2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, especially in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), stood out with retro body stripes and a heritage grille design that gave it a nostalgic touch reminiscent of the 1970s. This special edition model added $4,505 to the SR5 Premium trim level, with a significant portion of that paying for its standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. The package included bronze 17-inch wheels, distinctive exterior and interior bronze accents, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard indicating its limited production run.

The 4Runner had a truck-based SUV design, highlighted by its high stance and purposeful interior filled with solid plastic materials, giving it a tough and durable feel, even if a bit dated. The vehicle impressed with its easy-to-use controls, which were designed to be idiot-proof and operable even while wearing gloves, a feature lauded by many users.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained the refined and modern design it debuted within 2017, marking only minor changes since then. Our test vehicle in the new-for-2024 Carbon Turbo trim showcased Mazda's sophisticated styling cues. It wore Zircon Sand paint, partnered with exclusive Terracotta leather seats and unique black artificial suede inserts. The CX-5 exuded a more elegant and premium feel compared to the rugged and retro appeal of the 4Runner.

Mazda's commitment to attractive design shone through the CX-5's interior, which was comfortable and well-appointed with quality materials that would not look out of place in higher-end vehicles. This was a testament to the vehicle's upscale ambiance, contrasting sharply with the more utilitarian and robust nature of the 4Runner.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine churning out 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy was one of its downfalls, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined, and real-world tests often clocked slightly lower at 16.9 mpg.

Reliable off-road, the 4Runner offered several specialized systems like Hill-Start Assist Control, Active Traction Control, and an available Crawl Control. However, it showed its limitations in urban settings, where its heavy steering, slow acceleration, and brake pedal response could be less desirable. Despite the SUV's strong off-road credentials, in everyday city driving, it felt cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered a more engaging driving experience, thanks to its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On premium gas, it produced 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, and even on regular gas, it maintained impressive figures of 227 hp and 310 lb-ft.

Although it was not the most fuel-efficient option with a combined 24 mpg rating (and a tested 22.9 mpg), the CX-5's performance was versatile. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, advanced suspension tuning, and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a sophisticated and enjoyable ride, whether in the city, on highways or navigating twisty mountain roads. Its firm but connected feel and confidence-inspiring handling were stark contrasts to the more rugged and raw 4Runner.

A hallmark feature of the Toyota 4Runner was its power-down rear window in the tailgate, offering unique flow-through ventilation when combined with the sunroof and other windows. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin had an array of storage solutions, although many without rubber liners, which allowed items to slide and rattle. Climbing into the vehicle could be a challenge for shorter individuals, but once inside, the seats provided comfort, especially the second row, which offered excellent leg support and air conditioning vents.

The 4Runner also had an optional third-row seat, which was largely impractical due to its lack of comfort and the space it consumed. With five-passenger seating, the 4Runner boasted a substantial 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet, making it very versatile for hauling gear.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, though smaller, offered a more luxurious interior experience. Standard heated front seats, redesigned for added comfort and support, were complemented by optional premium Nappa leather on higher trims. The back seat, while snug for taller passengers, provided good support and additional amenities like air conditioning vents and a center fold-down armrest.

Cargo-wise, the CX-5 was slightly less accommodating, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats — enough for family vacations or grocery hauls. This space expanded to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which, while less than the 4Runner, was on par with other compact SUVs.

In the realm of technology, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was somewhat archaic, featuring traditional analog gauges and a maximum 8-inch touchscreen for its infotainment display. However, the system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for use even with gloves. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, and allowed the 4Runner to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Despite the outdated graphics, the home screen was practical and functional. Voice recognition performed admirably, barring a few hiccups with specific commands.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, eschewing a touchscreen for a 10.25-inch display controlled via console-mounted knobs and buttons. This design aimed to reduce driver distraction, though Mazda did allow touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The CX-5 also supported wireless versions of these systems in several trims.

Mazda Connected Services offered additional features like remote engine start, vehicle locator, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing the connected experience. The CX-5's 10-speaker Bose sound system delivered premium audio quality, elevating the in-cabin experience above what was typically offered in this segment.

Safety features in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner were adequate but highlighted its aging platform. Standard across all trims were forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. New for this year, the 4Runner included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning system could become irritative.

In terms of crash-test ratings, the 4Runner received a middling four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings in specific areas like front passenger protection and rollover resistance, reflecting its older design's limitations.

Mazda equipped every 2024 CX-5 with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist, with the top 2.5 Turbo Signature offering features such as a driver monitoring system and surround-view camera.

Historically, the CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it did not secure it for the 2024 model. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings across almost all categories, cementing its reputation as a safe choice.