Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, such as compartments for iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium audio systems and panoramic moonroofs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, exuding a subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's design language. It conveyed a rugged appeal with its blistered fender swells, lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The CX-50's exterior design elements, including a black grille and mirror caps, combined with available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing look. The CX-50 was available in two versions: the GS-L and GT trims with a 187-horsepower engine, and the GT Turbo and Meridian Edition with a turbocharged engine producing up to 256 hp. The interior showcased Mazda's driver-focused design, quality materials, and a mix of analog and digital gauges, though some storage opportunities were missed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive, with no front-wheel drive option in Canada. The Highlander featured a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. The V6 engine provided better pickup once the vehicle was moving, with a throaty exhaust note during overtakes. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms. Its handling was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. The turbo engine's torque varied between 310 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft, depending on the fuel used. The CX-50's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo model averaging 10.1 L/100 km. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system provided Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, working with G-Vectoring Control technology for natural vehicle behaviour. The CX-50's ride quality was firmer, and it exhibited a hint of torque steer during acceleration. Despite its SUV classification, the CX-50 felt more like a modern station wagon with a higher ride height and up to 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of cargo space, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was versatile, with deep cargo pockets, extra ledges, and a large centre console compartment. The XSE trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats. While the second-row seats were spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities were missed. The CX-50's power rear liftgate revealed a long load floor, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch display. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, offered valuable data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.