2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The $9,820 MSRP difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 ($30,500) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander ($40,320) is the most significant starting disparity. This price difference buys the Highlander 78 more horsepower (265 hp vs. 187 hp) and 125 lb-ft more torque (310 lb-ft vs. 185 lb-ft), positioning the Highlander as the substantially more powerful option. However, the CX-50 demonstrates superior efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Highlander’s 25 MPG combined. The CX-50 is also notably smaller in dimension, measuring 185.8 inches long versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches. Conversely, the larger Highlander boasts a 68.1-inch height, while the CX-50 offers significantly more utility space with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cubic feet, despite its smaller exterior footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 28 MPG combined and lower initial MSRP.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The larger Toyota Highlander provides greater interior volume, although its 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity is surprisingly restrictive compared to the CX-50.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its significantly higher output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides better utility and efficiency at $30,500, undercutting the Highlander's entry price by nearly $10,000.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Budget constraints require an entry price below $31,000, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500.
- Maximizing cargo utility is essential, given the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet capacity.
- Priority is placed on maximizing fuel stops savings, achieved through its 28 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximum acceleration and towing capability are needed, evidenced by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
- The driver requires the extra presence and height of a larger vehicle, with the Highlander measuring 68.1 inches tall.
- The driver prefers the smoother power delivery of an 8-speed automatic transmission over the CX-50's 6-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 75.6" | 76.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 68.1" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.9 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 | 8.0 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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 57.2 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
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 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| 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 Highlander.
What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 Highlander over the CX-50?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander holds a substantial power advantage, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which significantly exceeds the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.
How do the cargo capacities of these two crossovers compare?
The Mazda CX-50 offers considerably more standard storage volume, boasting 31.4 cubic feet, while the larger Toyota Highlander is rated for only 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row.
Is the CX-50 more fuel-efficient than the Highlander?
Yes, the CX-50 is more efficient, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating, compared to the Highlander's 25 MPG combined rating, although both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle has a higher starting price?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a significantly higher MSRP of $40,320, which is $9,820 more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50's starting price of $30,500.
Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive standard?
No, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Toyota Highlander is listed with Front Wheel Drive for its base configuration.
How do the dimensions affect maneuverability?
The CX-50 is shorter in length at 185.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, suggesting better maneuverability in tight urban environments, despite both being relatively wide vehicles.
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