2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was less jarring, with a metallic styling element creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for reduced distraction, but the Bronze Edition's light grey fabric upholstery seemed impractical for families, attracting dirt and stains.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes. The CX-50's standard black grille and available 20-inch wheels added to its appeal. The interior boasted a driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. Despite a few design quirks, like the off-center air vent, the CX-50 maintained a cohesive and attractive appearance, both inside and out.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD, with optional AWD. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than its gasoline-only counterparts. The hybrid powertrain offered a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was soft, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps, providing a quiet cabin on highways.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. The turbo model increased towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's turbo engine delivered smooth acceleration without turbo lag, and its G-Vectoring Control technology ensured natural vehicle behavior across different drive modes. The ride was firmer, suitable for off-road adventures, and the CX-50 handled like a modern station wagon with a higher ride height, offering up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins for personal items. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining options, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided comfortable front seats with heating and ventilation options, and a roomy back seat with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage was adequate, though some opportunities were missed. The power rear liftgate revealed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, with a long load floor but narrow width. Maximum cargo space was 56.3 cubic feet, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50's lower roofline.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, with navigation and a JBL audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch screen. Mazda Connect's interface was not touchscreen-friendly, but touch control was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-50 also offered a Bose 12-speaker sound system and an Active Driving Display with useful blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems needed fine-tuning, such as the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features on the Turbo Premium Plus trim. The adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, suggesting a need for improved sensitivity.