Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX-5

$36,420

Pictured: Limited Turbo AWD. MSRP as tested $53,181.

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda 2022 CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

For 2023, Highlander gas models are now equipped with a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine.  It replaces the V6.

Turbo models are equipped to tow up to 5,000-pounds.

Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch screens as standard; one Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and one multimedia screen. The touchscreen  is optional for the XLE and sporty XSE grades, which have an 8-inch screen as standard. 

Limited and Platinum grades now come standard with power folding exterior mirrors.

New Cypress green exterior color.

For 2023, the CX-5 is available with an all-new Rhodium White exterior premium paint color.

All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 will be available in eight packages.

The Toyota Highlander ups its game considerably in 2023 with a new, more efficient engine and terrific new available multimedia system, proving once again it's a winner in the family-friendly SUV department if you don't need a huge third row that fits adults.

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style and near luxury interiors. The 2-row Mazda CX-5 delivers on all  those fronts. For the most power and driving engagement you'll want the Turbo. The drawback is that, in our opinion, the CX-5's  technology needs an update.  

• 1st, 2nd-row roominess
• Available heated and leather-trimmed 2nd-row Captain's Chairs on Limited
• Available new 12.3-inch Multimedia System 
• Available new 12.3” Full Digital Instrument Cluster
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across lineup
• Turbo models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing the CX-5
• Available Head-Up Display
• Available 11-speaker JBL Sound System

• Mazda's near-luxury interiors are the most premium in the segment
• Fun to drive, engaging, sporty handling
• 8-way power driver's seat
• Turbo grade features heated/ventilated front seats and 2nd-row heated seats
• Available 10-speaker Bose sound system
• Terrific Active Driving Display

• 3rd row isn't large enough for adults
• An optional Panoramic View Monitor will cost you $850
• Optional running boards will cost you $599 

• The 7-inch LCD driver instrument display and infotainment needs update.
• Not as large as the three-row Highlander, or as powerful 
• Towing capacity is less than the Highlander
• Non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

24 mpg

24 mpg (Turbo)

21 mpg

22 mpg (Turbo)

28 mpg

27 mpg (Turbo)

• 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system w/ wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices.
  
• 1 yr trial subcription to Drive Connect  — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist.  Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.
• 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)  — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), * Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA),  Automatic High Beams (AHB),  Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),  Road Sign Assist (RSA)  and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Rear passenger seatbelt reminder
• Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• OPTIONAL: 360 degree Panoramic View Monitor

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.  

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats
• Star Safety System™—includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), * Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) * and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) *
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags

• 3-point seat belts for all seating positions
• Advanced dual front air bags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight sensors
• Front side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection
• LATCH rear seat, child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
• Child safety rear door locks
• Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System
• Side-impact door beams

180.1"

72.6"

66.3" without roof rails

227-horsepower (Regular) 256-horsepower (Premium) (Turbo)

310 pound-feet (Regular) 320 pound-feet (Premium) (Turbo)

15.3

3,867 (Turbo)

5,000

2,000