Toyota rav4 vs. mazda cx-5: the ultimate comparison guide for crossover buyers

The Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of practicality, style, and performance, making them excellent choices for families and individuals alike. However, there are some key differences between the two models that potential buyers should consider before making a decision.

Exterior Design

The RAV4 and CX-5 have distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective brands’ design philosophies. The RAV4 has a more rugged and utilitarian look, with a bold front grille and angular lines. The CX-5, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sophisticated appearance, with a flowing roofline and sharp creases.

Interior Design and Features

Inside, the RAV4 and CX-5 offer spacious and well-equipped cabins. The RAV4 has a more traditional interior design, with a large center console and a high seating position. The CX-5’s interior is more modern and upscale, with a minimalist dashboard and a floating infotainment screen.

Both vehicles offer a range of standard and optional features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. However, the CX-5 offers a few more advanced features than the RAV4, such as a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control.

Powertrain and Performance

The RAV4 and CX-5 are both available with a variety of powertrain options. The RAV4 offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, while the CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower. Both vehicles are also available with a hybrid powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

In terms of performance, the RAV4 has a slight edge over the CX-5 in terms of acceleration and top speed. However, the CX-5 offers better fuel economy, especially with the hybrid powertrain.

Handling and Ride Quality

The RAV4 and CX-5 both offer responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The RAV4 has a slightly firmer suspension, which provides better handling at the expense of ride comfort. The CX-5 has a softer suspension, which provides a more comfortable ride but may not be as responsive in corners.

Safety

Both the RAV4 and CX-5 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera.

The CX-5 offers a few more advanced safety features than the RAV4, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Price and Value

The RAV4 and CX-5 are both priced competitively in the compact SUV segment. The RAV4 starts at around $27,000, while the CX-5 starts at around $26,000.

In terms of value, both vehicles offer a lot for the money. The RAV4 has a more spacious interior and a more powerful engine, while the CX-5 offers a more upscale interior and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.

Which One is Right for You?

The RAV4 and CX-5 are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a combination of practicality, style, and performance. The RAV4 is a better choice for buyers who prioritize space and power, while the CX-5 is a better choice for buyers who prioritize style, fuel efficiency, and safety.

The Verdict: A Close Contest

The RAV4 and CX-5 are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The RAV4 is a more practical and powerful choice, while the CX-5 is a more stylish and fuel-efficient choice. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
The RAV4 has a larger cargo capacity than the CX-5, with 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The CX-5 has 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

2. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The RAV4 has a more powerful engine than the CX-5, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower. The CX-5 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower.

3. Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The CX-5 has a better fuel economy than the RAV4, especially with the hybrid powertrain. The CX-5 Hybrid gets up to 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the RAV4 Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.