2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

$30,500 · Crossover

$41,270 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 bursts onto the scene with a refined edge, sporting 187 hp and an excellent 28 MPG combined efficiency, perfectly suited for the daily grind. In stark contrast, the rugged 2025 Toyota 4Runner enters the fray prioritizing brute strength, delivering a stout 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, ready for serious adventure. This comparison pits sleek efficiency against imposing capability. The price gap is significant, with the 4Runner commanding an extra $10,770 over the CX-50's $30,500 starting MSRP. While the CX-50 offers superior fuel economy (28 MPG vs. 22 MPG), the 4Runner boasts substantially more space, hauling 48.4 cubic feet of cargo compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft. Enthusiasts seeking immediate gratification will gravitate toward the 4Runner's massive 91 hp advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its significantly better 28 combined MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is the family winner, offering 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, far exceeding the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota 4Runner

Enthusiasts will choose the 4Runner for its muscular 278 hp and dominant 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 presents superior value by undercutting the 4Runner's MSRP by $10,770 while still delivering AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize cost savings, as the CX-50 starts $10,770 lower than the 4Runner.
Daily driving efficiency is key, highlighted by the CX-50's 28 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a more agile footprint, with the CX-50 being 9.1 inches shorter in length.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

You require serious towing or off-road muscle, thanks to the 4Runner's 278 hp.
Maximum utility is necessary, given the 4Runner's massive 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prefer the security of the 4Runner's larger dimensions (78.0 inches wide and 72.6 inches tall).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Toyota 4Runner
Length	185.8"	194.9"
Width	75.6"	78.0"
Height	63.5"	72.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	380.0/494.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	57.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	56.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P245/70R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.

How does the difference in horsepower affect driving feel between these two models?

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner possesses a commanding 91 hp advantage over the CX-50, delivering 278 hp versus 187 hp. This means the 4Runner offers significantly quicker acceleration and better power reserves for towing or climbing, while the CX-50 focuses on smoother, economical cruising.

Is the price difference worth paying for the 4Runner?

The 4Runner demands an extra $10,770, starting at $41,270 compared to the CX-50's $30,500. This premium buys you substantial gains in power (317 lb-ft of torque) and vastly superior cargo capacity (48.4 cu ft vs. 31.4 cu ft).

Which vehicle is genuinely better for long-distance highway commuting?

The Mazda CX-50 is the superior choice for commuting, netting 28 combined MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 combined MPG. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the CX-50’s efficiency saves substantial fuel costs over 15,000 miles annually.

Does the CX-50's smaller size hurt its utility compared to the 4Runner?

Yes, the CX-50 is considerably smaller, offering only 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Conversely, the 4Runner provides a cavernous 48.4 cubic feet, reflecting its larger overall dimensions.

What are the implications of the different drivetrain layouts (AWD vs. RWD)?

The CX-50 uses All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in varying conditions, fitting its crossover nature. The 4Runner uses Rear-Wheel Drive standard, which is often preferred for rugged, truck-based durability and dedicated 4x4 applications when equipped.

Which vehicle offers a more modern transmission experience?

While both use automatic transmissions, the 4Runner utilizes a more advanced 8-speed unit compared to the CX-50's 6-speed automatic, suggesting potentially smoother shifts and slightly better utilization of its higher power output.