2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-50

2025 Mazda
CX-50

MSRP*: $30,300 to $43,300
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Picture of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

2025 Toyota
Grand Highlander

MSRP*: $40,860 to $54,045
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 23 - 25 MPG 20 - 21 MPG
MPG - Hwy 29 - 31 MPG 26 - 28 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 56.3 ft3 97.5 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 201.4 in
Exterior Width 75.6 in 78.3 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.8 in
Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 38.6 - 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 - 38.6 in
Front 40.0 - 41.5 in
Rear 38.5 - 40.2 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 backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Toyota Grand Highlander than in the Mazda CX-50, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Toyota Grand Highlander will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-50.

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 Grand 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). Clearly, the Mazda CX-50 is a better financial choice over the Toyota Grand Highlander, when considering MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-50 is much slimmer than the Toyota Grand Highlander, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Mazda CX-50, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Toyota Grand Highlander.

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

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Toyota Grand 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 Grand Highlander.

Powertrain
The Mazda CX-50 has much lower torque than the Toyota Grand 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 Grand Highlander. The Mazda CX-50 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Toyota Grand Highlander.