2023 Toyota Highlander Vs Mazda Cx-50: Which Midsize Suv Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The Mazda CX-50 with the standard engine returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a powerful engine and a long list of standard features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice.
- While the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of power, fuel efficiency, and interior space, the CX-50 offers a more affordable price tag and a few unique features.
The Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and strong safety ratings. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Mazda CX-50 and examine their key differences in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, technology, safety, and price. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SUV better suits your needs and preferences.
Performance: Power and Efficiency Compared
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is also available, producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid takes the lead, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Mazda CX-50 with the standard engine returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space: Room for Passengers and Cargo
When it comes to interior space, the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge over the Mazda CX-50. The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the CX-50 can accommodate up to five. Both SUVs have ample legroom and headroom in both rows of seats, but the Highlander provides a bit more shoulder room in the second row.
In terms of cargo space, the Toyota Highlander again takes the lead, offering 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Technology: Features and Connectivity
Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 come well-equipped with a range of technology features. The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a JBL premium audio system. The CX-50, on the other hand, boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bose premium audio system, and a head-up display.
In terms of safety features, the Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda CX-50 also comes standard with a suite of safety features, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Price: Value for Your Money
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the Mazda CX-50 starts at $26,800. However, it’s important to note that the Highlander comes standard with more features than the CX-50, such as a third row of seats, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a powerful engine and a long list of standard features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. However, if you’re on a budget and prioritize features like a large touchscreen display and a head-up display, the Mazda CX-50 is worth considering.
Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision
The Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, technology, and safety. While the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of power, fuel efficiency, and interior space, the CX-50 offers a more affordable price tag and a few unique features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
What You Need to Know
1. Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more powerful engine than the Mazda CX-50, with the V6 engine producing 295 horsepower compared to the CX-50’s 187 horsepower.
2. Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-50, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the CX-50’s 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
3. Q: Which SUV has more interior space?
A: The Toyota Highlander has more interior space than the Mazda CX-50, with seating for up to eight passengers compared to the CX-50’s five passengers. The Highlander also offers more cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down, compared to the CX-50’s 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.