2024 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, based on the SR5 trim, added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, along with a numbered plaque indicating its limited production run. Available in black, white, or red paint, the 40 ASE featured a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past, offering a rugged and enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was practical, with solid materials and easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its sleek and modern design, which had aged well since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of luxury. Mazda's focus on improving fuel economy and adding wireless charging and connectivity options kept the CX-5 relevant and appealing. The interior was upscale, with high-quality materials and a design that could rival luxury brands, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

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, 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-5 Turbo, on the other hand, offered a more refined driving experience. With premium gas, it produced 256 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Regular gas still provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The CX-5's fuel economy was less impressive, with a rating of 9.8 L/100 km, and our test showed 10.3 L/100 km. The CX-5's suspension and handling improvements made it a joy to drive, with excellent visibility and a smooth ride. It was agile on twisty roads and offered a decent 20 centimetres of ground clearance for light off-roading. However, its towing capacity was limited to 900 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's interior was practical, with a unique power-down rear window and ample ventilation options. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex artificial leather in the 40 ASE was less luxurious than the ventilated leather available in the Limited trim. The second-row seating was spacious, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered a generous 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a versatile midsize SUV.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior space, offered a comfortable and upscale cabin. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with leather upholstery available on most trims. The rear seats provided good support, and the cabin's design and quality rivalled luxury vehicles. The CX-5's cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded, though this was less than some competitors in the compact segment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a straightforward infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, 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 voice recognition performed well, though it lacked some modern conveniences like automatic climate control integration.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, with a 10.25-inch display controlled by a rotary knob and buttons. While Mazda avoided touchscreens to reduce driver distraction, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-5 offered wireless connectivity for these platforms and included Mazda Connected Services for remote features. The available Bose premium sound system added to the premium feel of the interior.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, 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-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.