Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to the year it first hit the US market. This version had a retro aesthetic, featuring round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. Priced at $58,195, it was a more affordable option, but the Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, was considered the better choice. This version boasted a modern, upscale look, a wider color palette, and a more luxurious interior with larger screens and essential off-roading enhancements. The Premium Package added leather and advanced tech features, elevating the MSRP to $71,004 with additional options like Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack.

The Land Cruiser's design was traditional, maximizing off-road capabilities, visibility, and space for passengers and cargo. Its utilitarian interior featured traditional switchgear, with the Java-colored leather providing a pleasing contrast. The dual 12.3-inch digital screens added a touch of modernity. The steering-wheel controls were notably intuitive, especially compared to those in a Lexus RX. The vehicle's exterior was characterized by a two-box SUV design with dark gray cladding, emphasizing its utility. The optional roof rack enhanced its practicality, supporting significant roof load ratings.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, with various trim levels. Prices ranged from $31,495 to $44,495, including destination charges. The top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing the MSRP to $44,920. The CX-50 had a wide, squat stance, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal.

The interior of the CX-50 was upscale, with white leather contrasting against the black dashboard and metallic accents. However, the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches. The partially digital gauges were clear, and most controls were user-friendly, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve. The Meridian Edition was best suited for off-roading, but the CX-50 excelled in on-road driving and inclement weather handling. The Hybrid model offered better fuel economy, but the Turbo's power delivery and transmission tuning were satisfying despite its lower efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials, allowing for a 6,000-pound towing capacity. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, while the higher-end Land Cruiser model added Multi-Terrain Select modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect.

Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg, partly due to high temperatures and constant air conditioning use. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension tuning. It handled urban and suburban environments well, with a high seating position offering excellent visibility. Off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Crawl Control enhancing its performance. However, acceleration was modest, and the vehicle exhibited noticeable body roll during hard braking and cornering.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine with AWD, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and driving modes for Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. It had an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The CX-50 Turbo's official fuel economy was 25 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 22.1 mpg in mixed driving and 18.6 mpg on mountainous routes. The Hybrid model, rated at 38 mpg combined, used Toyota-sourced components and offered 219 hp, though its torque was limited. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and the suspension provided excellent body control, though the ride was firm. The Meridian Edition was suited for off-roading, but the CX-50 was best for on-road driving and adverse weather conditions.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery in the upgraded model, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The running boards were helpful for roof access but could hinder entry and exit for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical than the 4Runner's, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space.

The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort to load heavy items. The interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and dual 12.3-inch digital screens adding a modern touch. The Java-colored leather offered a pleasing contrast, and the steering-wheel controls were intuitive.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 had a lower seating position than many crossovers, affecting visibility despite large side mirrors. The front seats were firm, with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and memory settings. Dual-zone climate control was standard, but the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and heated seats.

Storage space was decent but could have been improved with additional trays and shelves. The rear cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate was standard on most models, and the interior featured quality materials and metallic accents, though gloss-black plastic was prone to dust and scratches.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays in the higher trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Five connected service plans were available, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless charging, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 had clear gauge displays with a 7-inch screen for data panels. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen offered sophisticated graphics and logical menus, with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system used a control knob and buttons, requiring acclimation. Alexa built-in and a Mazda Connect voice assistant were available, though the latter struggled with basic commands. Wireless charging was standard, but the charger was awkwardly placed. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars in rollover resistance.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured i-Activesense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver-attention monitor. Premium models added traffic-sign recognition and speed-limit assist. Turbo Premium Plus models included a surround-view camera system, active blind-spot assist, and intersection assist. The CX-50 received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.