Model Year | 2015 | 2014 | |
Model | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 109.8 in | -3.5 in |
Length | 178.7 in | 191.1 in | -12.4 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 75.8 in | -3.4 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 68.1 in | -2.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3532 lb. | 4454 lb. | -922 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -4.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 40.7 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 59.3 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 57.2 in | -2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.0 in | 44.2 in | -3.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.0 in | 39.9 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 59.6 in | -4.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 57.1 in | -3.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.3 in | 38.4 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.9 in | -35.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.6 in | -45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 27.7 in | -27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 80.3 in (over 2 rows) | 110.3 in (over 3 rows) | -30 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.1 ft3 | 13.8 ft3 | 20.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 34.1 | 42.3 ft3 | -8.2 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 64.8 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -18.9 ft3 |
2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
There's no clear winner in rear seat room and comfort, either. The Mazda's rear seat is mounted a little lower than the Toyota's, and when sitting in it my knees are considerably closer (if still not close) to the front seat backs. Also, the Toyota's rear seat reclines, while the Mazda's does not. Neither car has air vents in the rear passenger compartment, but the RAV4 has a large vent high on the instrument panel apparently intended to push cool air into the rear seat via the ceiling. To counter these RAV4 advantages, the CX-5 offers about five inches more rear hip room. So three passengers will fit more comfortably. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2015 | 4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Soon after I bought the Mazda, I did an 8 hour trip in it. I found the seat comfort to be most satisfactory. I had no trouble finding a comfortable driving position using the power seat, and, the lumbar support. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While recently shopping for a new car for the first time in over 10 years, I found that driver's seats are now made with high sides. For me, a 5'1" female driver, this makes it a bit awkward getting in and out. Combined with the higher ground clearance of a compact SUV, it's not the ideal setup. The Mazda CX-5 is not as bad as others, but it's still an issue. see full Mazda CX-5 review |
2014 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2014 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review |