Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4

In the compact crossover SUV category, the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 are two of the most sought-after options. Which one of these titans of the compact SUV category is the right one for your Longwood, Florida, lifestyle? Delve into this comparison of the Mazda CX-5 vs. the Toyota RAV4 to see which one works best for your driving needs.

Exterior Design and Specs

Both SUVs have similar yet distinctly different appearances. The RAV4 has a rugged exterior with a large front grille and dropped fascia, giving it a muscular stance. You’ll notice the more elegant exterior design of the CX-5 with its sleek lines, sophisticated front grille, and contemporary LED headlights.

When comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 dimensions, you’ll see the CX-5 has a wheelbase of 106.2 inches, a width of 83.3 inches, and a height of 65.4 inches. Ground clearance is 7.6 inches on all but the Carbon Edition trim, which has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches.

The RAV4 has a wheelbase of 105.9 inches, a width of 73 inches, and a height of 67.2 inches. Ground clearance is substantial with the RAV4, as it can get up to 8.9 inches when properly equipped.

Interior Comfort

Both the CX-5 and RAV4 are designed for comfort, whether you’re going on a road trip or making a run to the grocery store. However, the Mazda CX-5 uses more upscale materials with more standard features. Inside the cabin of the CX-5, you’ll find power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery on all but the two lower trims, and heated rear seats on the four upper trims.

Inside the RAV4, you get more basic amenities, such as simulated leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats only as an option, and dual-zone automatic climate control on the two upper trim levels.

In terms of overall passenger volume, you get 103.6 cubic feet in the CX-5 and 98.9 cubic feet in the RAV4. However, the Toyota has more cargo room, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, while the CX-5 offers 29.1 cubic feet and 59.3 cubic feet, respectively.

Performance and Power

Under the hood of the nonturbo Mazda CX-5 trims, you’ll find a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Choose one of the turbo models, and you get the same engine with variable valve timing with a horsepower rating of 227 with 87 octane fuel or 256 with 93 octane fuel. The torque rating for 87 octane fuel is 310 lb-ft, which climbs to 320 lb-ft with 93 octane fuel. Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

For the RAV4, all four trims come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain, and all-wheel drive is optional.

Technology and Safety Features

Toyota and Mazda both equip these two crossover compact SUVs with the latest technology features. The CX-5 comes with the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, including a 10.25-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. On the upper trims of the CX 5, you get a 10-speaker premium Bose sound system. Driver-assistance features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• A lane mitigation system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Cruise control with stop and go

The RAV4 comes with Toyota Audio Multimedia with an 8-inch touch screen or an optional 10.5-inch one for the two upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and on the upper trims, you can get an optional 11-speaker JBL sound system.

Driver-assistance features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Precollision system with pedestrian detection
• A lane mitigation system
• Cruise control

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Mazda CX-5 trims come with the following starting MSRPs:

• $28,770 for the 2.5 S
• $30,100 for the 2.5 S Select
• $31,450 for the 2.5 S Preferred
• $32,800 for the 2.5 S Carbon Edition
• $35,400 for the 2.5 S Premium Plus
• $37,200 for the 2.5 Carbon Turbo
• $38,00 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium
• $40,800 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature

The Toyota RAV4 trims come with the following starting MSRPs:

• $29,250 for the LE
• $30,760 for the XLE
• $33,650 for the XLE Premium
• $37,555 for the Limited

The RAV4 was once a top compact SUV for off-roading. However, since Toyota discontinued the off-road-oriented Adventure and TRD models and the torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, the RAV4 doesn’t have that adventure feel that attracted many off-roaders.

As you can see, the price for the entry-level RAV4 is a bit higher than for the base CX-5, and with the option for a turbocharged engine, the CX-5 has an attractive value. In addition, RepairPal rates the Mazda CX-5 as more reliable than the Toyota RAV4, with a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 against 4.0 out of 5.0 for the RAV4.

Learn More About the Mazda CX-5 Today

The CX-5 is an ideal compact crossover SUV for your Longwood, Florida, lifestyle. Contact our team at Sport Mazda North in Longwood to see how handsomely styled this SUV is and schedule a time to take one for a test-drive. Once you choose your favorite CX-5 trim, our finance team will find an auto loan you’re comfortable with, and our service team will keep your new CX-5 running in top condition.