Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
Two of the nation’s most desirable compact crossovers go head to head in our battle between the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5.
Two Well Known SUVs Face-off
The Toyota RAV4 has long been one of the very best compact SUVs in the space and it’s available in just about every flavor one could ask for. The Mazda CX-5 only arrived as a rival for the RAV4 and has since vaulted itself into the conversation. Now, the two go head to head in a battle where we consider all of the most important features of each.
Specs
The Mazda CX-5 comes in eight different trims and the base starts at just $30,675. The top trim will cost at least $41,975. Two different 2.5-liter engines are available including one with a turbocharger and one without. Each one uses the same six-speed automatic gearbox and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The base CX-5 engine makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque while the turbocharged version is capable of up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The former gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The latter claims 24 mpg in the city as well but sees a penalty on the highway where it gets only 27 mpg.
The Toyota RAV4 starts at $30,025 but can be as much as $48,910. Lower-end models come standard with a 203 hp four-cylinder engine that develops 184 lb-ft of torque and sends it to the front wheels only via an eight-speed transmission. It’ll get up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway.
In addition, Toyota offers an electrified 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 219 hp. It comes standard with AWD and a continuously variable transmission and gets 41 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. Finally, a plug-in hybrid, the RAV4 Prime is also available and it makes 302 hp while offering 42 miles of all-electric range.
Driving and Performance
As we pointed out in our original review of the 2024 Mazda CX-5, few cars in this segment drive as well as it does. It’s sharp, it’s responsive, and it corners like a car much smaller than it really is. That said, the base engine isn’t going to win any awards or quicken your pulse. It’s good enough for everyday driving but we’d suggest going for the turbo model if your wallet can handle it.
Those who have that engine under the hood will benefit from an eager powertrain and a chassis that rewards passionate driving with high-level engagement. In terms of ride comfort, the CX-5 feels highly refined. It’s comfortable, well-damped, and quiet in the cabin too.
What the Mazda doesn’t have is a hybrid engine or a fuel-sipping one when compared to the RAV4. In fact, every RAV4 engine makes more power than the base Mazda CX-5. Sadly, that doesn’t automatically make it more engaging as the Toyota suffers from a chassis and steering setup that’s prone to body roll and numbness.
The mid-level hybrid engine is slightly quicker and far more responsive but the continuously variable transmission is prone to drone. Finally, the Prime sort of steps away from the rest of the RAV4 family with sincerely good performance and more stable handling.
Like the Mazda, the RAV4 is comfortable on the road and even smoother on poor pavement. The cabin doesn’t sound as insulated though. Unlike the Mazda, Toyota offers an off-road-focused version of the RAV4 dubbed the TRD Off-Road. It’s got a lift, is louder on the road and less fun during a commute but hey, it can do some soft roading.
Comfort and Interior
One of our favorite features of any Mazda is its upscale interior. The CX-5 is no different despite it being many years removed from a big update. The dash is elegant and clean with numerous soft-touch materials and minimal plastics. We also love the feeling of the switchgear itself. The seats are firm and give off a feeling of quality.
It’s hard not to feel bad for whomever might end up in the second-row center seat though as the cushioning design is likely to have them sliding into each of the outboard passengers. Finally, the CX-5 offers 29.1 cubic feet of storage space in the cargo area. That’s not bad, but it’s not as good as the RAV4.
Speaking of the RAV4, it offers 33.5 cubic feet of storage in the cargo area but that’s an afterthought for most buyers. What they want is value for money and the RAV4 offers that to a degree. Lower-end trims feel a bit cheap due to the overuse of plastic and the generally generic feeling design of the cabin. The dash doesn’t have the character of the Mazda and that’s true even of the expensive versions of the RAV4. Still, those who want fancy features can still get them including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and faux leather upholstery.
Trims and Features
The Mazda comes in eight trim levels kicking off with the Select. It comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.3-inch infotainment system. Next is the Preferred with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a hands-free liftgate. The Carbon Edition is next with 19-inch wheels, gray paint, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Premium also gets 19-inch wheels but includes upgraded headlights, two additional driving modes, and a larger digital gauge cluster. The Premium Plus is the top non-turbo trim and it features a heated steering wheel, a wireless device charger, and a 10-speaker sound system.
The base Turbo version, the Carbon Turbo is nearly identical to the Premium Plus but gets dark accents. Next is the Turbo Premium with black trim with red interior stitching. Finally, the Turbo Signature has a surround-view camera system, silver wheels, integrated navigation, and real wood interior trim.
Toyota starts the RAV4 lineup with the LE. It gets the base engine (the hybrid is optional), 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an 8-inch infotainment system. Next is the XLE. It comes standard with alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a household-style power outlet. The XLE Premium is third in the lineup and comes with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and faux leather upholstery.
The SE gets a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and projector-style headlights. The RAV4 adventure is unique due to its 19-inch wheels, fender flares, and hill-descent control. The Woodland edition is only available as a hybrid and gets bronze wheels, an off-road-tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Limited trim is posh with 19-inch wheels, a 10.5-inch infotainment system, and 11 speakers. The XSE is a hybrid only and gets two-tone paint, heated front seats, and faux-leather upholstery.
The TRD Off-Road is only available with the 203 hp engine and comes with a 10.5-inch infotainment screen and the same off-road features as the Woodland. The Prime SE goes back to the SE trim details but gets the PHEV drivetrain. The Prime XSE gets 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, and a 12.3-inch driver information display.
The Verdict
Interestingly, when we rated these cars separately they each scored a nine out of ten in terms of overall value. That’s significant because in every other category, powertrain, interior, and tech, the Mazda won hands down. What helped the Toyota keep up in the value category is the fact that it comes with two years of free maintenance, is generally more fuel efficient, and comes in more flavors than the Mazda. Ultimately though, we’d get the CX-5 and spring for the turbo version as it’s far more fun to drive, more technologically advanced, and feels far more luxurious inside.
