2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which set it apart in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and understated styling gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of entry-level luxury SUVs. Despite not having undergone a redesign since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs provided a more intuitive and tactile experience. The interior's soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics contributed to a premium feel, comparable to older Acura or Lexus models.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more rugged and utilitarian design, with a nod to its heritage. The base 1958 model featured retro styling with round headlights and basic equipment, while the more upscale Land Cruiser trim provided a modern look with additional color options and a more refined interior. The Land Cruiser's cabin was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and a focus on functionality. The Premium Package added leather upholstery and advanced technology, enhancing the overall experience. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Land Cruiser's interior was comfortable, though the second-row seats lacked support. The cargo space was generous, but the high load floor required some effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker, achieving the same speed in approximately 6 seconds. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics and responsive handling made it enjoyable to drive, though the firmer ride quality was noticeable on rough surfaces. The cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, with real-world testing showing 15.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 23 mpg estimate. Despite this, it offered a powerful and responsive driving experience, especially in urban and off-road settings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. While rear headroom was sufficient for adults, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered slightly more. The CX-5 provided better rear legroom than the RAV4, but the Honda CR-V and Sportage offered more space overall. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats was 30.8 cubic feet, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area was wide and flat, but competitors offered more space for larger items. The CX-5 featured moderately sized storage compartments and a wireless charging pad in midlevel trims.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was utilitarian, with SofTex artificial leather upholstery in the upgraded model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo capacity was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items. The Land Cruiser's interior was functional, but some design choices limited its practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the center console. This setup allowed for easy operation while driving, with logical menus and quick selections. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity in midrange trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt slightly outdated, but a head-up display was standard in higher trims. The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered advanced technology, with two 12.3-inch displays in the upgraded model. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Land Cruiser's technology was comprehensive, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, earning five stars in most NHTSA evaluations and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, with no false alarms or technical glitches during testing.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser's safety systems were generally effective, though some features required manual intervention in certain situations. The NHTSA awarded the Land Cruiser an overall rating of four stars, with mixed results in specific tests.