2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The test vehicle, a new Carbon Turbo trim, featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Mazda introduced improvements such as better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a range of trims with prices starting at $29,300, plus a destination charge, and the Turbo models ranged from $37,000 to $40,600. The Carbon Turbo test vehicle, with additional features, had an MSRP of $39,355, offering an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, available in two trims, the base 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser, showcased a blend of retro and modern styling. The base model, priced at $58,195, featured a retro look with basic equipment, while the Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, offered a more sophisticated appearance with additional off-roading capabilities. The test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, had a price of $71,004, including destination charges. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser provided a comfortable and technologically advanced interior, though it lacked some desirable features like a power-down rear window.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. Despite its power, the CX-5 Turbo required a gradual acceleration approach for optimal performance. Its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an observed 22.9 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The CX-5 offered excellent visibility and maneuverability, with a re-tuned suspension for a smoother ride and standard all-wheel drive. It handled well on various terrains, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It offered a full-time 4WD system with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg, the observed fuel economy was 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, but struggled with handling on twisty roads. It provided a comfortable ride in urban settings and was capable of tackling challenging terrains with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable interior with standard heated front seats and leather upholstery on most trims. The rear seats provided good support, though the interior space was smaller compared to other compact SUVs. The CX-5 had a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cabin design and quality were impressive, resembling a luxury vehicle, though storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially with the Premium Package, featured comfortable front seats with real leather and a power sunroof. However, the second-row seats lacked support, and the running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 82.1 cubic feet, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured traditional switchgear for various controls, with a 10.25-inch display for infotainment. While Mazda preferred non-touchscreen systems, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a large knob and buttons for navigation. Mazda Connected Services offered remote features and a 10-speaker Bose sound system in higher trims, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded its technology with two 12.3-inch displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included five connected service plans and a cloud-based navigation system with a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology, providing a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added features like front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.