2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. The 40 ASE was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included several trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455.

The 4Runner's design evoked a strong SoCal vibe with its retro stripes and bronze wheels, reminiscent of the 1970s. It had a truck-based SUV look and stance, giving it an enduring appeal. The interior was purposeful, with plenty of plastic but a solid and quality feel. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and features made it a unique and appealing choice for those who appreciated its nostalgic touches and rugged appearance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured excessive charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body, which some found excessive. However, the overall design was appealing, with short overhangs, a long and low hood, sculpted flanks, a squat greenhouse, and a rakish roofline. The interior looked and felt like a class above, with style, refinement, and attention to detail on par with entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were well-designed.

The CX-30 lineup included eight versions, with the 2.5 S models having a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine and the 2.5 Turbo models boasting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 250 hp. Prices ranged from $24,995 to $36,800, plus a $1,420 destination charge. The test car, a 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, had an exclusive Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior upholstery, with an MSRP of $34,210, including destination. The CX-30's design and features made it an attractive choice for those seeking a stylish and refined small SUV.

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. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control.

The 4Runner's performance was impressive off-road, with features like locking center and rear differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had suspensions designed for on-road athleticism, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims had suspensions tuned for off-road performance. During testing in California's "Pineapple Express" storms, the 4Runner handled thick mud and standing water with ease. However, on suburban streets, it required careful handling in rear-wheel drive mode due to reduced traction. The 4Runner's acceleration was leisurely, the brake pedal response was inconsistent, and the steering was heavy and slow. Despite its flaws, the 4Runner provided a sense of invincibility and was well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The power delivery was smooth, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm, making it feel like the sports car of its class. The CX-30 used a traditional six-speed automatic transmission and had a standard AWD system. However, its fuel economy was not impressive, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving and an observed 21.3 mpg during testing. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range to around 270 miles.

The CX-30 was fun to drive, with a zippy and nimble feel, firm and connected ride, and excellent outward visibility. It handled highway speeds smoothly and quietly, and the adaptive cruise control system quickly resumed speed after lane changes. In the Santa Monica Mountains, the CX-30 felt a bit soft on narrow and winding roads but tackled back roads with enthusiasm. With standard AWD, an Off-Road traction assist setting, and eight inches of ground clearance, the CX-30 could handle more challenging trails than some competitors. Overall, the CX-30 was easy to live with, though its limited interior space and fuel economy might be drawbacks for some.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down back window in the tailgate, providing an immersive driving experience when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. However, shorter individuals might find it challenging to climb in and out of the 4Runner. The seats were comfortable, with the Limited trim offering heated and ventilated leather seats, while the 40 ASE test vehicle had SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The 4Runner had numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle.

The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, decent headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The seat provided excellent leg support and a properly angled backrest. A third-row seat was available but was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. The tailgate bumper doubled as a seat, and the cargo area had several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured deft design, quality materials, and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was user-friendly, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast to the cabin, while the Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts added a splash of color. However, the interior room was cramped, especially in the back seat. The driver and front passenger would be comfortable, and the high seating position made getting in and out easier than in a Mazda 3 hatchback. The power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to find a perfect position, and both front seats were heated.

Storage space was adequate, with a cargo volume of 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat. The load floor could be dropped to stack luggage or retained in a higher position for hidden underfloor storage. Folding the back seat down provided 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to other small SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Several connected services plans were available, with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. The screen was located far from the driver and front passenger, but the system aimed to reduce driver distraction. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system made it less effective. All CX-30s had a complimentary three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a three-month, 2-gigabyte trial for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports provided connectivity, and higher trims included a wireless smartphone charger and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 gained new standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a rear-seat alert system. These joined forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and a Cruising and Traffic Support system. The CX-30's safety features performed well during testing, with adaptive cruise control quickly resuming speed and lane-keeping assist intervening only when necessary. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.