Mazda CX-5 Vs. Toyota RAV4: Size, Specs, Reliability

Mazda CX-5 Vs. Toyota RAV4: Size, Specs, Reliability

Many motorists shop and compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 when searching for a versatile and quality-built compact SUV. We’ve compiled a detailed review of these popular two-row crossovers to help SUV shoppers determine which model is the better option depending on their preferences.

In our Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 review, we’re comparing these sport-utes in key areas that matter most to drivers and families, including size and dimensions, engine specs and performance, and reliability.

Continue reading to see how Mazda’s sporty CX-5 stacks up against the popular and practical Toyota RAV4.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs

Starting with the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 specs, you’ll find that both of these competing crossover SUVs are powered by 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engines. The Mazda CX-5 and its standard Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine develop 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and driving all four wheels with standard i-Activ AWD.

The Toyota RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine generates a bit more power, rated at 203 horsepower, with torque at 184 pound-feet. An eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD) are standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is an optional upgrade.

Toyota’s RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models offer more standard horsepower than the Mazda CX-5. However, the CX-5 features the most powerful engine available in either of these popular two-row SUVs.

Opt for the available Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine in the CX-5 Turbo trim levels and you’ll be treated to up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (with premium gas). This high-powered turbo-four provides peak performance on premium fuel. However, it also drinks regular unleaded gas with power output ratings of 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

So, whether you feed the Mazda CX-5’s Skyactiv-G Turbo engine regular or premium fuel, it outperforms any Toyota engine offered in the RAV4 lineup.

Beyond the available power and performance gains, towing capacity is another reason you may want to consider a Mazda CX-5 over a Toyota RAV4.

Both Mazda Skyactiv-G engines offered in the CX-5 help this SUV achieve a 2,000-pound max tow rating. The Toyota RAV4 lineup is only rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 0-60 Times

How about the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 0-60 mph times? Even though the RAV4’s standard engine is more powerful than the CX-5’s base engine, these models’ 0-60 times are essentially the same, in the low-to-mid-eight seconds range.

Still, with the CX-5’s sharp throttle response, the Mazda SUV may feel faster in real-world driving, especially when pulling away from a stop sign or light and in lower-speed maneuvers and acceleration. Both SUV models also offer a sport mode and manual-shift capabilities for a more spirited drive, but the Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a sportier and more engaging driving feel than the Toyota RAV4.

Select a Mazda CX-5 Turbo model and pit it against the Toyota RAV4’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and the Mazda SUV pulls away from its Toyota rival in more ways than one. The high-powered CX-5 Turbo sprints from zero to 60 mph in as little as 6.5 seconds, outpacing the Toyota RAV4 by nearly two seconds.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 MPG: City & Highway Fuel Economy

The latest Mazda CX-5 SUVs are designed and engineered to deliver all-weather performance out of the gate with their standard i-Activ AWD system. Largely due to the standard all-wheel-drive system and sporty throttle response of the Skyactiv-G engine lineup, the Mazda CX-5 MPG ratings fall short of the Toyota RAV4.

Peak CX-5 fuel economy reaches an EPA-estimated 23 city and 29 highway MPG in new and late-model editions with the standard naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine. Opting for the high-output 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G Turbo engine reduces fuel efficiency only slightly, rated up to an EPA-estimated 22 city and 27 highway MPG.

The front-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 earns peak fuel economy for the RAV4 lineup at an EPA-estimated 27 city and 35 highway MPG. Choosing the available AWD system drops efficiency to 25 city and 33 highway.

So, if you’re shopping and comparing all-wheel-drive editions of these two SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 AWD and its 25 city and 33 highway MPG top the Mazda CX-5 AWD’s 23 city and 29 highway MPG by about 3 MPG in combined city/highway driving.

A 3 MPG combined advantage won’t result in significant annual savings at the gas pump, so the total purchase price you’d pay for a comparable Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 AWD model is probably a better gauge when weighing the financial benefit of either SUV. We’ll also review the CX-5 vs. RAV4 reliability shortly, which can factor into the overall cost of ownership of these two SUVs.

If fuel economy is a top factor in your SUV search, you might be drawn toward the RAV4 Hybrid. But any fuel cost savings of this hybrid model may be outweighed by the steeper price you’ll have to pay compared to a regular RAV4 or a Mazda CX-5.

The CX-5 may soon get a hybrid powertrain option like its compact SUV stablemate, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. The long-awaited CX-50 Hybrid utilizes a Toyota-sourced hybrid system from the RAV4 Hybrid.

We expect the upcoming Mazda CX-5 redesign to reveal a new hybrid model, also sourcing its gas-electric powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Until then, drivers can look to the CX-50 Hybrid as a more fuel-efficient option within the Mazda compact SUV lineup.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 Size & Dimensions

Size matters when shopping for an SUV, even a compact one like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5. Regarding exterior dimensions, the CX-5 is slightly shorter than the Toyota RAV4. But inside, the Mazda model offers more space for you and your passengers.

