Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 Comparison Review: Which SUV Is Better in 2025?

 Shopping for a compact SUV in 2025? Odds are you’ve narrowed your list down to two of the top contenders: the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4. They’re both stylish, reliable, and packed with features—but they serve different kinds of drivers.

We’ve taken both SUVs for extended test drives, compared their specs, and evaluated them in categories like performance, comfort, technology, fuel economy, and overall value. If you're wondering which one is the smarter buy, this head-to-head review will help you decide.

Performance and Handling

The Mazda CX-5 continues to stand out for its sharp handling and smooth, refined ride. Even though it’s a compact SUV, it drives more like a sporty sedan. Its base 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower, while the turbocharged version bumps that up to 256 hp—perfect for those who want extra zip on the highway.

In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 feels more utilitarian in its drive. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 203 horsepower, but it’s tuned more for efficiency than excitement. That said, the RAV4’s ride is stable and predictable, though a bit louder and rougher over bumps compared to the CX-5.

If driving enjoyment matters to you, the CX-5 wins here. It’s just more engaging and premium in how it handles curves and corners.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Inside, the Mazda CX-5 feels genuinely upscale. You’ll find soft-touch materials, tasteful design, and an elegant dashboard layout. Higher trims offer Nappa leather, real wood accents, and heated/ventilated seats that rival some luxury brands.

The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, takes a more rugged and functional approach. Its interior is durable and well-built, but lacks the refinement of the CX-5. The design is more blocky and plastic-heavy, especially in the lower trims. However, it does offer more rear-seat space and cargo room, which might appeal to families.

Comfort-wise, both offer great support in the front seats, but the CX-5 edges ahead with a quieter, more insulated cabin—especially during highway cruising.

Technology and Infotainment

Mazda’s infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive, as it relies on a rotary controller rather than a touchscreen. However, it’s responsive and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 10.25-inch display is crisp and clean, but navigating through menus can feel slow for some users.

Toyota’s system, especially in higher trims, is more user-friendly with a touchscreen interface and physical volume and tuning knobs. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an available 10.5-inch screen that feels more modern.

For families or tech-forward users, the RAV4’s infotainment wins on usability. But if you’re used to Mazda’s clean, minimal design, you might prefer the CX-5’s elegance.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs come packed with standard safety tech. Mazda includes its i-Activsense suite: adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking.

Toyota counters with its Safety Sense 3.0, which adds pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, lane tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Both vehicles earned top safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, so you’re covered either way. However, Toyota does offer some features—like rear cross-traffic braking and parking assist—as standard on more trims, while Mazda limits those to the higher-end models.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The base model gets around 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, which is excellent for a non-hybrid SUV.

The Mazda CX-5 is thirstier, averaging about 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the base engine—and closer to 22 mpg with the turbocharged version.

If fuel savings is a big part of your decision, the RAV4, especially in hybrid form (up to 40+ mpg), is the way to go. Mazda doesn’t currently offer a hybrid CX-5 in the U.S.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts around $29,000 and can climb to $39,000+ for the top trims. The RAV4 Hybrid starts slightly higher, but offers huge long-term savings in fuel.

The Mazda CX-5 starts at around $30,000 and tops out around $38,000 for the Signature trim. While slightly more expensive at the base level, the CX-5 includes more premium materials and features that feel worth the price—especially if you prioritize cabin quality.

Toyota’s resale value and long-term reliability are hard to beat, though Mazda is steadily improving in that area too.

Final Verdict: Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are excellent compact SUVs—but they cater to different types of drivers.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if you:

• Want a luxurious, quiet, and refined driving experience

• Prioritize handling and ride quality

• Don’t mind slightly lower fuel economy for a more premium feel

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you:

• Need better fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid

• Want more cargo space and a roomier rear seat

• Prefer a more straightforward infotainment system and stronger resale value

At the end of the day, neither SUV will disappoint. It’s all about what you value most—driving enjoyment or practicality.