Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a blend of luxury and sportiness. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from basic to upscale, including options like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, featured a design that combined subtle seductiveness with newfound ruggedness. Its styling included a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by rugged elements like blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes. The CX-50's exterior design was both appealing and functional, with options like 20-inch wheels and a Meridian Edition with exclusive features. Inside, the CX-50 offered a driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and adequate storage space, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a smooth driving experience, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with drive modes like Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. While the CX-50 excelled in handling and off-road capability, it did experience some torque steer during acceleration.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and 16 cubic feet with all seats in use. The interior was designed for convenience, with power-adjustable seats, deep cargo pockets, and ample storage compartments. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing easy access to the third row, though the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was comfortable, with power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and rear air vents. While storage space was adequate, some areas could have been better utilized for additional storage. The CX-50's rear doors opened wide, making entry and exit easy.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports, with options for a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a JBL premium stereo system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect's interface was not touchscreen-friendly, requiring the use of console buttons or voice commands. However, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and an Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The lane-departure warning system was notably active, sometimes feeling intrusive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with exclusive features on the top trim, such as Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. While the systems generally worked well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.