2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to its price. This special edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and unique badges and stitching. It was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE had a nostalgic appeal with its 1970s-inspired design elements and truck-based SUV stance. Inside, it offered a solid and purposeful interior with easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, was a step towards luxury for Mazda, surpassing competitors like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota in design and material quality. Its elegant design, inspired by smaller Mazda models, was supersized for the CX-90, making it an imposing SUV. The interior of top-tier models rivaled luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic. The CX-90 was available in various trims, with the top-tier Signature offering a luxurious experience. While not all trims were as striking, the CX-90 maintained a stylish design and comfortable layout across the board.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 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 (4WD) in Canada, 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 in combined driving, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. While the eight-speed transmission showed some inconsistencies in Sport mode, the CX-90 excelled in handling, feeling agile and composed through corners. The PHEV model provided 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres. Both CX-90 models impressed with their driving dynamics, offering a sporty and engaging experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. While climbing in and out required effort for shorter individuals, the seats were comfortable. The 4Runner offered dual-zone climate control and various storage locations, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space. With the third row, cargo capacity was 254 litres, while the standard five-passenger configuration offered 1,337 litres of cargo space. The tailgate doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the lowest trims seating eight passengers and the Turbo Signature trim featuring a six-seat layout. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with up to 2,129 litres available. The CX-90 provided more cargo space than the CX-9 but fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, including a large centre console and spacious door pockets. The CX-90's materials and upholstery were of high quality, and the panoramic sunroof added to the comfort and ambiance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades were available, such as a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't handle all commands. The 4Runner's technology was straightforward and user-friendly, appealing to those who preferred physical controls.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition. It also included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems. The CX-90's technology aimed to provide a seamless and personalized experience for drivers.

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 on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be annoying. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CX-90's top-spec Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well, given the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.