2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the 5 MPG combined fuel economy advantage held by the RAV4 (30 MPG combined versus the CX-5's 25 MPG combined). The RAV4 further extends this lead on the highway, achieving 35 MPG compared to the CX-5's 29 MPG. Performance favors the RAV4, which delivers 203 horsepower, slightly outpacing the CX-5's 187 hp, though torque figures are nearly identical at 184 lb-ft versus 186 lb-ft. In terms of utility, the RAV4 provides superior cargo volume, offering 37.6 cu ft against the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft. However, the CX-5 starts at a lower MSRP of $28,770 compared to the RAV4's $29,800, representing a $1,030 initial cost saving for the Mazda.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CX-5's 25 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 offers significantly more utility for families, boasting 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 appeals more to enthusiasts with higher peak output of 203 horsepower and a more advanced 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the CX-5's 187 hp and 6-speed unit.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 provides better initial value by undercutting the RAV4's MSRP by $1,030 while still offering standard AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

Your budget priority necessitates the lowest starting MSRP at $28,770.
You prefer the marginally higher torque rating of 186 lb-ft provided by the CX-5.
You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) over Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration found on the base RAV4.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

Maximizing fuel savings is critical, leveraging its 30 MPG combined rating over the CX-5's 25 MPG.
You require maximum cargo volume, with the RAV4 offering 37.6 cu ft versus 30.8 cu ft.
You desire greater performance output, as the RAV4 delivers 203 horsepower against the CX-5's 187 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Toyota RAV4
Length	180.1"	180.9"
Width	72.6"	73.0"
Height	66.1"	67.0"
Wheelbase	106.2"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	187 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	391.5/507.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume 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	39.7 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 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	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	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
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-5 and 2025 Toyota RAV4.

Which crossover is cheaper to run based on fuel consumption?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is significantly cheaper to run, achieving 30 MPG combined. This outpaces the 2025 Mazda CX-5, which is rated at 25 MPG combined, resulting in fewer stops at the pump over the year.

What is the horsepower and torque difference between the two models?

The RAV4 holds a horsepower advantage with 203 hp compared to the CX-5's 187 hp. However, the CX-5 offers slightly superior torque at 186 lb-ft, versus the RAV4's 184 lb-ft.

Does the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4 offer better interior utility?

The RAV4 is superior for utility, providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more space than the 30.8 cubic feet offered in the rear of the CX-5.

How do the base prices compare for these 2025 crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts at a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,770. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is priced slightly higher at $29,800.

Which vehicle uses a more modern transmission?

The RAV4 utilizes a newer 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing more ratios than the CX-5's 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are both vehicles all-wheel drive as standard?

No, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The comparable base trim for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is configured with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).