Are you thinking of buying your next SUV? Two SUVs that many go to are the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Should you buy a RAV4 or CX-5? See which SUV matches your driving needs and lifestyle by comparing cargo spaces, performance, interior features, and more, in this competitive comparison between the RAV4 vs. CX-5.

Start comparing the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 today to see how the RAV4 is the superior choice over the CX-5.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Mazda CX-5 Dimensions

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 Engines & Performance

While the Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine can deliver an impressive 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque at maximum, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with more power than the Mazda CX-5. The Toyota RAV4 2.5L 4-cylinder engine has 184 pound-feet of torque and 203 horsepower right at the starting RAV4 LE trim, but on the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select you get only 187 horsepower. On the Mazda CX-5, you will find i-ACTIV AWD® and on the RAV4, you get the option of choosing between Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect. The RAV4 also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid models unlike the CX-5, that comes with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

The Toyota RAV4 surpasses the competition when it comes to off-road and all-weather performance. Not only does the RAV4 have a standard ground clearance of 8.4-inches, but it offers 8.6-inches of ground clearance on higher trims. The Mazda CX-5 comes in below the RAV4 with a standard ground clearance of 7.6-inches and offered ground clearance of 7.9-inches. There is the RAV4 TRD Off-Road that shines in challenging driving conditions with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi-Terrain Select.

Below, we take a look at maximum horsepower, torque, and towing capacity of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. See how while the CX-5 offers more horsepower, the RAV4 surpasses the Mazda in capability with more maximum towing offered.

2023 Toyota RAV4:

• Max Horsepower: 203hp
• Max Torque: 184lb-ft
• Max Towing Capacity: 3,500lbs
• Hybrid Models? Yes, hybrid & plug-in hybrid

2024 Mazda CX-5:

• Max Horsepower: 256hp
• Max Torque: 320lb-ft
• Max Towing Capacity: 2,000lbs
• Hybrid Models? No

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 Trim Options

When comparing Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 trims, both of these SUVs have an array of models to discover. However, the RAV4 edges ahead of the CX-5 with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Toyota RAV4 Trims

• Toyota RAV4 LE
• Toyota RAV4 XLE
• Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium
• Toyota RAV4 Adventure
• Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
• Toyota RAV4 Limited

The RAV4 also comes in the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, offering additional trims including:

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
• Toyota RAV4 Prime SE
• Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

Mazda CX-5 Trims

• Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
• Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 Features & Interior Space

When stepping inside both SUVs, you will see that while both seat five, the features are very different. If you're looking for more cargo room, the RAV4 is for you with a 69.8 cubic feet cargo capacity. The Mazda CX-5 offers 59.3 cubic feet for cargo room. When it comes to features, the Mazda CX-5 does offer impressive tech with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that has 6 speakers, and offering a 10-speaker Bose® sound system as an upgrade. The CX-5 also offers dual front USB audio inputs and dual rear USB charging ports.

Infotainment features on the RAV4 come standard with a 8-inch touchscreen, but goes further than its competitor with advanced tech features offering a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers. However, you can upgrade to the JBL® Premium Audio system that comes with 11 speakers. You can get a RAV4 equipped with 5 USB ports.

On the Mazda CX-5, you get a notable amount of advanced safety features, including Lane-keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. For safety, the RAV4 has the innovative Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 system that comes with Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist standard.

Buy a New or Used Toyota RAV4 at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring

As you can see, both SUVs are impressive, but the Toyota RAV4 stands out with its off-road prowess and towing capability, cargo space, model options, and more. To explore the Toyota RAV4 in Silver Spring, MD further, head over to our Toyota dealership. We can help you pick out your new RAV4 to lease or buy today.

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