The competition is fierce between the Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5. However, at the end of the day, a winner must be crowned. Join us as we dive into all the details and unearth the true winner of this head-to-head crossover SUV match-up.

The Mazda CX-5 was introduced in 2011, pleasantly surprising fans of the existing CX lineup, including the Mazda CX-7 (now defunct) and CX-9. MAZDA listened to what their loyal drivers had to say, making each CX iteration more impressive and beloved than the last.

The Toyota RAV4 made its U.S. debut in 1996, and as it hits the peak of its 2021 model year going on 2022, many people are pleasantly surprised at the additions to the model over previous generations. It may outdo other versions of itself, but will it outdo the Mazda CX-5?

Let the Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5 battle commence!

2021 MAZDA CX-5 SPORT

vs

2021 Toyota RAV4 LE

$25,270MSRP$26,150
25MPG (Combined)27
Regular Unleaded I-4 2.5 LEngineRegular Unleaded I-4 2.5 L
AutomaticTransmissionAutomatic
FWDDrivetrainFWD
186 pound-feetTorque184 pound-feet
3,691 lbs.Curb Weight3,490 lbs.
17" aluminum-alloy wheels
with Gray Metallic finish
Wheels		17" steel wheels
with silver 6-spoke wheel covers

Toyota RAV4 vs MAZDA CX-5: Trims

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 offers eleven trims, some of which are duplicates in a hybrid variant. Excluding the hybrid duplicates, the number of purely gas-powered trims is five. See what the lineup has in store:

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

While it's an admirable goal to offer many hybrid variants for this Toyota crossover, it might end up working against the ultimate meaning of a hybrid in the first place. So, what does this mean? It's no secret that hybrid vehicles are a great option for people looking to lower their carbon footprint. However, an estimated 46% of the total carbon footprint that an electic vehicle produces over its lifetime comes from the manufacturing process1 before it has even traveled a mile on any road in Vero Beach.

So, even though these vehicles are hybrids, offering so many different variants that have to be produced massively increases the carbon footprint of the model line overall.

MAZDA CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 comes in seven different trims. While that may be four less overall options, it also means that a lot fewer carbon emissions get pumped into the air via the Mazda CX-5 lineup. Here are your options:

  • MAZDA CX-5 Sport
  • MAZDA CX-5 Touring
  • MAZDA CX-5 Carbon Edition
  • MAZDA CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo
  • MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring
  • MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve
  • MAZDA CX-5 Signature

Where Toyota offers a lot of duplicates between standard and hybrid vehicles, all of the Mazda CX-5 trims are unique and offer something distinct with each variation. Some are more performance focused, like the Sport, and some are more aesthetics-minded, like the Carbon Edition.

Toyota RAV4 vs MAZDA CX-5: Price

Toyota RAV4

Toyota has long been known for its affordable cars that are accessible to everyone. The Toyota RAV4 does come at quite an agreeable price, starting at $26,150 MSRP2 for the base LE trim. While this is a price that many people can get behind, it still doesn't beat the affordability of the base model for the Mazda CX-5.

MAZDA CX-5

The new Mazda CX-5 for sale presents as a luxury vehicle, but you'll be very surprised when you see that its base model doesn't come at anything near a luxury price. In fact, its starting MSRP is even lower than the Toyota RAV4's starting MSRP. You can get the base Mazda CX-5 Sport for just $25,270 MSRP.3

Toyota RAV4 vs MAZDA CX-5: Features

Toyota RAV4 Colors

There is a pretty wide variety of colors you can get for the Toyota RAV4 across the entirety of the trim offerings. The RAV4 Lunar Rock color is the most popular variant among these models, but it isn't available across the entire lineup. So, if you love a specific trim, like the LE, and it doesn't have that color option, you would have to go to a third party that specializes in body color to get something similar (though it wouldn't be from the OEM, so you may be risking your warranty if something goes awry).

MAZDA CX-5 Colors

Different colors are available across different trims of the Mazda CX-5. For example, since the Carbon Editions are focused on aesthetics, they come with the exclusive Polymetal Grey color. However, at least four colors can be seen consistently across the rest of the trims. And, they come in exciting variants. They are Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, and Jet Black Mica. So, aside from the special Carbon Edition, you can get any of these colors on any trim you like best.

Toyota RAV4 Interior & Tech

For the base model, the Toyota RAV4 includes some great appointments like a climate control system with a dust and pollen filter, remote keyless entry, and a 7" touchscreen. However, the base model cannot even offer you the choice to get a lot of things that the base model on the Mazda CX-5 offers standard. 

MAZDA CX-5 Interior & Tech

The MAZDA CX-5 Sport (the base trim) meets and outmatches the Toyota RAV4's base trim in a lot of ways. It offers a 10.25" full-color touchscreen display, which is 3.25" larger than the RAV4's. It also offers features that are not seen in the base model of the RAV4, like an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, dual front USB inputs, 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down & reclining rear seatback, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Come Get the Winning Crossover SUV at Dyer MAZDA

We think it's pretty clear who the winner is in every department, and that is the Mazda CX-5. It offers a lower price and many more standard features at the base level than the Toyota RAV4. So, if you're looking for a new car dealership in Florida where you can get this battle-tested SUV, we invite you to visit Dyer Mazda near Melbourne.

 

If you want to be great, you have to beat a great. The Mazda CX-5 has just proven its status as worthy of greatness and worthy of a spot in your driveway. Come get one at Dyer Mazda today.

1Estimated by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. Visit lowcvp.org.uk for more information.

2MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $995 for Cars (86, Avalon, Avalon HV, Camry, Camry HV, Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, Mirai, Prius, Prius Prime, Supra), $1,175 for SUV/Van/Small Trucks (4Runner, C-HR, Highlander, Highlander HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza), $1,365 for Large SUVs (Land Cruiser, Sequoia), and $1,595 for Large Truck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.

3MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,100 destination charge (Alaska $1,145). 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature shown with options, $37,900 MSRP. Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.


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