2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner stood as a testament to timeless design and enduring utility. Twelve years since its last redesign, Toyota had merely updated the 4Runner to include the latest infotainment and safety technologies. This meant that one could purchase a used 4Runner and essentially have the same experience as owning a new one—albeit with fewer modern bells and whistles.

Describing the 4Runner as "attractive" might have been a stretch, but its overall design aged well. Most versions adopted a rugged, aggressive appearance, except the chrome-adorned 4Runner Limited, which maintained a more refined look. The two-box body design with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches conveyed balanced proportions and undeniable utility, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent redesigns.

The 4Runner was available in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with Premium packages and special editions like the Trail Special Edition, Venture Special Edition, and Nightshade Special Edition. Prices ranged from $36,950 for an RWD SR5 to $50,570 for a 4WD TRD Pro. Our test vehicle, the Trail Special Edition, had an MSRP of $38,565 for the RWD model, but adding 4WD and some extra features brought the total to $43,729, including destination charges.

Toyota planned to produce only 4,000 units of the Trail Special Edition, offered in colors like white, black, Cement (gray), and Army Green. It sat on dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and came with a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Inside, the Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler, making it a unique and practical choice.

Despite extensive use of hard plastic materials, the 4Runner's interior offered durability and ease of cleaning, fitting its rugged mission. The old-school dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, and manual air conditioning required traditional adjustments. Starting the 4Runner involved twisting a physical key—a rarity in modern vehicles. These simple and durable features endeared the 4Runner to its owners, promising longevity as long as gasoline stations remained open.

Switching gears, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a more modern and sophisticated appeal. At first glance, it might have seemed that little had changed for 2022, but it boasted new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a revamped rear liftgate. The updated Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, reinforcing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand.

Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim. Premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents contributed to an upscale interior. The seats were new for 2022, adding to a comfortable and supportive environment.

Mazda overhauled its trim levels, presenting the CX-5 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, with prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,950, excluding destination charges. The 2.5 Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, offered base and Signature trims, priced at $36,400 and $38,650, respectively. Our test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo, included Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and roof rails and crossbars, totaling $39,445 with destination charges.

Both trims benefitted from enhanced structural rigidity and improved suspension for a quieter, smoother ride while maintaining sporty dynamics. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 combined practicality, luxury, and performance, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner proved its off-road capabilities at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area. Following winter storms that left the area muddy and challenging, the 4Runner Trail Special Edition managed the obstacles with ease, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system. When faced with the Frame Twister's gnarly moguls, the 4Runner's spinning wheels were brought under control by A-Trac, allowing the SUV to move forward.

Every 4Runner housed a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that powered the rear wheels unless manually shifted into 4WD. The Trail Special Edition didn't offer automatic 4WD, and the maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds.

On-road, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and unwieldy. Its on-pavement performance reflected its truck-like attributes, making it demanding to steer and brake smoothly, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or while parking. The SUV's age and authentic design contributed to its entirely distinct driving characteristics, appealing mainly to those who valued its rugged charm.

Fuel economy was another downside. The EPA rated it at 17 mpg in combined driving and 19 mpg on the highway. During our week with the 4Runner, including off-roading, we averaged 16.8 mpg, yielding an average range of about 385 miles on a full 23-gallon fuel tank.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. These figures were competitive for a base engine, and Mazda revised the six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance. Moreover, all CX-5s came standard with AWD for 2022. The EPA estimated the fuel economy for this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving.

For those craving more power, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque when run on premium gas (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). This version also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD. Although the EPA rated it at 24 mpg in combined driving, our real-world testing in Southern California yielded 21.1 mpg.

Both 2.5 Turbo trims and higher-end 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus trims included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 benefited from increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, delivering a quieter and smoother yet still sporty ride. The improved driving dynamics were immediately noticeable compared to previous CX-5 models, with reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness.

