2024 Mazda CX-30 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 a numbered plaque on the dashboard, making it a collector's item. The 4Runner's exterior was available in black, white, or red, paired with a black artificial leather interior. Despite its nostalgic touches, the 4Runner maintained a rugged, truck-based SUV appearance, appealing to those who appreciated a solid, quality build with straightforward controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 presented a modern and stylish design, albeit with excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding that some found overwhelming. Its sleek silhouette, with short overhangs and a rakish roofline, gave it a sporty look. Inside, the CX-30 exuded a sense of luxury with its refined materials and attention to detail, offering a cabin that felt a class above its segment. The interior was both stylish and functional, with clear gauges and a well-integrated infotainment screen, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel in a compact SUV.

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: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its high ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, but its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth power delivery, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. However, its fuel economy was less than stellar, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The CX-30 was nimble and fun to drive, with excellent visibility and a firm, connected ride. It handled back roads with enthusiasm, though it felt a bit soft in the mountains. Despite its small size, the CX-30 was capable of tackling light off-road trails, thanks to its AWD system and decent ground clearance.

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. However, storage spaces lacked rubber liners, leading to potential rattling. The second-row seating was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided a generous 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was stylish and well-designed, with quality materials and logical controls. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seating area was cramped. The CX-30 offered adequate storage space, with 572 litres of cargo volume behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. This flexibility made it a practical choice for those needing a compact SUV with decent cargo capacity.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved use. While the graphics were dated, the infotainment system performed well, with reliable voice recognition. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, particularly in the GT and Suna trims, boasted a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. However, the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback. The CX-30 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system. Despite its advanced features, the infotainment system's voice recognition was limited, requiring on-screen command prompts for effective use.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's 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 in a small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offered a robust set of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.