2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a larger and more spacious alternative to its smaller sibling, the Highlander. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with models like the RAV4 and Toyota Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it surpassed competitors like the Kia Telluride in size, providing a roomy interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered three trims—XLE, Limited, and Platinum—with options for synthetic or real leather upholstery. The interior boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a spacious centre console. The Grand Highlander excelled as a comfortable road-trip vehicle, with high-quality materials and a reputation for reliability.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its appealing design from its 2017 debut, showcasing traditional Mazda styling that had aged well. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats. Mazda improved fuel economy for the base engine and added wireless charging and connectivity options. The CX-5 lineup included base and Turbo models, with the Turbo offering 256 horsepower on premium gas. The CX-5's interior was upscale, with leather seats standard on most trims and premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. Despite being smaller in its segment, it provided comfort for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful design elements. The CX-5's cabin quality rivalled luxury brands, and it offered ample storage space, though cargo capacity was less than some competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain combined a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors, generating 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, with the Hybrid Max offering impressive acceleration and a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While not a sports car, the Grand Highlander provided adequate power, especially with the turbocharged engine. It offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models. The Grand Highlander excelled in braking performance and provided a comfortable ride, though steering feedback was somewhat numb.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower on premium gas and 320 lb-ft of torque, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with gradual acceleration, allowing torque to build. However, fuel efficiency was a concern, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent visibility, responsive handling, and a smooth ride, thanks to suspension improvements and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. It offered a quiet cabin on highways and lively handling in the city. The CX-5's ground clearance of 20 centimetres allowed for light off-road adventures, and it could tow up to 900 kilograms. Overall, the CX-5 provided a sophisticated driving experience with a focus on comfort and handling.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, offering a spacious interior with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres. With seats in position, it provided 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander offered ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row. Its design prioritized visibility and comfort, providing a practical alternative to minivans.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with comfortable and supportive seating. The driver’s seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The CX-5's interior, though smaller in its segment, provided comfort for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful design elements. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded, making it suitable for family trips. The cabin's design and quality rivalled luxury brands, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," was available through a connected-services subscription, along with cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. While Toyota's tech offerings had improved, careful consideration of subscription options was recommended.

Mazda's approach to infotainment in the 2024 CX-5 focused on traditional switchgear, avoiding touchscreens to reduce driver distraction. However, touchscreen operation was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, offering a user-friendly experience. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system enhanced the audio experience. Despite its traditional approach, the CX-5's infotainment system offered convenience and functionality.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested, but it came with an impressive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum grade offered additional features like traffic jam assist and a head-up display. The Grand Highlander's safety features aimed to provide a secure driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive set of ADAS, 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 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it had not earned it in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The CX-5's safety features contributed to a confident driving experience.