Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, despite being quiet on the road, was criticized for its mismatched textures, lack of quality feel, and visually overwhelming elements.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 was noted for its appealing design, despite excessive charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body. The crossover featured short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline, with black wheels adding to its sporty appearance. Inside, the CX-30's interior was likened to an entry-level luxury SUV, with clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and artful dual-zone climate controls. The test vehicle, in 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, featured a unique Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior, priced at $34,210. The CX-30's interior was praised for its style, refinement, and attention to detail, offering a more upscale feel compared to its competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The SUV weighed 4,430 pounds in Platinum trim, and its electric motors assisted with acceleration and low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing the claimed 3,500 pounds seemed impractical. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an AWD Trail mode for light off-road use. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the test vehicle averaged 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension, a groaning CVT, and disengaging steering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain provided a smooth build-up of power, making the CX-30 feel like the sports car of its class. A six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD contributed to its engaging driving dynamics. However, fuel economy was a downside, with the test vehicle achieving 21.3 mpg, below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30's small fuel tank limited its range to around 270 miles. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, with standard AWD and off-road capabilities for light trail use.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The test vehicle included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats offered power adjustment, though additional thigh support was desired. The second-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, while the third row was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured quality materials and logical controls, with a three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation setup. The test vehicle's Terracotta leather seats with Black suede inserts added a splash of color. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the back seat was cramped. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a flexible load floor for additional storage. Folding the back seat expanded the cargo area to 45.2 cubic feet, comparable to other small SUVs. The CX-30's interior was praised for its design and practicality, despite its limited space.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims. However, the controls were not intuitive. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics lacked contrast, making it difficult to see.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. The system relied on a combination of controls, but lacked natural voice recognition. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a trial for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports and a Bose premium audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Highlander Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The safety systems generally performed well, though some issues were noted with lane navigation. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 added new standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat alert system. The CX-30's safety suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30's safety features were praised for their effectiveness, though the automatic curve speed reduction was overly aggressive. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.