MAZDA CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4

2025-mazda-cx-50
2025 Mazda CX-5

vs.

2025 Toyota RAV4
$29,990* (Mazda CX-5 2.5 S)

Starting MSRP

$28,850 (Toyota RAV4 LE FWD)
103.6 cubic feet

Passenger Volume

98.9 cubic feet
2,000 pounds

Maximum Towing Capacity

1,500 pounds
Three

Engine Options

One
256 hp @ 5,000 rpm (w/ 93-octane premium fuel)

Maximum Horsepower

203 hp @ 5,000 rpm (w/ 87-octane fuel or higher)
i-ACTIV-AWD®

Drivetrain

FWD standard (AWD available)

Are you in the market for a new compact crossover for your daily drives around Milledgeville and Byron? Chances are, the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 have been recommended to you. While either SUV is a compelling choice for those who prioritize value, you can only take one home. So, which will it be? Compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 in our guide below to find the best fit for your needs. 

2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs

2025 MAZDA-CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Interior Dimensions, & Cargo

For interior specifications, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 edges out the 2025 Toyota RAV4 with an additional 4.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and slightly more generous interior seating dimensions. And though the 2025 RAV4 has more interior cargo volume compared to the Mazda CX-5 (69.8 cubic feet vs. 59.3 cubic feet), the additional towing capacity of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 relative to the Toyota RAV4 does much to bridge this gap. 

2025 MAZDA-CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Engines & Drivetrains

All gas-powered 2025 RAV4 models run on the same 2.5L 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, while all 2025 Mazda CX-5 trims received the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. That being said, Mazda offers three different configurations of the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 engine that provide greater power and capability as you move up the 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup. Check out the 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 specs below, and see which suits your McDonough driving needs: 

2025 Toyota RAV4

2.5L 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine

Standard engine on: 2025 Toyota RAV4 lineup

  • Horsepower: 203 hp @ 5,000 RPM
  • Torque: 184 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 RPM
  • Recommended fuel: Unleaded, 87-octane or higher

2025 MAZDA CX-5

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder

  • Horsepower: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
  • Recommended Fuel: Unleaded, 87-octane

 

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder With Cylinder Deactivation and i-Stop

  • Horsepower: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
  • Recommended Fuel: Unleaded, 87-octane

 

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder With VVT

  • Horsepower: 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm – 256 hp @ 5,000 rpm (with 93 octane premium unleaded fuel)
  • Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm – 320 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm (with 93 octane premium unleaded fuel)
  • Recommended Fuel: Unleaded, 87-octane

 

While both carmakers recommend unleaded, regular fuel (87-octane) for their respective SUVs, you can expect greater performance gains when using the more expensive premium (93-octane) fuel for the 2025 Mazda CX-5 compared to the Toyota RAV4. Plus, the entire 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup comes equipped with i-ACTIV-AWD®. If you want AWD capabilities in the 2025 RAV4, you’ll need to pay extra, as FWD is the standard configuration. This essentially negates the slight pricing advantage the 2025 RAV4 has over the 2025 Mazda CX-5 at the entry point, since adding AWD to the 2025 RAV4 LE causes it to exceed the price of the entry-level 2025 Mazda CX-5.

 

If you want to know more about which SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 engine configurations are available on which 2025 Mazda CX-5 trims, reach out to us. One of our representatives would be happy to answer your questions. 

Learn More About the MAZDA CX-5 at Five Star Mazda

Now that you’ve compared the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5, we invite you to take a test drive at our dealership in Macon. While you’re here, explore our new vehicle specials to see how much you can save on this stylish and capable SUV. 

 

Disclaimer:*MSRP includes $1,420 destination charge (Alaska $1,465) and excludes tax, title, license fees. Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

2024 Mazda CX-5
Compact SUVs are among the most popular vehicles on Milledgeville and McDonough streets, and for good reason. When SUV spaciousness combines with the easy driveability of a sedan, you get the perfect balance of a compact SUV like the pairing of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4. In our SUV comparison, Five Star Mazda will hit the high points of both models so you can get an informed idea about which one suits you best, from their SUV interiors to their powertrains and towing capacity. If you decide that the Mazda CX-5 is the compact SUV for you, start your shopping in our Mazda CX-5 inventory.

2024 MAZDA CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4—Performance

Byron drivers will see plenty of similarities across the board in the Mazda CX-5 vs. RAV4 match-up, starting with their prices and standard engines. They both begin with 2.5L 4-cylinder engines that generate very similar performance numbers (186 hp for the Mazda, 184 hp for the Toyota). You’ll find the most important difference in what’s included as standard equipment. For starters, the Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV AWD as standard equipment, while you have to upgrade to get all-wheel drive. With the Mazda starting MSRP being less than $700 more than the RAV4’s starting price, there’s not much wiggle room before added features make the Toyota the more expensive option.

2024 MAZDA CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4—Interior Dimensions

While both models in our SUV comparison offer seating for five and nearly identical dimensions for each passenger, Mazda’s design makes more efficient use of the SUV interior cabin space, leaving significantly more room overall for passengers. If you require a lot of cargo space, the Toyota RAV4 has it. But for Macon drivers who don’t want the extra bulk on the road, the Mazda CX-5 offers plenty of space and a more nimble driving experience. Here are some of the key dimensions in our SUV comparison

2024 MAZDA CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4—Safety Features

Safety is paramount to both brands in our SUV comparison. Both contenders in the Mazda CX-5 vs. RAV4 are equipped with robust safety and driver assistance systems, but the Mazda once again includes more standard features that cost extra on the RAV4.

Do an SUV Comparison at Five Star Mazda

If the Mazda CX-5 has caught your attention with its agility and abundance of standard features? If you’d like to learn more about what the Mazda CX-5 has to offer and how it compares to the Subaru Forester, stop by or contact Five Star Mazda for more information and to arrange a test drive.

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