If you’re searching for an ideal compact SUV to match your active lifestyle, the Mazda CX5 and Toyota RAV4 emerge as standout options. Both vehicles deliver enjoyable drives, efficient fuel usage, generous cargo space, cutting-edge safety technologies, and an extensive array of standard features. Yet, depending on your requirements, one may align better with your preferences. This Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 analysis explores distinctions between these SUVs to aid you in determining the more fitting option for your needs.
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Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 Comparison
The competition between these two SUVs is very tight. Navigate the SUV market confidently with our detailed breakdown of Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4. Uncover performance, safety, and practical insights before making your buying decision.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 Engine Options
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, pumping out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The power goes to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system is elective.
The four-banger exhibits good competence in city and highway driving, achieving a respectable zero-to-60 time of 8 seconds. However, this engine generates noticeable noise, particularly during aggressive acceleration. The transmission consistently delivers prompt and seamless shifts.
The 2024 CX5 is equipped with a four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. While the engine displays liveliness and eagerness, its enthusiasm diminishes at higher speeds, posing challenges for passing maneuvers. The elevated trim levels feature an enhanced turbo-four engine churning out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with standard gasoline or 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. This upgraded engine provides additional power, ensuring effortless passing experiences.
Furnished with the standard engine, the CX-5 demonstrates a zero-to-60-mph acceleration of approximately 8.9 seconds, as per Mazda’s specifications. Opting for the turbo-four option shortens that duration to 7.3 seconds.
Our analysis: The engine evaluation indicates the entry-level RAV4 surpasses the CX-5 in power, yet the latter is equipped with a standard All-Wheel-Drive system, enhancing its suitability as a reliable family vehicle in challenging snowy and slippery conditions.
Certainly, choosing a more potent turbo engine for the latest CX5 will significantly elevate its price.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Gas Mileage
Anticipated fuel efficiency figures for the 2024 RAV4 are favorable. The closely resembling 2023 RAV4 LE boasts an EPA-estimated 27mpg city and 35mpg highway (27/34 mpg with all-wheel drive). Projections for the remaining models in the lineup span from 25 to 27 mpg city and 32 to 35 mpg highway.
Equipped with the standard engine, the 2024 CX-5 achieves 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Opting for the turbo-four reduces these figures to 22/27 mpg city/highway.
Our analysis: When evaluating the fuel economy of these compact SUVs, the RAV4 emerges as the superior choice once again.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 Ride and Handling
The RAV4 offers a user-friendly driving experience and exhibits decent maneuverability for an SUV, although it doesn’t rank as the most sporty choice in its category. Its suspension effectively absorbs most road irregularities, providing stability during turns. However, the steering lacks some responsiveness, contributing to a tendency to drift slightly on the highway. While the RAV4 copes well with slippery or gravel-covered roads, it falls short as a top contender for serious off-road excursions.
In a segment characterized by relatively mild driving characteristics, the CX-5 stands out as a prime example of blending enjoyment with practicality. Its handling is finely tuned, steering is precise, and the ride is both comfortable and controlled.
Our analysis: Exceptional cornering ability and stability across various conditions set it apart from many competitors, establishing the CX-5 as the top performer in the ride and handling realm.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Towing Capacity
Most RAV4 variants boast a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds with the right setup. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants are endorsed for towing weights of up to 3,500 pounds. In contrast, the CX-5, when appropriately configured, has the ability to tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds.
Our analysis: Evidently, the towing capability of the 2024 RAV4 surpasses that of the 2024 CX-5.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – IIHS and NHSTA Ratings
The safety evaluation for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resulted in a 5-star overall rating. It achieved five stars in the side crash test and four stars in both the frontal crash and rollover tests.
The 2024 model has not undergone crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, its predecessor, the 2023 RAV4, which is nearly identical, was designated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The headlights received a favorable rating for road illumination, and the standard front crash prevention systems of the RAV4 also received high marks.
The 2024 CX5 hasn’t undergone crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2024 CX-5 received an overall safety rating of five stars, achieving five stars in frontal and side crash tests and 4 stars in the rollover examination.
Our analysis: In terms of safety, both SUVs demonstrate strong performance, making either a reliable choice.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Interior
The interior of the 2024 RAV4 cabin boasts a straightforward, contemporary design, with the majority of internal components being of superior quality. Progressing through different trim levels introduces more refined materials, yet the cabins across all RAV4 models exhibit a comparable aesthetic. Although not the most opulent interior within its category, it delivers a blend of comfort and resilience.
