2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. While it had undergone minor updates, the midsize SUV retained its boxy shape, which was fitting for an all-terrain vehicle. Its flared fenders and wide stance gave it a stable appearance, crucial for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized its rugged personality with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxurious aura with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the cabin's placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather upholstery. However, the ergonomics left room for improvement, with a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90 stood out for its sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission held it back, especially in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it well-suited for off-roading. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, requiring aggressive acceleration to merge onto highways. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-road articulation, resulted in noticeable body roll and a noisy ride due to the sportier exhaust.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered a more refined powertrain lineup, including the standard-output 3.3 Turbo with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and the high-output version with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system contributed to better driving dynamics. The CX-90's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it featured various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the overall refinement.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use climate-control dials and driveline levers. The SUV offered excellent outward visibility, crucial for off-road adventures. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range limited. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,540 litres available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases in the cargo area was a drawback.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats, though the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. However, the CX-90's long rear doors made loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, and the cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row and up to 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Despite the electronic shifter, storage space was limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and minimal door panel storage.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise often obscured the sound quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The CX-90 also included a head-up display with helpful data and blind-spot monitoring alerts.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though the alerts were often oversensitive.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for crash tests. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the numerous warning chimes could be overwhelming.