2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the MSRP, with the Toyota commanding a premium of $13,710 over the Mazda's $30,500 entry price. This price delta is partially justified by the Toyota's superior powertrain, offering 245 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp. Fuel economy is another major divergence; the Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 36 MPG, significantly outpacing the CX-50’s 28 MPG combined rating. In terms of size, the Toyota is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches. However, this size increase does not translate directly to usable storage, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, besting the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cu ft in the base trim configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is the winner for commuters due to its significantly lower MSRP of $30,500 and adequate 28 MPG combined efficiency.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers greater overall size (201.4 inches long) and likely superior interior volume despite lower specified cargo metrics.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid delivers a measurable performance advantage with 245 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 provides excellent inherent utility at a low entry point, saving buyers $13,710 compared to the competitor.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your budget is strictly limited, given the $30,500 MSRP.
- You prefer a vehicle with the higher baseline cargo capacity of 31.4 cu ft.
- You desire traditional automatic shifting over a continuously variable transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Achieving 36 MPG combined fuel economy is a primary purchasing factor.
- You require the higher output of 245 horsepower for towing or passing maneuvers.
- You need the larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 72.1-inch height and 201.4-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 63.5" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.2 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.
What is the exact fuel economy difference between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 36 MPG, whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-50 achieves 28 MPG combined, resulting in an 8 MPG advantage for the Toyota.
Is the smaller Mazda CX-50 better for cargo capacity than the larger Toyota?
Yes, surprisingly, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cu ft.
How much more powerful is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid than the CX-50?
The Toyota produces 245 horsepower, making it 58 hp more potent than the Mazda CX-50, which outputs 187 hp.
What is the starting price difference between the two vehicles?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210, which is $13,710 more expensive than the Mazda CX-50's starting MSRP of $30,500.
Do both vehicles utilize regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, helping to offset some of the Toyota's higher upfront cost.
What transmission types are featured in these two AWD models?
The Mazda CX-50 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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