2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from typical cars. Despite the excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming, the CX-30 maintained an overall appealing look. Its design featured short overhangs, a long and low hood, dramatically sculpted sides, and a rakish roofline, giving it a sporty and dynamic appearance. Inside, the CX-30's interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style, refinement, and attention to detail that rivaled entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner represented a significant evolution in design rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation but with a bulkier and more industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that blended well with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance. The interior echoed the beveled styling motif, offering a purposeful yet comfortable cabin. While there was an abundance of hard plastic for durability, the materials were of higher quality than those found in competitors like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The 4Runner's design paid homage to its predecessors, with features like the slanted rearmost window, while maintaining a modern and rugged appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). Despite these impressive figures, the CX-30's power delivery was smooth and gradual, akin to catching and riding a wave. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous evaluation route, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30's small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range to around 270 miles. Nevertheless, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent outward visibility.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. For those seeking more power, the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a total of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, making it ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was more composed on pavement, with reduced body roll and improved steering. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with various trims offering different levels of off-road prowess.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a standout feature, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast to the cabin. However, the interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat. The driver and front passenger enjoyed comfortable seating, and the power-adjustable driver's seat made finding the perfect position easy. Cargo space was adequate, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner measured five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was best suited for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity measured 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery placement.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged versions featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display, replacing the standard 8.8-inch screen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. However, the screen's placement was far from the driver and front passenger, and the lack of natural voice recognition limited its usability. All CX-30s came with a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, and higher trims included a wireless smartphone charger and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasted an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch screen available. Both systems were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were offered. Off-road-focused models featured external camera views for precise tire placement on trails. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable center speaker that doubled as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app and a digital key function were also included.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat alert system. These joined existing features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

As of this writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were not available. However, the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be disabled if desired. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.