2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Which One’s Best for Me?

Review Summary

The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are two high-rated compact SUVs currently on the market, and choosing between them can be difficult. These are attractive vehicles, but there are quite a few differences between the two, so keep reading as we take a closer look at both vehicles to find out more about their performance, cost, and features.

At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each product.

Overview of Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has a sportier appearance than the Toyota RAV4, and it has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to match. This engine helps you accelerate quicker so you can get back up to speed from stop signs and onto the highway without difficulty. All-wheel drive functionality improves performance in bad weather, and it enables you to take the vehicle off-roading, where you get to experience its excellent handling. The large 10.5-inch touchscreen is easy to use and makes using the vehicle’s infotainment system a breeze. It also has plenty of standard amenities. It has a slightly new design for 2022 that changes the appearance of the lights and adds aluminum alloy wheels.

The downside of the Mazda CX-5 is that the 4-cylinder engine feels a little underpowered once you reach higher speeds, and there’s not much cargo space to store items, so it’s not a great vehicle for long trips or family vacations.

Overview of Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has more cargo space than the Mazda CX-5, and the ride is more comfortable, feeling more like a relaxing cruise than a sporting event. The hybrid engine improves gas mileage in the city and on the highway, and it’s better for the environment. The controls are easy to navigate on the steering column and in the infotainment center. One of the most impressive things about driving this vehicle is how quiet it is on the inside.

The downside of the RAV4 engine is that it doesn’t have the power required for many driving situations, and you’ll often find yourself wishing for a BIT more muscle when you step on the gas. It’s also hard to ignore the smaller touchscreen in the Toyota RAV4 compared to the one in the Mazda CX-5.

How Do They Compare?

Performance

Edge: Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the clear winner in performance over the Toyota RAV4. The engine has quicker acceleration, which will help you get out of traffic faster, and the steering is more responsive. Suspension and breaking also seem to be better set up for performance on the Mazda CX-5. 

Price

Edge: Mazda CX-5

The standard Mazda CX-5 starts at about $25,900, while the Toyota RAV4 starts at $32,780, which gives the CX-5 owner a discount of more than $100 on their monthly payments. 

Cargo Space

Edge: Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is the winner in interior cargo space. There is more room for your things, and the seats are more comfortable, so it’s easier to take long drives.

Gas Mileage

Edge: Toyota RAV4

Due to its hybrid engine, Toyota RAV4 gets better gas mileage than the Mazda CX-5. You can expect the Mazda to get about 24 miles per gallon in the city, while the Toyota will get 25. On the highway, the RAV4 really shines, getting 33 miles per gallon, while the CX-5 only gets 30.

What the Users Say

Here’s what other people are saying about these vehicles:

Conclusion

Choosing a winner in this shootout is quite difficult because both vehicles have their place. If you like to take long vacations and good gas mileage, cargo space, and comfort are important, you will likely choose the Toyota RAV4 as the winner. However, if you live in a busy city and require quick acceleration to get on the highway, along with responsive steering to help you switch lanes safely, you will likely choose the Mazda CX-5 as the winner.

See also:

• Toyota Rav4 vs Subaru Forester: Which One’s Best for Me?
• Toyota Highlander vs. Rav4: Which One’s Best for Me?

Featured Image Credit: (Left) Johnnys_pic, Pixabay (Right) Toyota.com