Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5

RAV4

Pictured: RAV4 Off-Road in Cavalry Blue with Ice Edge Roof. MSRP as tested $42,700.

CX-5

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

RAV4

The RAV4 has been the nation's top-selling SUV for many years. It offers a wide range of trim levels and options, including hybrid and plug-in models, to appeal to different budgets. The RAV4 scores highly in safety and reliability and has good fuel economy, even in the gas engine types. If you're looking for a practical SUV that's built to last, you can't go wrong with RAV4.

The only issue you may encounter is finding one, especially if you want specific features. There's high demand for this vehicle, so you may need to order or wait to get exactly what you want.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

CX-5

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and high-end interiors. The Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., delivers on all those fronts. The CX-5 lineup, however, is not the most updated in terms of tech; missing features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that are offered by many segment competitors.

Despite our wish for a multimedia update, it's certainly not hard to see the CX-5's appeal. Its contemporary style, near luxury interior and sporty driving signature are all attractive propositions.

Mazda's unique Soul Crystal Red Metallic paint is one of the most gorgeous reds you can find on a vehicle today. If you're looking for a Mazda SUV with slightly more ground clearance and towing capability you'll want to check out the CX-50.

Considering a used CX-5? Here's our full review of the 2022 CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD.

RAV4

For 2023, all RAV4 models have the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with over-the-air updates, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited/Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE now all come standard with a new 10.5-inch Multimedia display for 2023. Other models feature a new 8-inch Multimedia screen.

A new 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is  standard on Limited/Hybrid Limited and Prime XSE,  and optional on TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE grades. A 7-inch Multi-Information Display screen is standard on lower trims.

CX-5

For 2023, the CX-5 is available with an all-new Rhodium White exterior premium paint color.

All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 will be available in eight packages.

RAV4

• More powerful standard engine
• More fuel efficient
• More cargo space
• User-friendly, updated technology

CX-5

• Best-In-Class near-luxury interior
• Fun to drive, sporty driving dynamics will appeal to driving enthusiasts
• Standard all-wheel drive

RAV4

• Not as fun to drive
• Interior doesn't have a premium feel
• No turbo engine option

CX-5

• Not as fuel efficient
• Not as off-road capable
• Not as much cargo space

RAV4

CX-5

30 mpg  (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD,  XLE Premium, Limited FWD)

29 mpg ( XLE AWD,  XLE Premium AWD, 

28 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

26 mpg (Non Turbo)

24 mpg (Turbo)

27 mpg (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD, XLE AWD, XLE Premium, XLE Premium AWD, Limited FWD)

 25 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

24 (non-Turbo)

22 mpg (Turbo)

35 mpg (LE FWD, Limited FWD)

34 mpg (LE AWD, XLE FWD, XLE Premium FWD)

33 mpg  (XLE AWD,  XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited AWD)  

32 mpg (TRD Off-Road)

0 mpg (Non-Turbo)

27 mpg (Turbo)

RAV4

CX-5

• New 10.5-inch Multimedia display standard on TRD Off Road w/6 speaker audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
  
• New 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is optional on TRD Off Road
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
  
• Optional 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio 
• 1 yr trial Drive Connect subscription — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• Optional wireless charging
• Five USB ports
• One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet  in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in cargo area

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

RAV4

CX-5

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) —Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) 
• OPTIONAL: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
  
• OPTIONAL: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.  

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats
• Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC),  Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST)  
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags  — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags

• 3-point seat belts for all seating positions
• Advanced dual front air bags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight sensors
• Front side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection
• LATCH rear seat, child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
• Child safety rear door locks
• Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System
• Side-impact door beams

RAV4

CX-5

180.9 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

181.5 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

180.1"

73.0 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

73.4 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

72.6"

67.0 in. (LE and XLE)

67.2 in. (XLE Premium and Limited)

68.6 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

66.3" without roof rails

203-horsepower 

227-horsepower (Regular) 256-horsepower (Premium) (Turbo)

184 pound-feet

310 pound-feet (Regular) 320 pound-feet (Premium) (Turbo)

14.5 

15.3

3,370/3,490 lbs. (LE)

3,405/3,515 lbs. (XLE and XLE Premium)

3,615 lbs. (Adventure and TRD)

3,485/3,640 lbs. (Limited)

3,728 lbs (Non-Turbo) / 3,867 lbs.  (Turbo)

1,500 lbs. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

3,500 lbs. (Adventure grade/TRD)

2,000