2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$38,045 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid lies in fuel economy, with the Toyota achieving 38 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG, translating to a substantial 13 MPG advantage for the PHEV. The price gap is also notable, positioning the CX-90 at an MSRP of $38,045, which undercuts the RAV4 PHEV by $6,770. However, the RAV4 boasts higher performance metrics, delivering 302 hp compared to the CX-90's 280 hp. Dimensionally, the CX-90 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length against the Toyota's 180.9 inches, which correlates with the RAV4’s vastly superior 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. This comparison highlights a trade-off between the Mazda's lower initial cost and larger size against the Toyota's advanced efficiency and superior utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid offers a 38 combined MPG rating and an all-electric range of 42 miles, making it far more economical for daily driving than the CX-90.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The Toyota offers 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, providing superior utility for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

With 302 hp, the RAV4 PHEV possesses a measurable 22 hp advantage over the CX-90's 280 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 achieves a lower entry point at $38,045, saving the buyer $6,770 compared to the RAV4 PHEV's $44,815 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Budget is the primary concern, as the $38,045 MSRP is $6,770 less than the competitor.
Long-distance travel is frequent, benefiting from the 25 combined MPG rating using regular unleaded fuel without range anxiety.
A larger exterior footprint is required, given the CX-90’s 200.8-inch length compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, evidenced by the 38 combined MPG and 42 miles of electric range.
Maximum interior utility is needed, as the 33.5 cu ft of cargo space is superior to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Higher instantaneous power output is preferred, leveraging the 302 hp powertrain.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	180.9"
Width	78.5"	73.0"
Height	68.2"	67.0"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	—
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	47.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more fuel-efficient is the RAV4 PHEV compared to the CX-90?

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid demonstrates superior efficiency with a combined 38 MPG rating, significantly outpacing the Mazda CX-90's 25 combined MPG. This 13 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump for the Toyota owner.

Does the power difference between the vehicles feel substantial in real-world driving?

The Toyota generates 302 hp, offering 22 more horsepower than the Mazda's 280 hp. While both offer strong performance, the Toyota's higher output and lower curb weight likely translate to quicker acceleration metrics.

Which vehicle is the better choice for carrying large amounts of cargo?

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the definitive choice for cargo, offering 33.5 cubic feet of space compared to the CX-90's relatively constrained 14.9 cubic feet. This nearly doubles the usable storage area for passengers.

What is the primary financial distinction between these two crossovers?

The most immediate financial differentiator is the MSRP, with the Mazda CX-90 starting at $38,045, which represents a $6,770 savings over the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid’s $44,815 starting price.

Can the RAV4 PHEV operate without gasoline for short commutes?

Yes, the RAV4 PHEV is equipped with a 42-mile electric range, allowing many daily commuting needs to be met entirely on electric power before needing to rely on its gasoline engine and 38 MPG efficiency.

Are there differences in their transmission types that impact driving feel?

The Mazda CX-90 utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for more conventional gear shifts. Conversely, the RAV4 PHEV employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).