What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander with the inline-four engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
- The Highlander has received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The CX-5 has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-5 stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-5, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the inline-four is mated to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter inline-four with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander with the inline-four engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The V6 engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The CX-5 gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
Interior and Cargo Space
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has a spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The second row of seats offers plenty of legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use. The cargo area behind the third row is 16.1 cubic feet, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With the second row folded down, the Highlander offers a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has a more compact interior than the Highlander, with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer good visibility, while the rear seats provide adequate legroom and headroom. The cargo area behind the rear seats is 30.9 cubic feet, which expands to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Features and Technology
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander comes well-equipped with features such as a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels offer features such as a larger touchscreen, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 also comes with a wide range of features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels offer features such as a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and a Bose premium audio system.
Safety
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It comes with a similar range of safety features as the Highlander, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Price and Value
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850 for the base L trim level. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim level starts at $49,930.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has a starting price of $27,150 for the base Sport trim level. The top-of-the-line Signature trim level starts at $40,900.
Final Verdict
Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-5 are excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander offers more interior space, a more powerful V6 engine option, and a slightly lower starting price. However, the CX-5 has a more premium interior, better fuel economy, and a lower price point for its top trim level.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space and power, the Highlander is a great option. If you prefer a more premium interior, better fuel economy, and a lower price point, the CX-5 is a worthy choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better interior?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has a more premium interior with higher-quality materials and a more modern design.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander has more cargo space than the Mazda CX-5, especially with the third row of seats folded down.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, especially in the city.
Q: Which SUV is safer?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-5 have received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which SUV is a better value?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more features and interior space for a lower starting price, making it a better value for most buyers.