2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more rugged and utilitarian design, with two trim levels available. The base model, named the 1958, paid homage to the year the Land Cruiser was first sold in the US, featuring a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment. The more upscale Land Cruiser model boasted a modern appearance, a nicer interior, and critical off-roading hardware. The Premium Package added leather, more tech, and a Heritage Blue paint option. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road capabilities and interior space, while the interior featured utilitarian switchgear and a Java-colored leather option for added contrast.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, although it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The hybrid powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offering a smart choice given Toyota's expertise in hybrid technology. The CX-50 Hybrid filled the gap between the 187hp base engine and the 256hp Turbo models. Acceleration was expected to be similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, reaching 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds. The sportier suspension tuning provided engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was equipped with Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, transferred through a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and featured off-roading capabilities such as Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its tires and suspension tuning. Despite this, the Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road environments, offering a powerful and responsive driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to competitors. While the front seats provided ample room, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but rivals offered more storage options. The CX-50's cargo capacity was 29.2 cubic feet, which was below the class average. However, the space was usable, and features like a power liftgate and remote rear seatback releases added convenience.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser provided a more spacious interior, especially when upgrading from the 1958 model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a maximum of 82.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. However, the high load floor height required some effort when loading heavy items. The interior featured SofTex artificial leather, with real leather available in the Premium Package, along with a power sunroof.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system controlled by a dial on the center console. While it lacked some modern touchscreen functionality, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added a wireless charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, when upgraded from the 1958 model, featured two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. It came with driver assistance features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars in rollover resistance.