2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 leaps into the fray with sophisticated styling and standard All-Wheel Drive starting at an accessible $30,500, offering a spirited, engaging drive with its 187 hp engine and 28 combined MPG. Contrast this with the powerhouse 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, which demands a premium at $44,815 but rewards drivers with a staggering 302 hp and the flexibility of a 42-mile electric range. The RAV4 dominates raw output, boasting 115 more horsepower and superior combined efficiency (38 MPG vs. 28 MPG for the Mazda). However, the CX-50 is more budget-friendly and slightly longer (185.8 inches vs. 180.9 inches). While the Mazda keeps things traditional with a 6-speed automatic, the RAV4’s PHEV system delivers blistering acceleration paired with city driving potentially free of gasoline use for many daily commutes.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 42-mile electric range and exceptional 40 MPG city fuel economy.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The RAV4 PHEV offers slightly more utility with 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity and a taller stance (67.0 inches height).
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
With 302 hp, the RAV4 PHEV offers significantly higher performance than the CX-50's 187 hp output.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 presents superior baseline value with an MSRP of only $30,500 compared to the $44,815 starting price of the RAV4 PHEV.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, as the CX-50 starts $14,315 lower than the RAV4 PHEV.
- You prefer the tactile feel of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You prefer a vehicle emphasizing stylish, standard AWD capability without needing a plug-in system.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You need exhilarating performance backed by 302 hp and rapid acceleration capabilities.
- Your daily driving averages under 42 miles, allowing near-daily gasoline-free commuting.
- Maximizing efficiency is key, as its 38 combined MPG rating outpaces the CX-50's 28 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 180.9" |
| Width | 75.6" | 73.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 67.0" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 40/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 580.0/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 94 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 42 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 36 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 4.5 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 47.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 CX-50 and the 2025 RAV4 PHEV?
The performance difference is substantial; the RAV4 PHEV produces 302 hp, which is 115 horsepower more than the CX-50's 187 hp. This means the Toyota will offer much quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience when power is needed.
What is the real-world cost difference related to fuel economy?
The Mazda CX-50 achieves 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded, while the RAV4 PHEV achieves 38 combined MPG. Furthermore, the RAV4 offers 42 miles of pure electric range, potentially drastically reducing gasoline consumption for shorter daily trips.
Is the higher price of the RAV4 PHEV justified by its utility features?
The RAV4 PHEV costs $14,315 more, but it offers slightly more utility with 33.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-50’s 31.4 cu ft, and it is notably taller at 67.0 inches versus 63.5 inches.
Which vehicle is better suited for drivers who dislike CVTs?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear choice for drivers preferring conventional gear steps, as it features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the RAV4 PHEV utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Do the sizes of these crossovers affect maneuverability?
The RAV4 PHEV is noticeably shorter in length (180.9 inches vs. 185.8 inches) and narrower (73.0 inches vs. 75.6 inches), which might make it marginally easier to navigate tight city streets compared to the slightly larger CX-50.
Can both crossovers use standard unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid utilize regular unleaded fuel, which is a convenient aspect shared between the two models.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool