Toyota Highlander Vs. Mazda Cx-5: The Ultimate Comparison Guide! Which One Is Right For You?

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two prominent contenders emerge: the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and style. However, discerning buyers seek a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX-5 matchup, providing valuable insights to aid your decision-making process.

Performance and Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Exuberance

1. Engine Options and Configurations:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It also boasts a hybrid powertrain option that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined output of 243 horsepower.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available, producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2. Fuel Efficiency and MPG Ratings:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain offers an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s standard 2.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine provides an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

3. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s V6 engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the hybrid model can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s standard engine provides a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Interior and Comfort: Space, Style, and Amenities

1. Seating and Passenger Space:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers with three rows of seats, providing ample legroom and headroom throughout the cabin.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 offers seating for up to five passengers with two rows of seats, providing comfortable seating with ample legroom and headroom in both rows.

2. Cargo Capacity and Flexibility:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a spacious cargo area behind the third row of seats, offering 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second and third rows folded down, the cargo capacity expands to a generous 84.3 cubic feet.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 provides a cargo area behind the second row of seats, offering 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the second row expands the cargo capacity to 59.6 cubic feet.

3. Features and Amenities:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 comes equipped with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, heated front seats, a moonroof, and a power liftgate.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence on the Road

1. Safety Ratings and Features:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It offers a similar range of safety features as the Highlander, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

2. Driver Assistance Technologies:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a range of driver assistance technologies, including a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also offers a variety of driver assistance technologies, including a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping assist system.

Off-Road Capability: Embracing Adventure

1. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers an available all-wheel drive system with a multi-terrain select system that allows drivers to choose between different driving modes for various terrains, including snow, mud, and sand.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also offers an available all-wheel drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in slippery or off-road conditions.

2. Ground Clearance and Approach Angles:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches and approach angles of 18.6 degrees in the front and 23.2 degrees in the rear.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches and approach angles of 18.4 degrees in the front and 20.8 degrees in the rear.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Your SUV Choice with Clarity

The Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-5 offer distinct experiences, catering to different needs and preferences. The Highlander excels in providing spacious seating, impressive towing capacity, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The CX-5 stands out with its sporty handling, fuel-efficient engine options, and sleek design. Ultimately, the choice between these two midsize SUVs depends on your individual requirements, lifestyle, and budget. Consider your priorities and carefully evaluate each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision that aligns with your driving needs and desires.

What People Want to Know

1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Toyota Highlander offers a more powerful engine option with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower compared to the Mazda CX-5’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 187 horsepower.

2. Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Mazda CX-5 offers better fuel efficiency with its standard 2.5-liter engine, achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Toyota Highlander’s V6 engine, which achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

3. Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity, the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Toyota Highlander offers a larger cargo capacity with 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down, compared to the Mazda CX-5’s 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

4. Which vehicle received higher safety ratings, the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-5?

• Both the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-5 received five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

5. Which vehicle offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Toyota Highlander offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, as well as a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.