reasonable storage for a compact SUV.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with options for a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons, and the voice recognition performed well, though it lacked some modern features.

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 helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it less intuitive. Despite this, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The CX-5 also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with i-Activsense technology offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS, making it a standout in safety.