The RAV4 comes furnished with a user-friendly entertainment system. The standard configuration incorporates an 8-inch touchscreen with an option for a 10.5-inch display. Both screens showcase clear graphics and easily navigable menu structures, responding promptly. The screen features numerous shortcut icons, complemented by physical buttons and knobs. Additionally, there’s the voice command function, colloquially known as “Hey Toyota,” offering practical assistance while on the road.
The RAV4 offers an impressive amount of storage space for a compact SUV, providing 37.6 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet when these seats are folded. It allows ample space for multiple carry-on bags or larger items such as a bicycle. The standard configuration includes a manual liftgate, with optional upgrades to a power liftgate or a hands-free power liftgate.
The 2024 CX5 doesn’t compromise on interior excellence. It boasts premium materials, gentle-to-the-touch surfaces, and tastefully crafted details, rivaling many entry-level luxury vehicles in material and design quality—remarkable considering its price point.
In contrast to many of its current rivals, the CX-5 avoids employing a touchscreen in its infotainment setup. However, it recently incorporated limited touch functionality compatible solely with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead, the main control for the display relies on a rotary knob, which could pose a distraction while driving. Nevertheless, the navigation remains straightforward and reasonably user-friendly.
With 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, the CX-5 falls slightly short compared to some prominent competitors. Nonetheless, it remains functional.
Our analysis: The Mazda CX-5 should be your top choice in the SUV hunt for a contemporary compact SUV packed with user-friendly interior features. This five-passenger SUV showcases a sophisticated interior housing the robust Mazda Connect™ entertainment system, controlled via a sizable central digital screen and a command control knob.
Equipped with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can stay linked while driving your Mazda CX5. Voice control is also available, along with Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio functionality, and a navigation system that can be embedded if desired.
Explore your preferred applications effortlessly and select your favorite music playlists using the expansive 10.25-inch vibrant screen, then enjoy the melodies with the Bose® 10-speaker surround sound system at your disposal. Everything you desire is seamlessly integrated into the 2024 Mazda CX-5.
In comparison, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 provides comparable functionalities to those found in the latest Mazda CX5. However, the interior and technological aspects of the Toyota model lack certain user-friendly and high-end qualities that are prominently showcased within each 2024 Mazda CX5.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Dimensions and Seating
Examine the interior dimensions of the Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX5, and you’ll find distinctive advantages in the Mazda SUV. Notably, the recently unveiled Mazda CX-5 features a total passenger space of 103.6 cubic feet and 39.6 inches of second-row legroom, ensuring comfort for rear-seat adults. These metrics stand out compared to the 2024 Toyota RAV4, with only 98.9 cubic feet of passenger space and 37.8 inches of second-row legroom.
Our Analysis: The interior of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 showcases premium materials and incorporates the practicality of a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. Opting for the Toyota RAV4 means settling for a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, offering less versatility for accommodating both your crew and cargo.
Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Safety & Reliability
Safety is a department where these compact SUV models’ proficiency is evident, equipped with standard advanced driver-assistance systems and a safety suite.
Opt for a Mazda CX 5 crossover SUV to discover cutting-edge i-Activsense® driver-assistance functionalities, such as:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System
- Smart Braking System
- Lane-Departure Warning
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Driver Attention Alert
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with comparable safety technology thanks to its standard incorporation of the Toyota Safety Sense suite.
In terms of dependability, both recently released SUVs exhibit a noteworthy predicted score. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 showcases an 82/100 Quality & Reliability rating from J.D. Power, categorized as an excellent rating according to the organization’s standards. Correspondingly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 boasts an impressive 81/100 rating, while the current assessment for the 2024 model stands at 76/100.
J.D. Power’s evaluation of Quality & Reliability gauges the instances of defects, design shortcomings, and malfunctions encountered by vehicle owners across the entire automotive spectrum, encompassing the powertrain and infotainment system. A higher numerical value denotes a reduced incidence of reported issues.
2024 Toyota RAV4
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 |
| Torque | 184 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain: | FWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 3,500 pounds |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway): | 27/35 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2024 Mazda CX 5
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 |
| Torque | 186 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain: | AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 2,000 pounds |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway): | 24/30 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 59.3 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX5 – FAQs
