2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged edge with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with a standard black grille and available 20-inch wheels, created an appealing exterior. The interior of the CX-50 was equally impressive, featuring black leather with caramel stitching and a driver-focused design. Despite a few design quirks, such as a conspicuous air vent, the cabin offered quality materials and a polished finish.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each trim level paid homage to past models, with the heritage grille and round headlights echoing earlier series. The Land Cruiser's modern updates included LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a range of seating materials, from cloth to real leather, with heated front seats standard across all trims. The cabin emphasized comfort and capability, with features like a heated steering wheel and a Premium Package that added a moonroof and ventilated seats. The Land Cruiser's interior design focused on practicality, with easy access to off-road controls and a center console cool box for added convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different preferences. The 2.5 S model featured a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This version promised a fuel-efficient 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant provided up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel type. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. Despite its firm ride quality, the CX-50 excelled in various driving conditions, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control technology and multiple drive modes.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, introduced a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor. This combination produced an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Land Cruiser featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select, automatic limited-slip differential, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The updated CRAWL control function provided precise low-speed control over challenging terrain, making the Land Cruiser a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured a pleasant cabin environment. The CX-50's driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long journeys, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. Cargo space was adequate, with 31.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a two-row seating configuration, with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road controls, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The trunk included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model included an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display. Although Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display projected essential information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, which utilized a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. This system was particularly useful for off-road driving, providing a clear view of the terrain. The Land Cruiser's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base model offered an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims featured a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror for enhanced convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, given Mazda's track record. It came with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering capability, and active blind-spot monitoring. The top trim level offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by major safety organizations, but Toyota's reputation and the performance of its platform-mates provided some assurance. The Land Cruiser came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive, offering peace of mind for drivers.