2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. It was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to the price, bringing the MSRP to $54,380. The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The fifth-generation 4Runner maintained a truck-based SUV look, appealing to those who appreciated its solid and quality feel. The interior, while featuring plenty of plastic, was purposeful and user-friendly, with controls that were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized broad-shouldered proportions and square wheel arches. The CX-50 was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase. The Meridian Edition, our test model, enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be more upscale were still a work in progress, with some features like the manually adjustable passenger seat reminding buyers of Mazda's traditional market position.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. 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 on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and it had 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Off-roading technologies included a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions but was less refined on paved roads, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. All models had a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The turbo models increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50 was a good daily driver but lacked the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for regular driving.

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, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom but less headroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While it trailed some competitors in cargo space, the CX-50 had a sensible layout and adequate storage. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior featured a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller, providing a functional and user-friendly design.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons that were easy to use with gloves. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with dual USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback. While the system felt dated, it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. 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 the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received a Basic score for nighttime pedestrian detection. The NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like a 360-degree camera system.