Compare the2022 Toyota Highlander HybridVS 2021 Mazda CX-5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Highlander Hybrid are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Highlander Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the Highlander Hybrid’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-5 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Highlander Hybrid and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid weighs 505 to 1054 pounds more than the Mazda CX-5. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is safer than the Mazda CX-5:

	Highlander Hybrid	CX-5
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	55	81
Chest Movement	.3 inches	.5 inches
Abdominal Force	79 G’s	126 G’s
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	114	208
Spine Acceleration	37 G’s	65 G’s
Hip Force	152 lbs.	524 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	366	449

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Highlander Hybrid for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-5.

There are over 2 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Highlander Hybrid’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Highlander Hybrid third among upper midsize suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The CX-5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota 13th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 23rd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 14th.

Engine

The Highlander Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 56 more horsepower (243 vs. 187) than the CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is faster than the Mazda CX-5 4 cyl.:

	Highlander Hybrid	CX-5
Zero to 30 MPH	2.9 sec	3.1 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	8 sec	8.6 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	5.2 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	16.2 sec	16.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88 MPH	85 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Highlander Hybrid gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
Highlander Hybrid
	FWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	36 city/35 hwy
	AWD	LE 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/35 hwy
		2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/34 hwy
CX-5
	FWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	25 city/31 hwy
		2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/28 hwy
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy
		2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/27 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Highlander Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Highlander Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-5 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Highlander Hybrid has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.1 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Highlander Hybrid has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 AWD’s standard fuel tank (17.1 vs. 15.3 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Highlander Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-5 (5 to 7). This means the Highlander Hybrid produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-5 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Highlander Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Highlander Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-5:

	Highlander Hybrid	CX-5	CX-5 GT Reserve/Signature
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	11.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.3 inches	11.9 inches	11.9 inches

The Highlander Hybrid’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-5 are solid, not vented.

The Highlander Hybrid stops much shorter than the CX-5:

	Highlander Hybrid	CX-5
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	136 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Highlander Hybrid has larger tires than the CX-5 (235/65R18 vs. 225/65R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Highlander Hybrid LE/XLE/Bronze has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-5 Sport/Touring. The Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the CX-5 Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Highlander Hybrid’s wheelbase is 6 inches longer than on the CX-5 (112.2 inches vs. 106.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Highlander Hybrid is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-5.

The Highlander Hybrid’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (53% to 47%) than the CX-5’s (57% to 43%). This gives the Highlander Hybrid more stable handling and braking.

The Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD handles at .78 G’s, while the CX-5 Grand Touring AWD pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Highlander Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 (8 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the Highlander Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Highlander Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Highlander Hybrid has standard seating for 8 passengers; the CX-5 can only carry 5.

The Highlander Hybrid has 37.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-5 (141.3 vs. 103.6).

The Highlander Hybrid has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front legroom, 2 inches more front hip room, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 1.7 inches more rear hip room and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

Cargo Capacity

The Highlander Hybrid’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-5.

	Highlander Hybrid	CX-5
Third Seat Folded	48.4 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	30.9 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	84.3 cubic feet	59.6 cubic feet

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Highlander Hybrid. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Highlander Hybrid Bronze/Limited/Platinum’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Highlander Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-5’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds).

Standard Trailer Sway Control (TSC) on the Highlander Hybrid uses the Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

The power windows standard on both the Highlander Hybrid and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Highlander Hybrid is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Highlander Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the CX-5 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Highlander Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-5’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Highlander Hybrid to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Highlander Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-5 Grand Touring/Signature.

When the Highlander Hybrid Bronze/Limited/Platinum is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The CX-5’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Highlander Hybrid has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-5 Touring/Grand Touring/Signature/Carbon Edition.

Both the Highlander Hybrid and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Highlander Hybrid has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE/Bronze/Limited/Platinum has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The CX-5 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Highlander Hybrid Bronze/Limited/Platinum has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Highlander outsold the Mazda CX-5 by 55% during the 2021 model year.