2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, presented in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across all trims and included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with an upgraded panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered an attractive choice in the compact SUV class, borrowing styling elements from the CX-5 but enhancing them with distinct fender flares and a wider grille for a sportier stance. Its interior featured a traditional layout with classier materials, including soft-touch surfaces and distinct stitching. The hybrid model offered exclusive red leather upholstery, adding vibrancy to the cabin. A decorative stripe ran down the middle of the seats, which some found awkward. Despite this, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning toward entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked an increase of 46 hp and 182 lb-ft over the previous model. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system in Canada, with a 10-speed automatic transmission providing smooth operation. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, it offered AWD. The hybrid powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing a smart choice given Toyota's experience. Acceleration was similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, reaching 100 km/h in 7.5 to 8 seconds. The CX-50 featured an electronically controlled CVT, replicating the feel of a conventional automatic transmission. Its sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride quality. The CX-50 maintained a smooth ride and a quiet cabin on the highway.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by 7.5 centimetres, with legroom ranging from 713 to 855 mm in the third row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample room in the front seats, but rear-seat space was less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets. Cargo capacity was 826 litres behind the rear seats, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and class average. Despite this, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and a large storage bin under the cargo floor. Remote rear seatback releases and hooks for shopping bags added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in maneuvering. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system mounted atop the dashboard. It was controlled by a dial on the centre console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup allowed for easier navigation without focusing on small on-screen buttons. All CX-50 models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad was standard on the Hybrid model. Base trims had an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim featured a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid received five-out-of-five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. All CX-50 models included driver assistance features like frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Secondary features included a driver attention monitor and automatic high beams. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth operation.