The Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular compact SUV/crossover options on the market today. Both offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and comfort that makes them appealing family vehicles. However, they offer distinctly different personalities that will appeal to different buyers.
The RAV4 leans into Toyota's reputation for reliability and low running costs. It's offered exclusively as a hybrid, promising excellent fuel economy. The CX-5, on the other hand, brings a more premium and driver-focused experience to the segment, delivering responsive handling with an upscale interior.
Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5
Practicality
The Toyota RAV4 just about has the edge when it comes to interior practicality. It offers a generous 580 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, increasing to 1,690 litres with them folded. The Mazda CX-5 falls a bit behind with 522 litres of boot space. Both cars seat five, but the CX-5's sloping roofline does slightly impinge on rear headroom compared to the boxier RAV4.
However, it's worth noting that the RAV4 plug-in hybrid variant sacrifices around 90 litres of boot capacity. And while the RAV4 is a strict five-seater, some rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq offer seven seats for larger families. So if maximum space is the priority, there are even more versatile options.
Driving Impressions
While the RAV4 delivers a comfortable and easy driving experience, the Mazda CX-5 has a distinct dynamic edge. The CX-5 handles with real agility and precision, feeling much more like a sporty hatchback than a tall SUV from behind the wheel. Its steering is direct and well-weighted, and body control is excellent.
The RAV4's hybrid powertrain provides decent performance, but the transmission can feel a little disconnected at times. And while perfectly composed for family duties, it can't match the CX-5's outright driver engagement and cornering prowess.
Of course, many buyers in this sector will be prioritising comfort over driving thrills, so the RAV4's easy nature will be just the ticket. But if you value an engaging drive, the CX-5 stands out from the crowd.
Technology and Equipment
Both the RAV4 and CX-5 offer impressive levels of standard equipment, even on lower trim levels. The RAV4's range is relatively simple, with Icon being the entry point and Dynamic the top spec. All get an 8-inch touchscreen, LED lights, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control as standard.
Mazda's trim progression runs from SE-L to Sport and GT Sport. Again, even the base SE-L is generously equipped with LED lights, dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims add luxuries such as leather upholstery and a premium Bose sound system.
Overall, there is little to choose between these two when it comes to on-board tech. Both cover the essentials well, making them feel thoroughly modern and easy to live with.
Running Costs
Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear advantage when it comes to running costs and efficiency. Toyota claims up to 50.4mpg on the WLTP cycle for the front-wheel-drive version, with the AWD model still managing an impressive 48.7mpg. Real-world economy in the 45mpg region is very achievable.
The Mazda CX-5's diesel engine is reasonably economical too, returning around 40-45mpg in everyday use for the 2.2-litre 150PS version. However, that's still some way behind the frugal Toyota. The CX-5's petrol engine will struggle to top 35mpg.
With its lower CO2 emissions, the RAV4 also costs less for road tax and company car tax. Toyota's fixed-price servicing is affordable too. So for those looking to minimise running costs, the RAV4 is the more economical choice.
Verdict
Choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 really comes down to whether you are prioritising either practicality and efficiency or driving dynamics and premium feel.
The RAV4 delivers superb hybrid fuel economy, low running costs and decent versatility from its practical interior layout. It's also packed with equipment and should prove a fuss-free, reliable family car. However, it can't match the CX-5 for outright driver appeal.
The Mazda brings a touch of luxury to the class, with upscale interior design and the best handling in this segment by some margin. It's a little less practical than the RAV4 and slightly more costly to run, but for those who value an engaging driving experience it's the more rewarding choice.
So if maximising interior space, minimising fuel bills and prioritising hassle-free family transport are the key criteria, the Toyota RAV4 just about edges it here. But for those willing to sacrifice a little practicality in exchange for a more premium product that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, the Mazda CX-5 is the way to go.