With 103.6 cubic feet of total passenger volume, the Mazda CX-5 tops the Toyota RAV4 and its smaller cabin, measuring a mere 98.9 cubic feet. For more space and comfort for up to five occupants, opt for the Mazda SUV.

Comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 cargo space leads to a different result. Both SUVs provide ample cargo capacity behind their second-row seats, but the RAV4 offers more. The same goes for maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded.

So, when comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 interior space, SUV shoppers will want to consider whether passenger space or cargo capacity is more of a priority. Either way, both models offer ample space for both your crew and your cargo.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Reliability

Toyota has built a reputation for reliability, and rightfully so. It’s a reputation the carmaker continues to benefit from today.

Still, when comparing Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 reliability and quality, the Mazda SUV comes out on top according to J.D. Power and several other sources and surveys.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 earned a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score of 76 out of 100, which is considered Average.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 shines with a Quality & Reliability Score of 82 out of 100. Its Great rating means you can expect fewer problems than a vehicle with an Average or Low score.

J.D. Power prides itself on providing real insights from real owners. Its 100-Point Score system is based on hundreds of thousands of independent, unbiased opinions from verified car owners.

So, while both of these SUVs offer respectable reliability scores, the CX-5 outshines the RAV4 by a considerable margin by earning a Great rating.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Comparison Review by the Numbers

Finally, let’s recap the CX-5 vs. RAV4 comparison. We’ll start with the specs for the base versions of both 2024 models:

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select	vs.	2024 Toyota RAV4 LE FWD
2.5L I-4	Engine	2.5L I-4
187	Horsepower	203
186	Torque	184
AWD	Drivetrain	FWD
6-speed automatic	Transmission	8-speed automatic
8.4 sec	0-60 mph	8.3 sec
15.3 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal
23/29	EPA-Estimated City/Hwy MPG	27/35
5	Seats	5
3,783 lbs	Curb Weight	3,370 lbs
66.1 in	Height	67 in
180.1 in	Length	180.9 in
72.6 in	Width	73 in
103.6 cu ft	Passenger Volume	98.9 cu ft
30.8 cu ft	Cargo Space	37.5 cu ft
2,000 lbs	Towing Capacity	1,500 lbs
82/100	J.D. Power Reliability Rating	76/100

And here’s how the specs for the top trims of the 2024 models – the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature and Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD – stack up:

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature	vs.	2024 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD
2.5L I-4 Turbo	Engine	2.5L I-4
227 (256)	Horsepower (w/ Premium Fuel)	203
310 (320)	Torque (w/Premium Fuel)	184
AWD	Drivetrain	FWD
6-speed automatic	Transmission	8-speed automatic
6.5 sec	0-60 mph	8.4 sec
15.3 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal
22/27	EPA-Estimated City/Hwy MPG	25/33
5	Seats	5
3,867 lbs	Curb Weight	3,640 lbs
66.3 in	Height	67.2 in
180.1 in	Length	180.9 in
72.6 in	Width	73 in
103.6 cu ft	Passenger Volume	98.9 cu ft
30.8 cu ft	Cargo Space	37.5 cu ft
2,000 lbs	Towing Capacity	1,500 lbs
82/100	J.D. Power Reliability Rating	76/100

We hope our CX-5 vs. RAV4 review has helped you determine which of these popular two-row SUVs is right for you. The next step is a tour and test drive of your preferred model – or both – so you can examine the interior space, performance, infotainment system, safety tech, and other features for yourself.

For more comparisons of Mazda vehicles against the competition, stay tuned to MazdaMotoring. You can also subscribe to our newsletter below to get the latest news, reviews, and comparisons sent to your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4?

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Toyota RAV4, as rated by J.D. Power in its extensive Quality & Reliability assessment. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 earned an impressive Quality & Reliability Score of 82 out of 100, which is considered a great rating. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 didn’t fare as well, receiving only an average reliability rating of 76 out of 100.

Is the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5 faster from 0-60 mph?

The Mazda CX-5 is faster from zero to 60 mph when equipped with its available turbocharged engine, reaching 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, compared to the Toyota RAV4 at 8.4 seconds. However, when both are equipped with their 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder base engines, the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are neck-and-neck, each with a 0-60 time of a little over eight seconds.

Which has bigger dimensions, the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4?

The exterior dimensions of the Toyota RAV4 are slightly larger, as the Toyota model is a little longer than the Mazda CX-5. However, inside, the Mazda CX-5 makes better use of its seating area, offering more passenger volume than the Toyota. Regarding cargo space, the Toyota RAV4 edges out the CX-5, but both SUVs offer versatile, expandable cargo holds.

Which has more passenger space, the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 has more passenger space than the Toyota RAV4. Mazda’s CX-5 compact crossover SUV boasts a roomy 103.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to just 98.9 cubic feet in the Toyota RAV4. While both models offer ample space for up to five occupants, the Mazda CX-5 interior is more accommodating. The CX-5 can also be fitted with more premium cabin materials for a more comfortable ride.