2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the $10,360 MSRP gap, starting at $30,500 for the Mazda versus $40,860 for the Toyota. Power output is another critical contrast, with the Grand Highlander offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the smaller Mazda, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating versus the Toyota's 24 MPG combined. The CX-50 is substantially smaller, measuring 185.8 inches in length, while the Grand Highlander stretches to 201.4 inches. Despite its compact nature, the CX-50 boasts superior cargo space with 31.4 cubic feet available, significantly more than the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cubic feet. The decision hinges primarily on size and performance requirements versus budget and efficiency targets.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 is superior for commuters due to its better 28 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry price.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is the definitive choice for families needing maximum space, reflected in its greater 70.1-inch height and larger overall dimensions.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is better equipped for performance due to its substantially higher output of 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 delivers a significantly lower initial cost at $30,500 while offering better fuel efficiency at 28 MPG combined.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your budget is under $32,000, as the MSRP starts at $30,500.
- Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, given its 28 MPG combined rating versus 24 MPG for the competitor.
- You require more usable storage volume, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need the maximum power advantage provided by 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Passenger and structural size is paramount, indicated by its 201.4-inch length and 70.1-inch height.
- An 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the 6-speed unit found in the Mazda.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 63.5" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 116.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 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 automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 Grand Highlander.
How much larger is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander than the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The Grand Highlander is significantly larger, boasting a length of 201.4 inches compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches, making it over 15 inches longer overall. Additionally, the Toyota stands 70.1 inches tall, whereas the Mazda sits at 63.5 inches.
What is the performance advantage of the Grand Highlander based on the provided specifications?
The Toyota Grand Highlander generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial increase over the Mazda CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. This 78 hp difference indicates superior acceleration capabilities for the Toyota.
Which vehicle offers better efficiency, and what is the difference in MPG?
The Mazda CX-50 is more fuel-efficient, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating. This represents a 4 MPG advantage for the smaller Mazda crossover.
Does the lower-priced CX-50 offer more cargo space than the more expensive Grand Highlander?
Yes, surprisingly, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 20.6 cubic feet offered by the larger Toyota Grand Highlander.
Is there a significant difference in the price point for these two crossovers?
Yes, there is a major $10,360 difference in the starting MSRP, with the CX-50 priced at $30,500 and the Grand Highlander starting at $40,860.
Are both vehicles restricted to the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander are listed as compatible with regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling decisions for owners of either model.
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