Toyota 4Runner vs Mazda CX-5: Which SUV Fits Your Life at Car Nation Canada Direct?
- Rick Paletta
- Dec 1
- 6 min read
If you’re shopping used SUVs around Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville, it’s totally normal to be torn between something rugged like a Toyota 4Runner and something refined like a Mazda CX-5.
One is an old-school, body-on-frame off-roader that can tow and conquer cottage roads. The other is a stylish, fuel-efficient crossover that shines in everyday commuting. Both show up regularly in the used inventory at Car Nation Canada Direct, so which one actually makes sense for your life?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
Key Takeaways
Toyota 4Runner
True body-on-frame SUV with serious off-road hardware and up to 6,000 lb of towing in newer models when properly equipped.
Newer 4Runners use a 2.4L turbo-four with available hybrid power up to 326 hp, staying focused on durability and trail capability.
Thirsty on fuel and big to park, but brilliant for cottage life, toys, trailers, and bad roads.
Mazda CX-5
Car-based compact crossover with standard AWD (in recent Canadian models), tuned for sporty handling and comfort, not hardcore off-road.
2.5L four-cylinder engine, with available turbo making up to 256 hp on premium fuel.
Typical towing up to 2,000 lb (≈910 kg), ideal for small trailers but not heavy toys.
Fuel economy: CX-5 is clearly more efficient and easier on the wallet. The 4Runner trades fuel use for capability.
At Car Nation Canada Direct, you can cross-shop used Toyota 4Runner and used Mazda CX-5 side-by-side:
Used Toyota 4Runner in Burlington
Used Mazda CX-5 in Burlington
Who Are These SUVs Really For?
Think less about the badges and more about how you actually live.
Toyota 4Runner: Adventure, Towing, and Tough Conditions
The 4Runner is for drivers who:
Go up to the cottage on rough access roads
Tow campers, boats, sled trailers, or side-by-sides regularly
Want a vehicle they can take off-road without worrying
The latest generation sticks with a ladder frame chassis, serious 4WD systems and off-road tech like Multi-Terrain Select and crawl control in many trims.
Mazda CX-5: Commuting, Family Life, and City Use
The CX-5 works best for:
Daily commuting between Burlington, Hamilton, and the GTA
Small families that need two rows and a decent cargo area
Drivers who care more about comfort, fuel costs, and parking than rock-crawling
Mazda has built the CX-5 around car-like handling, a premium-feeling cabin, and standard AWD on recent Canadian models, making it perfect for year-round use without the truck-like feel.
Power & Capability: Muscle vs Balance
Toyota 4Runner – Built to Haul and Climb
New-generation 4Runners use:
2.4L turbo four-cylinder (i-FORCE) with around 278 hp
Available i-FORCE MAX hybrid with up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque
Towing:
New models are rated for up to 6,000 lb (≈2,720 kg) when properly equipped.
Even many older, V6 4Runners in the used market are rated around 5,000 lb (≈2,270 kg).
This is the SUV you buy if you’re regularly towing something significant and you value durability over efficiency.
You can cross-check official specs on Toyota 4Runner – Toyota Canada.
Mazda CX-5 – Just Enough Capability for Real Life
Engines (recent Canadian models):
2.5L non-turbo: ~187 hp, good everyday performance
2.5L turbo: up to 256 hp on premium fuel, 227 hp on regular
Towing:
Most CX-5s are rated up to 2,000 lb (≈910 kg), enough for a small utility trailer or light camper, but not a large boat or car hauler.
The CX-5 is more about secure AWD traction, nimble handling, and comfort, with “nice to have” light-duty towing on the side.
Full details are on Mazda CX-5 specs – Mazda Canada.
Fuel Economy: Where CX-5 Wins Big
4Runner: Capability First, Efficiency Second
Early ratings for the latest 4Runner suggest:
Gas models around 22 mpg combined
Hybrids around 23 mpg combined
That’s roughly 10–11 L/100 km combined, depending on spec and driving.
When towing, real-world owners see consumption rise sharply — pulling even a mid-weight trailer can feel like dragging a parachute.
CX-5: Designed to Sip, Not Gulp
For recent CX-5s:
Non-turbo models can reach about 26/30 mpg (city/highway) in U.S. tests, roughly 8–9 L/100 km combined in Canadian terms.
Turbo versions use a bit more, but still much less than a body-on-frame SUV.
If your daily life is mostly commuting, errands, and occasional trips, the CX-5 will usually cost you much less in fuel than a 4Runner.
