2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 thrills with driver engagement, boasting 191 hp from its standard engine, while the 2025 Toyota RAV4 asserts dominance through sheer utility and marginal efficiency gains. The Mazda feels distinctly nimble, packing 186 lb-ft of torque into a smaller 173.0-inch frame and offering standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the RAV4 leans into practicality, providing a cavernous 37.6 cu ft of cargo space—nearly double the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft—and netting a slightly better 30 MPG combined. While the RAV4 commands a higher $29,800 MSRP compared to the CX-30's $25,195 entry point, both crossovers utilize regular unleaded fuel. The choice boils down to prioritizing the spirited feel and AWD security of the Mazda or the superior space and highway cruising efficiency of the larger Toyota.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 wins commuter duties due to its superior combined MPG of 30 and slightly better city fuel economy (27 MPG vs. 26 MPG).
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the clear choice for families, offering nearly double the utility with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 offers a more spirited drive feel, standard AWD, and greater agility thanks to its smaller footprint and standard power figures.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 presents better immediate value, starting at $25,195 against the RAV4's higher $29,800 MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize a lower entry cost, as the CX-30 starts at $25,195 versus the RAV4’s $29,800.
- You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability for enhanced traction on all surfaces.
- You prefer a more compact and engaging vehicle, evidenced by its 173.0-inch length.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...
- Maximum utility is essential, given the RAV4’s impressive 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You seek the highest possible fuel efficiency, netting 30 MPG combined.
- You desire the slight edge in outright power with 203 horsepower versus the CX-30's 191 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 180.9" |
| Width | 70.7" | 73.0" |
| Height | 61.7" | 67.0" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 391.5/507.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 47.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Toyota RAV4.
How much larger is the cargo area in the RAV4 compared to the CX-30?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is significantly more accommodating for luggage and gear, offering a robust 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 provides only 20.2 cubic feet, making the RAV4 the superior hauler by a substantial margin.
Is the Mazda CX-30’s standard AWD worth giving up the RAV4’s better fuel economy?
That depends on your driving habits; the RAV4 achieves 30 MPG combined with FWD, while the AWD CX-30 achieves 29 MPG combined. If you frequently face slippery conditions, the CX-30's standard AWD is a distinct advantage, even with a negligible 1 MPG deficit.
What is the horsepower difference between the two crossovers?
The Toyota RAV4 has a slight performance advantage in base form, producing 203 horsepower compared to the Mazda CX-30's 191 horsepower. However, the Mazda compensates with slightly more torque, delivering 186 lb-ft versus the Toyota's 184 lb-ft.
How does the transmission setup differ between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 steps up the gear count with a more modern 8-speed shiftable automatic, which generally aids in smoother highway cruising and efficiency.
Is the price difference between the two models substantial?
Yes, the MSRP gap is significant for buyers on a budget. The Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195, saving you $4,605 immediately when compared to the Toyota RAV4’s $29,800 starting price.
Which vehicle handles highway driving efficiency better?
The Toyota RAV4 is marginally better on the highway, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-30's 33 MPG highway rating. Both cars run perfectly fine on regular unleaded fuel.
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