Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota 4Runner contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota 4Runner.
When we compare the Mazda CX-5's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and overall quality score. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-5's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $25,750 to $37,887 while a used 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $44,468 to $64,882. For a new model, the Mazda CX-5's price is between $31,061 and $41,347, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $44,467 and $62,637.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-5 loses 42.4 percent of its value and the Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 12.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.5 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 4 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 278 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota 4Runner are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-5 has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31061 - 41347
Starting MSRP:
29050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44467 - 62637
Starting MSRP:
40770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30175
Price Range:
25750 - 37887
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
54640
Price Range:
44468 - 64882
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12425
Depreciation %:
0.42771385
Resale Value $:
16625
Residual Value %:
0.57228615
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12447
Depreciation %:
0.30530799
Resale Value $:
28323
Residual Value %:
0.69469201
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.263
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.587
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5563369845389827
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4967415681961866
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
317 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
48.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
90.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3679 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4455 lbs
Width:
78 inches
Height:
72.6 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Platinum Quartz Metallic
White
Rhodium White Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Heritage Blue
Gray
Underground
White
Ice Cap
Red
Supersonic Red
Silver
Cutting Edge
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Boulder