Space, Comfort & Everyday Use
Toyota 4Runner – Big, Tall, and Tough
What it does well:
High seating position and big glass area for a commanding view
Boxy cargo area that’s perfect for camping gear, coolers, and bulky items
Available third row in some trims, though it’s better for kids than adults
Trade-offs:
Feels larger and heavier in city traffic
Ride can be firmer and more truck-like versus crossovers
Interior design on older models can feel dated compared with modern SUVs
Mazda CX-5 – Comfortable, Upscale, and Easy to Park
Strengths:
Two roomy rows for four adults, with a fifth seat for shorter trips
Cargo area around 29–30 cu ft (≈820–850 L) behind the seats, about 58–60 cu ft (≈1,640–1,700 L) with them folded, depending on model year.
One of the most premium-feeling interiors in the mainstream compact SUV segment, especially in higher trims with leather and nicer trim.
In busy Burlington or downtown Hamilton parking garages, the CX-5’s smaller footprint makes life much easier than a full-sized, body-on-frame SUV.
Tech, Safety & Driving Feel
Both vehicles can come with modern safety and tech depending on year and trim, but they have very different personalities.
4Runner
Prioritizes durability and off-road systems (locking diffs, terrain modes) over cutting-edge infotainment.
Newer models include Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features, adding modern collision-avoidance and adaptive cruise to the mix.
Drives like what it is: a rugged truck-based SUV.
CX-5
Tuned to feel sporty and responsive, often praised as the “driver’s choice” among compact crossovers.
Modern infotainment with large screens, though some reviewers find Mazda’s interface a bit fiddly in certain years.
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety tech (blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, etc.) is widely available.
If you want something that feels light on its feet for daily driving, the CX-5 wins. If you want something that feels unstoppable on rough roads, that’s the 4Runner.
Which One Sounds More Like You?
Choose a Toyota 4Runner if…
You tow a boat, medium-size camper, or sled trailer regularly.
Weekend plans usually involve trails, cottage roads, or snow-covered side roads.
You’re okay trading fuel economy and manoeuvrability for long-term toughness and capability.
Start by seeing what’s in stock under used Toyota 4Runner in Burlington and similar rugged SUVs in the full used inventory.
Choose a Mazda CX-5 if…
You mostly drive paved roads and head to the cottage a few times a year.
You want good fuel economy, standard AWD and a comfortable commute.
You appreciate a more premium, car-like interior without luxury-brand pricing.
You can compare options under used Mazda CX-5 in Burlington or browse broader used Mazda deals.
Shopping 4Runner & CX-5 at Car Nation Canada Direct
Car Nation Canada Direct is a pre-owned superstore in Burlington with a big mix of SUVs, crossovers, and trucks from many brands, including Toyota and Mazda.
When you shop here, you can:
Browse hundreds of used vehicles online via the used inventory.
Use CarFinder if you’re hunting for a very specific 4Runner trim or CX-5 year/colour combo and don’t see it today.
Shop 24/7 from home with their online car shopping tools, including delivery options in many cases.
Check real customer feedback on the reviews page.
Put faces to the names on the Meet the Team page before you visit.
Financing is available for all kinds of credit situations, with approvals on approved credit (O.A.C.), and Car Nation Canada Direct specifically calls out support for shoppers with challenging credit.
When you’re ready:
Use Get Directions to plan the drive to the Burlington lot.
Or send a quick note through Contact Us to book a test drive in both a 4Runner and a CX-5 back-to-back.
Quick FAQ: Toyota 4Runner vs Mazda CX-5
1. Which is better on gas?
Mazda CX-5, by a wide margin.Expect roughly 8–9 L/100 km combined in many CX-5 models, versus around 10–11 L/100 km in newer 4Runners (and often worse when towing).
2. Which tows more?
Toyota 4Runner wins easily:
Up to 6,000 lb when properly equipped on newer models
CX-5: typically up to 2,000 lb depending on year and spec.
3. Which is more comfortable for daily commuting?
For most people, CX-5:
Softer, more refined car-like ride
Easier to park and live with in city traffic
More modern cabin in many trims
The 4Runner is fine as a daily driver, but you’re always aware you’re in a large, truck-based SUV.
4. Is a 4Runner overkill if I don’t tow or off-road?
Usually, yes.
If you rarely leave pavement and don’t tow heavy trailers, a CX-5 (or similar crossover) will typically be cheaper to own, easier to park, and nicer on fuel, while still handling Canadian winters thanks to AWD.
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