One of the tougher questions facing sport-utility shoppers is hybrid versus non-hybrid models. It boils down to what the buyer will give up to get a better fuel economy. Usually, that means horsepower. Taking a closer look at the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and 2024 Toyota Venza can shed some light on the differences between a non-hybrid, the CX-5, and a hybrid, the Venza.
The results may surprise you, so let’s examine the pros and cons of these two SUVs.
2024 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 crossover offers room for five people with an appealing exterior that, despite not having been updated in several years, retains a contemporary look that’s very appealing.
The Japanese brand known for producing fuel-efficient vehicles ensures the CX-5 provides an excellent driving experience. Though it may handle various tasks, such as hauling people and cargo, daily commuting, etc., Mazda engineers made sure you can still have some fun behind the wheel.
With a 187-horsepower base engine, the Mazda CX-5 can be a bit of fun, but upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbo, putting out up to 256 hp, and now we’re talking about some real performance. Additionally, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Everything is pretty much where you’d want it as a driver, and the convenience and safety technology is excellent. Pricing begins at $30,720, including the destination fee.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
AWD: All Mazda CX-5 models come with all-wheel drive. Dubbed i-AWD, the system can send power to different wheels according to what’s needed at the moment. It can also revert to front-wheel drive for optimum fuel economy.
Powerful engine: Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine already puts out 187 hp, and on the right roads, it can be calibrated to be plenty of fun. But upgrading to the turbocharged version with premium fuel unlocks another 69 horses, which amps up the performance quite a bit. It’s also not an option on the Toyota Venza.
Special edition: Mazda adds its new Carbon Turbo package to the CX-5 lineup. The new setup comes with an exclusive exterior and interior color scheme. It’s polymetal gray metallic outside and black leather inside.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.
2024 Toyota Venza
A stylish 2-row crossover with room for five, the 2024 Venza comes standard with AWD, and it’s a hybrid. Looks, capability, and efficiency make it a must-see ute when comparison shopping in the segment.
Climbing into Venza’s cabin reveals a spacious, comfortable, premium interior. A 12.3-inch touchscreen ensures it’s clear where you’re going and what you’re listening to. With plush front seats and plenty of room for everyone, it’s easy to see why some might consider this rather than a RAV4, where fuel economy is just one mpg better.
It comes in four trim levels, starting with the LE and then, in ascending order, the XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited. There is only one engine choice, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid, so the higher trim levels get you more technology and convenience features. Pricing starts at $36,465, including destination fees.
Toyota Venza Highlights
It’s a hybrid: With outstanding fuel economy for a midsize crossover at 40 city/37 highway/39 combined, you’ll spend less on gas so that you can move up a trim level, perhaps. It’s efficiency that Mazda CX-5 buyers will only dream about.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: The brand’s impressive suite of safety technology comes as standard equipment, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection assistance. A “5-Star” rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only enhances its reputation for safety.
Seeing stars: Yes, plenty of crossovers have massive moonroofs, but they often come with a fussy screen to block out the light. Not so in the Venza with its Star Gaze fixed-glass roof. Want less light: it transforms from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venza models for sale near you.
Similarities
Plenty of room, good styling, and lots of safety and convenience technologies are all in the “pro” column for both the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Venza.
Conclusion
The Toyota Venza blows away the Mazda CX-5 in terms of power and fuel economy. It’s 11 mpg better combined and 14 mpg better in the city, courtesy of Venza’s standard hybrid powerplant. At the base level, the Venza also puts out 32 more hp. But you’re going to pay for it — nearly $6,000 more. However, you can turn the power deficit into a 29-hp surplus by upgrading to the turbocharged Mazda CX-5. So what do you want: fuel economy or performance? However, since this is the Venza’s final model year, you may be able to find a deal.
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Toyota Venza | |
| Starting Price | $30,720 | $36,465 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 219 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 163 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic/AWD | CVT, AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg | 40 city/37 highway/39 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/360,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 186.6 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 65.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.1/59.3 cubic feet | 28.8/55.1 cubic feet |
