Technology titans: toyota highlander vs mazda cx-50 – which suv has the smartest features?
What To Know
- The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious cabin than the Mazda CX-50, especially in the second and third rows.
- The base CX-50 with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander with front-wheel drive gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- In the battle between the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50, the Highlander emerges as the more well-rounded and practical choice.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 stand out as two top contenders. Both offer a spacious cabin, ample cargo room, and a suite of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Mazda CX-50 to determine which SUV reigns supreme.
Space and Comfort
Interior Room
The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious cabin than the Mazda CX-50, especially in the second and third rows. Both SUVs can accommodate up to eight passengers, but the Highlander provides more legroom and headroom throughout.
Cargo Capacity
The Highlander also has an advantage in cargo capacity. With all seats up, it offers 16.1 cubic feet of space, compared to 14.6 cubic feet in the CX-50. When the second and third rows are folded down, the Highlander’s cargo capacity expands to a generous 84.3 cubic feet, while the CX-50 offers 56.3 cubic feet.
Performance and Efficiency
Engine Options
The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 243 horsepower. The Mazda CX-50 is available with two four-cylinder engines: a 2.5-liter with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 256 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
The Mazda CX-50 has a slight edge in fuel economy over the Toyota Highlander. The base CX-50 with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander with front-wheel drive gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Features and Technology
Standard Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 come well-equipped with standard features. The Highlander includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features. The CX-50 offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display.
Advanced Features
The Toyota Highlander offers a wider range of advanced features than the Mazda CX-50. These include a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The CX-50, on the other hand, has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system and a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Ratings
Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, while the CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
Reliability
Toyota has a well-established reputation for reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. It has consistently ranked among the most reliable midsize SUVs by J.D. Power and Associates. The Mazda CX-50 is a newer model, but it has received positive reviews for its build quality and durability.
Price and Value
Starting Price
The Toyota Highlander has a lower starting price than the Mazda CX-50. The base Highlander starts at $36,655, while the base CX-50 starts at $37,650.
Trim Levels and Options
Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels and options to choose from. The Highlander has six trim levels, while the CX-50 has four. The Highlander offers more standard features at lower trim levels, but the CX-50 has more advanced features available on higher trim levels.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize space, comfort, and reliability, the Highlander is the better choice. If you prefer a more engaging driving experience, advanced features, and a more stylish design, the CX-50 is worth considering.
Final Note: The Battle for Midsize SUV Supremacy
In the battle between the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50, the Highlander emerges as the more well-rounded and practical choice. It offers more space, a more comprehensive suite of features, and a proven track record of reliability. However, if you’re looking for a more sporty and stylish SUV with advanced technology, the CX-50 is a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
1. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
The Mazda CX-50 has a larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the Toyota Highlander offers a wider range of standard features.
2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-50 with front-wheel drive has a slight edge in fuel economy over the Toyota Highlander with front-wheel drive.
3. Which SUV has a better safety rating?
Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-50 have earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
4. Which SUV has a higher starting price?
The Mazda CX-50 has a slightly higher starting price than the Toyota Highlander.
5. Which SUV is more reliable?
Toyota has a well-established reputation for reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. The Mazda CX-50 is a newer model, but it has received positive reviews for its build quality and durability.