2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

Examining the 2022 Mazda CX-5, observers might have noticed new LED headlights and taillights, featuring distinctive illumination. This change was hoped to address the common problem of owners driving in the dark without their regular lights turned on. The CX-5 also sported new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Signature trim also had body-color lower exterior trim to underscore Mazda’s premium aspirations.

Inside, the CX-5 remained unchanged stylistically but retained its luxurious appeal in the Signature trim with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats in 2022 aimed to enhance comfort. However, Mazda’s decision to introduce the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo trims was a tad confusing for consumers. The 2.5 S trim catered to those preferring better fuel economy, while the 2.5 Turbo trim attracted those who valued faster acceleration. Our test vehicle, the 2.5 Turbo, featured optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, roof rails, and crossbars, bringing the total to $39,445.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner introduced its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE). Based on the SR5 Premium trim, the 40 ASE added $4,505, including a standard four-wheel-drive system. Consumers paid extra for retro body stripes, heritage grille design, and 17-inch bronze wheels, along with bronze accents and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint, the 40 ASE established a retro appeal reminiscent of the 1970s.

The fifth-generation 4Runner's design maintained its truck-based SUV aura with a purposeful interior showcasing quality plastic finishes and straightforward controls. Our test vehicle, priced at $48,455, exuded a nostalgic yet robust character, capturing a Southern California vibe as it turned heads with its distinctive retro design.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. These figures were competitive for a base engine, and the revised six-speed automatic transmission aimed to enhance responsiveness. The introduction of standard all-wheel drive (AWD) was a notable change, with fuel economy rated at 26 mpg in combined driving by the EPA.

For turbocharged performance enthusiasts, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium gas. On regular gas, the numbers were 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, real-world tests showed 21.1 mpg. Both 2.5 Turbo trims featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, emphasizing Mazda’s commitment to a sporty driving feel alongside a quieter cabin and improved structural rigidity.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by 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, pushed power primarily to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. Fuel economy for all drivetrains was a modest 17 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving an average of 16.9 mpg.

Off-road prowess was a key feature, with the 4Runner offering a minimum ground clearance of nine inches and various off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, in everyday use, the 4Runner’s performance showed significant road handling challenges, such as slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a ride that skittered on larger bumps. Despite these quirks, it remained robust off-road, proving its capabilities through California’s mud and standing water.

Mazda addressed previous complaints about the CX-5's ride and seat comfort by introducing new, more supportive seats in the 2022 model, resulting in a sportier driving position. Despite a snug back seat, heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents enhanced passenger comfort. Frustrations persisted with the Mazda Connect infotainment system that lacked touch sensitivity and natural voice recognition. Cargo space in the CX-5 was adequate but unimpressive compared to mainstream compact crossovers, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner boasted functional and comfortable seats, though climbing in and out required effort for shorter individuals. Its SofTex artificial leather seats provided notable comfort with heated front cushions. The 4Runner excelled in offering various storage locations, even though many lacked rubber liners to reduce sliding and rattling.

The second-row seats in the 4Runner were roomy with ample legroom and headroom, USB ports, and AC vents. A third-row seating option was available but came with significant drawbacks, reducing cargo space and comfort. The cargo area behind the second row offered 46.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats, providing substantial storage.

Mazda retained the CX-5’s Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch non-touch display. The lack of natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly, with operations requiring the use of center console controls. Despite these limitations, features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and Mazda Connected Services were standard. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system enhanced the audio experience, though Bose's performance could be hit-or-miss.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner showcased traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. This system included desirable features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriuxXM, and supported Amazon Alexa. It also offered connected services and the option to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Despite the dated graphics, the infotainment system’s home screen effectively displayed multiple functions simultaneously. The voice recognition system performed well (with a few exceptions), handling commands accurately. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, despite some sound quality issues.

Mazda’s commitment to safety was evident in the 2022 CX-5, equipped with the standard i-Activsense package featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features reserved for higher trims included adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, one of the highest safety accolades.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered essential safety features through Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and for this model year, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the 4Runner's overall crash-test ratings showed its age, with a four-star rating from NHTSA and a three-star rating for both front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.