2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 standard four-wheel-drive system, 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 40 ASE had a nostalgic 1970s vibe with its colorful stripes and bronze wheels, appealing to those who appreciated a retro look. The fifth-generation 4Runner had a truck-based SUV stance, and its interior, though filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality. The controls were easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a lower, wider, and longer body. It featured square wheel arches and fake air vents, emphasizing its broad-shouldered proportions. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher grades. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, our test car, had all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior design was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim. 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 TRD trims offered specific ride and handling enhancements. During testing, the 4Runner impressed with its off-roading capabilities, handling thick mud and standing water with ease. However, it was less impressive as a daily driver, with leisurely acceleration, heavy and slow steering, and a brake pedal that lacked responsiveness. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions but was less suited for urban errands.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also had a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, feeling more like other models in its segment. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires provided limited grip and higher noise levels, and the roof platform added wind noise. The CX-50 was well-mannered otherwise, making it a good daily driver but not as engaging as the CX-5.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's back window powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent flow-through ventilation. Climbing into the 4Runner required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area had several storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor. With the third-row seat, cargo space was just 9 cubic feet. Without it, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-50 had more cargo space than the CX-5 with the second row up but trailed most competitors. The cargo area was accessible with an available power liftgate but wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. The CX-50's interior materials were durable, but the Meridian Edition could have benefited from more rugged materials.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, 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 voice recognition performed well. The 4Runner's technology was straightforward and user-friendly, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. However, the infotainment system felt dated, with plain graphics and basic functions. The CX-50's technology was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity and weren't overwhelmed by excessive tech.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, 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 NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in most crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a Basic score for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention and an Average rating for standard headlights. The NHTSA gave it a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover crash-test rating, but side-crash and overall ratings were not available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.