2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-50

2025 Mazda
CX-50

MSRP*: $30,500 to $43,500
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2025 Toyota Highlander

2025 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $40,320 to $52,725
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 23 - 25 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 29 - 31 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 56.3 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 187-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 187 - 227 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 - 3,500 lbs 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 185.8 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 75.6 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.8 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 38.6 - 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 - 38.6 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 back seat may find themselves a little more cramped in the Mazda CX-50 than the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Highlander offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-50, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda CX-50 as you will with the Toyota Highlander, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

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). When looking only at MSRP, the Mazda CX-50 will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Toyota Highlander.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-50 is about the same width as the Toyota Highlander. The Mazda CX-50 is slightly shorter than the Toyota Highlander, which may make it easier to park.

Handling
The Mazda CX-50 has a smaller turning radius than the Toyota Highlander, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-50 for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Mazda CX-50 has a lot less horsepower than the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
The Mazda CX-50 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-50 seats a lot fewer people than the Toyota Highlander. The Mazda CX-50 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Toyota Highlander.