2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda's approach to premium execution was evident in the 2020 CX-5, which featured more standard equipment, refined instrumentation, and control markings to enhance cabin aesthetics. The SUV also received modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, along with an increase in torque output for its turbocharged engine. The AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680, including destination charges. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes made it look appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve.

Inside, the CX-5, especially in Signature trim, exuded luxury with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often enhances a premium feel. Despite this, the interior remained stylish and tasteful, reflecting Mazda's commitment to quality and design.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, maintained a rugged and utilitarian design. While not conventionally attractive, its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches conveyed balanced proportions and timeless styling. The 4Runner was available in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with prices ranging from $36,950 to $50,570. The test vehicle, a Trail Special Edition, cost $43,729, including destination charges. Toyota planned to build only 4,000 units of this edition, which featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket.

Inside, the Trail Special Edition had black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler. The interior was dominated by hard plastic, which, while easy to clean, reflected the SUV's rugged mission. The dashboard featured big knobs and buttons, and the 4Runner required a traditional key to start, emphasizing its old-school charm and durability.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of this engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority, though it was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg in testing compared to the naturally aspirated engine's 26 mpg combined with AWD.

The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment by stabilizing the SUV during cornering. However, the SUV's high center of gravity led to excessive body motions on winding roads, detracting from the otherwise engaging driving experience. The steering and brakes were responsive, making the CX-5 enjoyable in typical driving situations, though it lacked the thrill of other Mazdas.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, used a five-speed automatic transmission and offered part-time 4WD. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $43,729, included a premium audio upgrade and off-road features like A-Trac, which improved traction on challenging terrain. The 4Runner excelled off-road, handling mud, hills, and ruts with ease, but felt slow, heavy, and clunky on pavement. Its truck-like driving characteristics and 17 mpg combined fuel economy reflected its age and rugged design.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior, while stylish and upscale, was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's front seats were comfortable, but rear passengers might find legroom lacking. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Higher trims added features like a power liftgate, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance made entry challenging for shorter individuals, but once inside, passengers found the seats supportive and spacious. The back seat offered ample legroom, good visibility, and air conditioning vents. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition included a sliding cargo deck and a large roof rack, providing plenty of room for adventure gear.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which included a 7-inch touchscreen in Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system in Grand Touring trim. Signature trim added navigation, a surround-view camera system, and SiriusXM data services. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, requiring a period of acclimation.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, point-of-interest search, and voice recognition, along with a year of Destination Assist concierge services. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the voice recognition technology was effective.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its strong safety performance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS, reflecting its older design.