It’s no wonder that the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 are the best-selling vehicles for their respective automakers. Compact SUVs satisfy most drivers’ daily needs, whether for their interior flexibility, drivability, or affordability, and both are fine examples of the segment.
While the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and the 2024 Toyota RAV4 have a lot to offer, they come packaged with different personalities in mind. Let’s see how they compare.
2024 Mazda CX-5
If “sport-utility vehicle” were a spectrum, the CX-5 would lean hard into the sport end. From the near-premium interior design to sleek body lines to turbocharged engines, the CX-5 is aimed to wow drivers and onlookers alike. Prices start at $29,300.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): The key to maintaining good traction in bad road conditions — and spirited driving — is AWD. It’s standard on every CX-5 trim. It’s an option on the RAV4’s lower trim levels and adds $1,400 to the bottom line when selected. If you like this standard AWD but want something a little more rugged, consider the Mazda CX-50.
Turbocharged engine: For those seeking a little zoom-zoom in their daily drive, Mazda offers a tier in its CX-5 lineup that turbocharges the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and adds another 40 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque even lower down in the rpm range. That’s just on regular gas. Pump in some premium high-test 93-octane gasoline, and the engine puts down 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $37,000, the CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo is the gateway trim to this extra thump and more. The RAV4 doesn’t offer a similar upgrade, as all trim levels get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Fun to drive: The drive is entertaining, no matter your chosen engine. Mazda’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus torque vectoring can vary the speed of each wheel to help keep the CX-5 composed through the twists. While it has a 6-speed automatic transmission, the CX-5 has a manual mode that lets you shift gears. Speaking of modes, the available MI-Drive system allows drivers to change the throttle response from Normal to Sport or Off-road mode. All this adds a little spice to the daily commute. Toyota injects some fun to drive into the TRD Off-Road trim of the RAV4 with Multi-Terrain Select, but it doesn’t quite match the CX-5’s overall sportiness.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you
2024 Toyota RAV4
More Americans buy a Toyota RAV4 than any other compact SUV – by a lot. It does have the advantage of being offered in RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid variants. However, its reliability, all-around competence, and respectable fuel economy draw in shoppers of all types. Prices start at $28,475.
Toyota RAV4 Highlights
Excellent fuel economy: While not the class leader among gas-powered members in this category, the RAV4 holds its own. Considering that it’s more efficient than any CX-5, especially the turbo models, may be the deciding factor if gas prices are a concern.
Cargo room: Leaning in the utility end of the SUV spectrum, the RAV4 boasts more load space than the CX-5. Whether driving with the rear seat up or folded down, the RAV4 holds more, increasing its practicality for people who like to take family trips or buy in bulk.
Flexible lineup of options: If you fancy leaving civilization behind, your best bet between the two competitors is the RAV4. Unlike the road-focused CX-5, Toyota adds some rough and tumble with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. These trims gain the prerequisite AWD plus Multi-Terrain Select, which adds Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow drive modes to increase traction over challenging surfaces. The TRD Off-Road has a suspension tailored for these same conditions. Buyers of these models also get double the towing capacity should they want to tow a small camper. The starting prices of the Adventure and TRD Off-Road are $34,670 and $38,095, respectively.
Similarities
The similarly sized Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 employ 2.5-liter 4-cylinder standard engines, offer identical warranty terms, and enjoy strong reliability reputations.
Conclusion
The Toyota RAV4 is the practical choice, especially for shoppers looking to maximize cargo space within a compact footprint. Add in the more capable trail-inspired editions, and you come closer to the true definition of SUV while still maintaining commendable fuel economy. But there’s no doubt that the elevated yet sporty Mazda CX-5 is for those who prefer to roam the thruways and byways of the urban landscape. Indeed, these two SUVs are quite different in personality, and each serves their intended buyers well.
Specifications
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Starting Price | $29,300 | $28,475 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with FWD |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg | 27 city/35 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo-4 (256 hp/320 lb-ft) | Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 180.9 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 65.6 inches | 67.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 36.1 – 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 30.0/59.3 cubic feet | 37.6/69.8 cubic feet |
