Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered trims with Softex synthetic leather or real leather, and a range of comfort features, making it a well-built road-trip vehicle.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its attractive design, with graceful curves that set it apart in the small SUV class. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its styling remained timeless, resembling entry-level luxury SUVs. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a blend of traditional and modern elements, with physical buttons and knobs instead of a fully digital interface. This approach enhanced usability, allowing for easy adjustments without relying on a touchscreen. The CX-5’s interior, with soft-touch materials and a refined layout, compared favorably to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, offering a special feel at a competitive price.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain generated 362 combined net horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both gas and hybrid engines were available with FWD and AWD, while the Hybrid Max was AWD only. The Hybrid Max boasted a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander’s size made it less maneuverable than the smaller Highlander, with some body roll and numb steering feel. However, its brakes were solid, and acceleration was adequate. Three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—were standard, with additional modes for AWD models.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo model increased output to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the Turbo model was quicker by two seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with minimal body roll and sporty dynamics, making it more entertaining than competitors. The ride was slightly firm, but the cabin remained quiet, filtering out noise effectively.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than most rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long with a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Kia Telluride. With seats in place, it provided 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all rows up. The spacious interior accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, with good visibility and ample head, leg, and shoulder room.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5’s interior was refined but less spacious than some competitors. It offered adequate headroom in the back, but rivals like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more legroom. The CX-5 had 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. While practical, it lagged behind the CR-V and Sportage in capacity. The front featured moderately sized storage options, with wireless charging available on midlevel trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included dual-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available via subscription. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Streaming audio integration and a Wi-Fi Connect package were optional, enhancing connectivity.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a center console dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability on midrange trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and a head-up display on higher trims. The base trim had a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS but included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite featured automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars from NHTSA in most tests and a "Good" rating from IIHS for the 2024 model. It included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Turbo Signature trim featured a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking.