2025 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-30

2025 Mazda
CX-30

MSRP*: $24,995 to $36,950
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Picture of the 2025 Toyota Highlander

2025 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,820 to $52,225
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Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 22 - 26 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 30 - 33 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 45.2 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 191-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 191 - 227 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity Info not available 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 173.0 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 70.7 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 36.3 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 37.8 - 38.1 in
Rear 38.3 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Toyota Highlander than in the Mazda CX-30, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Toyota Highlander will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-30.

Convenience
The Toyota Highlander requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Mazda CX-30, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Clearly, the Mazda CX-30 is a better financial choice over the Toyota Highlander, when considering MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-30 is much slimmer than the Toyota Highlander, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Mazda CX-30, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Toyota Highlander.

Handling
The Mazda CX-30 has a smaller turning radius than the Toyota Highlander, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Mazda CX-30 has a lot less horsepower than the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
The Mazda CX-30 has much lower torque than the Toyota Highlander, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
Soccer Moms beware - the Mazda CX-30 seats a lot fewer people than the Toyota Highlander. The Mazda CX-30 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Toyota Highlander.