Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-5 2015 Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2014

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Mazda CX-5 (2015) vs. Toyota Highlander (2014) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2014 Toyota Highlander specs.

2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2014 Toyota Highlander Specifications

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

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Mazda CX-5

2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Mazda CX-5

2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Toyota Highlander

2014 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Toyota Highlander

2014 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 
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