2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 charge for the standard four-wheel-drive system. The remaining cost covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze wheels, and various bronze accents inside and out. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE exuded a nostalgic 1970s vibe. Its design was reminiscent of classic truck-based SUVs, offering a solid and quality feel despite the abundance of plastic in the cabin. The controls were straightforward and user-friendly, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcased a leap in design and material quality, positioning itself closer to luxury brands. Its exterior design was an upscale evolution of Mazda's smaller SUVs, featuring a large grille, wide front end, and wheels up to 21 inches. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivaled luxury competitors, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic. The CX-90 offered 11 trim levels across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a high-performance Turbo S model. The interior design was stylish and comfortable, with a focus on quality materials and a spacious layout.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by 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 and had a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Various trims offered additional off-roading technologies, such as locking differentials and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over bumps.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, while all models featured standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The Turbo S impressed with its powerful exhaust note and agile handling, while the PHEV provided a quieter ride with a 26-mile all-electric range. The CX-90's handling was exceptional, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering, making it feel smaller than its size.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats in the 40 ASE. Storage was ample, though some lacked rubber liners. The second row was spacious, but the optional third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the Turbo S models seating six and other trims seating up to eight. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90 improved on the CX-9's cargo capacity but still lagged behind some competitors. The interior featured numerous storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, creating a luxurious and practical environment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional navigation and a JBL sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, using a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's complexity could be distracting. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, adjusting settings for individual drivers. It also included standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured i-Activsense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90's safety technology performed well during testing, though it had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. Given the CX-9's strong safety ratings, the CX-90 was expected to perform similarly.