In summary, the CX-5 felt solid and composed, befitting Mazda's push towards becoming a premium brand. Its refined driving experience established it as a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

Stepping into a 2021 Toyota 4Runner required some agility due to its high ground clearance. While taller individuals might have found it easier to climb aboard, shorter passengers could have struggled without the optional running boards. However, once inside, the 4Runner provided remarkable comfort. Both the front and rear seats offered proper support, and the back seat featured generous legroom, good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports.

Opening the sunroof and lowering all windows, including the rear tailgate glass, created an open-air driving experience similar to that of a Jeep Wrangler. While a third-row seat was available, our test vehicle omitted it in favor of a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. This deck took up some cargo volume but added utility for various activities, like changing into a wetsuit or watching the sunset from the back bumper.

Cargo space ranged from 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Combined with the Trail Special Edition's large roof rack, the 4Runner offered ample storage for adventures. Interior storage was also decent, accommodating everyday needs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous issues such as a flinty ride and uncomfortable front seats. With all-new furnishings, the CX-5's seats now provided superior comfort and support. The driving position became sportier and more natural, with an improved relationship to the steering wheel and controls. Notably, all trims except the base included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a rarity in this segment.

Our 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it ready for any weather. However, the back seat remained somewhat snug, though heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents helped enhance passenger comfort.

The control layout of the CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system remained a frustration, as it lacked a touchscreen display and relied on center console controls. Nevertheless, once acclimated, operators could use the system without taking their eyes off the road.

The CX-5 had limited storage space, with a small bin beneath the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging in the center console tray. Door armrest trays and lower panel bins provided additional storage options.

In terms of cargo capacity, the CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures compared favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but fell short against mainstream compact crossovers. In this regard, the 4Runner had a clear advantage with its larger cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition was not overly tech-laden, given its position lower on the trim ladder. Valuable features included a windshield wiper de-icer system for cold climates and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. However, it retained old-school elements, such as a physical ignition key.

Standard technology in the 4Runner included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. It also came with a year of free Safety Connect subscription services and a three-month WiFi Connect trial. The Premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition, free for three years, plus a one-year subscription to Destination Assist.

Despite its modest appearance, the 4Runner's infotainment system offered sophisticated software powering effective voice recognition technology. The navigation system even included trails at Hungry Valley, and physical buttons and knobs allowed easy operation, even while wearing gloves.

In comparison, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 continued with its Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch display. Unfortunately, this display was not touch-sensitive, as Mazda believed touchscreens could distract drivers. Furthermore, it lacked natural voice recognition, relying instead on center console and steering wheel controls.

Once familiar with the system, users could operate it without looking away from the road. However, even premium brands like BMW had moved towards incorporating both touchscreens and console controls. Mazda could benefit from introducing similar options or upgrading its voice recognition technology to match competitors like Mercedes-Benz.

The CX-5 offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services, with a generous three-year trial subscription. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which delivered satisfying audio quality.

While both vehicles offered solid infotainment systems, the 2022 Mazda CX-5's larger screen and premium audio system elevated its tech game above the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's more basic setup.

In terms of safety, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which was not the most sophisticated package but covered the basics. TSS-P featured adaptive cruise control (without full-stop capability), forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Notably absent were blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems.

Safety ratings for the 4Runner revealed some concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the SUV a three-star rollover resistance rating and a three-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 4Runner's roof strength as "Good," but its small overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver was "Marginal." These ratings likely reflected the vehicle's age and older design principles.

Conversely, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 came well-equipped with a robust structural design and the i-Activsense package, which included comprehensive driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features encompassed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Higher trims added advanced safety features. The 2.5 S Premium included adaptive headlights for better nighttime visibility. The top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature trim introduced a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering during commutes.

The Mazda CX-5's i-Activsense system mainly operated in the background, allowing drivers to focus on the road. The head-up display, featured in higher trims, showed blind-spot warnings directly in the driver's line of sight, improving safety.

Both vehicles demonstrated strong safety features, but the 2022 Mazda CX-5's more advanced and comprehensive safety suite, along with its superior crash-test ratings, made it a better option.