2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial flair that characterized much of its exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. This iteration paid homage to its predecessors without appearing desperate or kitschy, with elements like the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner shared a near-identical design with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure punishment, with hard plastics and light cushioning in key areas, offering a balance of comfort and durability.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with its graceful curves setting it apart from competitors. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, its design remained timeless and could easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior boasted nicer-than-average materials and a layout that bridged the gap between analog and digital trends. It lacked a massive infotainment touchscreen, opting instead for traditional physical controls, which enhanced usability. The CX-5's interior featured soft-touch materials and high-quality plastics, comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, making it feel more special than similarly priced crossovers.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 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 five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering stronger usable power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, and felt more composed on pavement compared to its predecessor. It offered nine distinct trims with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most impressive.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 also offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo model increased output to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard across the range. The base engine accelerated the CX-5 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model achieved it two seconds faster. The CX-5 was sporty for its class, with sure-footedness from AWD and minimal body roll. It provided a slightly firmer ride quality, noticeable on rough surfaces but generally acceptable for most passengers. The cabin was quiet, effectively filtering out wind and road noise, contributing to a more comfortable driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, suitable only for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 800 pounds.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was refined but less practical than some rivals. It offered adequate headroom in the back seats, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage provided more space. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom compared to the RAV4 but fell short of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded flat. The cargo area was wide and flat, accommodating larger items, but competitors offered more space. Storage options included moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin. Midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad, though the hard plastic surface allowed phones to slide.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch screen available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were offered. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, available on other models as well. Off-road-focused models had external camera views for precise tire placement on trails, with automatic activation when the vehicle slowed. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible via a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash. It was controlled via a dial on the center console, similar to older BMW and Audi systems. The dial allowed for easy operation while driving, with logical menus enhancing usability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial, with wireless integration available on midrange trims. The analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard on Premium Plus trims and above. The base trim featured a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model had a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and control were available through a smartphone app, with a free service for the first year.

As of this writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable from the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the Tacoma pickup truck, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature automatically slowed the vehicle on curves, though it could be disabled if intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. IIHS results for the 2025 model were unavailable, but the 2024 model received the highest "Good" rating in all tests and a Top Safety Pick rating. All CX-5 trims included advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Plus trim added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Turbo Premium package included traffic jam assist, while the Turbo Signature trim added a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking.