2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this tough persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any terrain. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might find its retro charm appealing, others could mistake it for a well-maintained used vehicle. The interior materials, including hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, were typical for off-road vehicles, prioritizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxurious aura with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium look, which extended to the interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather upholstery. Despite some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, the CX-90's cabin felt upscale. The vehicle's design was sophisticated, though it lacked some modern tech features like a touchscreen infotainment system, relying instead on a knob and button interface. Nevertheless, the CX-90's overall design and materials were impressive, offering a sense of luxury and refinement.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance, especially in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and noticeable body roll during cornering. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in a bouncy ride on highways and an unsettling amount of nosedive during hard braking.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, offered a more refined powertrain with its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine. In the 3.3 Turbo models, it produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered up to 340 horsepower with premium gas. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, providing better driving dynamics. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, though the drivetrain lacked refinement, especially when cold. The vehicle's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. Despite some issues with drivetrain behavior and noise isolation, the CX-90 offered a satisfying driving experience, particularly in Normal mode.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was functional but dated, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench height. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers were unique features, and the 4Runner's 5,000-pound towing capacity was adequate for small campers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, though rear-facing child seats could be a tight fit. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet. Storage options were also sparse, with a focus on style over practicality. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, but the lack of underfloor storage was a missed opportunity.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system was basic, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving, and the system lacked off-road-specific apps. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often obscured the sound quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual to fully utilize the 4Runner's capabilities.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented in a traditional manner, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform relying on a knob and button interface. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the head-up display offered helpful data. However, the lack of a conversational digital voice assistant was a drawback.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner came with a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, but some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for crash tests. It offered a comprehensive list of standard driver aids, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature could be irritating. The blind-spot monitoring system was particularly helpful, despite the abundance of warning chimes.