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Toyota RAV4 Vs. Mazda CX-5 Comparison: Interior, Specs, Configurations

If you’re searching for a compact crossover SUV, chances are you’ll compare the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5. The Toyota RAV4 is an adventurous SUV with available multi-terrain prowess while also being a civilized and smooth companion for the city. The Mazda CX-5 is similarly versatile but emphasizes on-road sportiness and premium amenities.

Explore our Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison guide below, and browse our inventory online or in person at Quantrell Auto Group to decide which model belongs in your driveway.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5: Configurations & Specs

When reviewing these two SUVs side by side, it’s a close battle.

With the latest generation of Toyota RAV4 specs, we find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while AWD is available. Up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance will get you through tough terrain situations, and so will an available TRAIL drive mode.

When we turn to the Mazda CX-5 specs, it comes with standard AWD. However, like with the RAV4, off-road mode is an available upgrade. The RAV4 gets a point for base power, as the Mazda CX-5 has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower. The Mazda SUV’s torque pulls slightly ahead at 186 pound-feet.

Mazda CX-5 upgrades are quite powerful, too. Its available turbo engine offers up to 256 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque – surpassing anything in the RAV4 lineup. However, the Mazda CX-5 offers up to 7.9 inches of ground clearance, slightly less than the RAV4 maximum ride height.

The back-and-forth continues with the Mazda CX-5 offering standard Skyactiv®-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus to enhance on-road handling. At the same time, the Toyota RAV4 provides a standard direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission vs. the Mazda CX-5 SUV’s six-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

The Mazda model leads the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 towing race. Toyota specs go up to a 1,750-pound¹ maximum for the Toyota RAV4 and a 2,000-pound² maximum for the Mazda CX-5. The base-level RAV4 only has a 1,500-pound max towing performance,¹ though, whereas the Mazda CX-5 starts with 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The RAV4 does have a hybrid variant with 219 combined horsepower, while the Mazda SUV does not offer a hybrid trim. Configuration options involve the Toyota RAV4 offering four trims to explore (or 11 if you count the hybrid variants), while the Mazda CX-5 has eight.

2025 Toyota RAV4

Standard Engine	2.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower	203
Torque	184 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Standard Drivetrain	FWD
Maximum Towing Capacity (with Hybrid powertrain)	1,750 pounds1
Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) (with Hybrid powertrain)	41 / 383
Maximum Cargo Capacity	69.8 cu ft
Seating Capacity	5

2025 Mazda CX-5

Standard Engine	2.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower	187
Torque	186 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Standard Drivetrain	AWD
Maximum Towing Capacity	2,000 pounds2
Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy)	26 / 304
Maximum Cargo Capacity	59.3 cu ft (with floorboard down)
Seating Capacity	5

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5: Fuel Economy

Whether you’re shopping for new or used cars for sale, fuel economy is an important consideration. Let’s look at the efficiencies of the Mazda CX-5 vs. the Toyota RAV4.

The Toyota RAV4 MPG ratings eclipse those of the Mazda CX-5. In particular, the 2025 Toyota delivers up to an EPA-estimated 27/35 MPG (City/Highway)³ with its pure-gasoline engine and FWD, an EPA-estimated 27/34 MPG (City/Highway)³ with its pure-gasoline engine and AWD, and up to an EPA-estimated 41/38 MPG (City/Highway)³ as a hybrid model.

Turning it over to the 2025 Mazda CX-5 MPG ratings, we see an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (City/Highway)⁴ with the standard engine and an EPA-estimated 26/30 MPG (City/Highway)⁴ when you upgrade to the available turbo powertrain.

If fuel efficiency takes priority in the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 debate, choose a RAV4; if performance thrills with competitive MPGs are a more tempting proposition, the Mazda iteration is the SUV for you.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5: Interior Space

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are compact crossover SUVs with two rows and seating for five people. If you need to accommodate more passengers, expand your search to our all new vehicle inventory.

The Mazda CX-5 interior dimensions offer more room in key areas, with 39.7 inches of front headroom (without the moonroof), while the Toyota RAV4 cabin provides 37.7 inches. Likewise, the Mazda SUV brings your rear-seat passengers 39.6 inches of legroom, while the RAV4 only has 37.8 inches. However, the front legroom is a tie at 41 inches for both models.

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison continues with the RAV4 trunk space measurements. They’re bigger than the Mazda CX-5 dimensions, with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet behind the front row with the second row lowered; the Mazda CX-5 has 29.1 and 59.3 cubic feet, respectively.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5: Interior Features

While the Mazda CX-5 cargo space specs are smaller, this vehicle can offer many more standard interior luxuries. For example, a base trim has these highlights:

• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Six-way manual driver’s seat
• One-touch power up/down windows
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Looking at Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 standard features, the entry-level RAV4 ties with one-touch up/down power windows and a six-way manual driver’s seat. However, it requires an upgrade to get Blind-Spot Monitoring.

It does bear mentioning that, for 2025, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower starting MSRP than the 2025 Toyota RAV4. You can also shop for a used Mazda CX-5 for sale for an even more competitive rate!

Visit Quantrell Auto Group for Your Next Upgrade

In short, both of these agile SUVs bring plenty to the table. The adventurous, spacious, and efficient RAV4 has better fuel economy and a hybrid option, while the sleek, luxurious, and high-performance Mazda CX-5 has more available horsepower and standard tech.

Contact us today to book a test drive at Quantrell Auto Group; our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Toyota RAV4 bigger than a Mazda CX-5?

The Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are similar in size on the outside, but the Mazda CX-5 offers more headroom and legroom measurements once you’re inside. Specifically, the Mazda vehicle has 39.7 inches of front headroom, 41 inches of front legroom, and 39.6 inches of rear legroom. The Toyota RAV4 has 37.7 inches, 41 inches, and 37.8 inches, respectively.

What is the ground clearance of the Mazda CX-5 compared to the Toyota RAV4?

Comparing Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 ground clearance reveals that the Toyota SUV rides higher over off-road obstacles and challenging terrain. The latest-generation Mazda CX-5 has either 7.6 or 7.9 inches of ground clearance, while the 2025 Toyota RAV4 models offer 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, or 8.6 inches of ride height, depending on the configuration.

¹Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.

²Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.

³Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁴EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.