2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lies in fuel economy, with the RAV4 Hybrid achieving 39 MPG combined compared to the CX-90's 25 MPG combined—a substantial 14 MPG advantage. The CX-90 counters with superior performance metrics, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque against the RAV4 Hybrid's 219 hp. This performance differential is reflected in the initial investment, as the Mazda carries a $38,800 MSRP versus the Toyota's $32,850. Furthermore, the RAV4 Hybrid is significantly more space-efficient for cargo, offering 37.6 cu ft of storage space, whereas the larger CX-90 only provides 14.9 cu ft. While the Mazda is 19.9 inches longer at 200.8 inches, the Toyota's efficiency and lower upfront cost present a compelling proposition for budget-conscious buyers seeking practical utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 41/38 MPG city/highway ratings, minimizing ongoing fuel expenditure.
2026 Mazda CX-90
Despite having less dedicated cargo space, the 2026 Mazda CX-90's longer 200.8-inch frame suggests greater potential passenger accommodation across its three rows.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers 61 more horsepower (280 hp) and 332 lb-ft of torque, providing a more engaging and powerful driving experience.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid undercuts the CX-90's MSRP by $5,950 while delivering substantially better fuel economy metrics.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing miles per gallon, targeting the 39 MPG combined rating.
- You need greater usable cargo space, benefiting from the RAV4 Hybrid's 37.6 cu ft capacity.
- Your budget requires keeping the initial purchase price below $33,000, given the $32,850 MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You require the 280 horsepower output and 332 lb-ft of torque for performance.
- Your need for length mandates a larger vehicle chassis measuring 200.8 inches long.
- You prefer the assured shifting characteristics of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 200.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 78.5" |
| Height | 67.0" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 219 hp @ 5300 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 41/38 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 39 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 594.5/551.0 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the RAV4 Hybrid and the CX-90?
The RAV4 Hybrid utilizes a hybrid system generating 219 hp with a continuously variable transmission, focusing on efficiency. Conversely, the CX-90 employs a conventional engine setup providing 280 hp mated to a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, prioritizing power delivery.
How does the cargo capacity compare given the size difference?
Despite the CX-90 being almost 20 inches longer, the RAV4 Hybrid offers over double the listed cargo capacity at 37.6 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. This suggests the RAV4's utility focus is in its two-row configuration.
Is the fuel cost difference significant between these two AWD models?
Yes, the difference is substantial: the RAV4 Hybrid achieves 39 MPG combined while the CX-90 is rated at 25 MPG combined. Over a year of driving, this 14 MPG gap will result in considerable savings favoring the Toyota.
Which vehicle is less expensive upfront?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a $32,850 MSRP, making it $5,950 cheaper than the 2026 Mazda CX-90's $38,800 starting price.
Are both vehicles optimized for performance or efficiency?
The RAV4 Hybrid (219 hp, 39 MPG) is clearly engineered for efficiency and utility. The CX-90 (280 hp, 25 MPG) is heavily geared towards performance enthusiasts seeking higher horsepower metrics.
What is the difference in exterior dimensions?
The Mazda CX-90 is significantly wider and taller than the RAV4 Hybrid, measuring 78.5 inches wide compared to 73.0 inches, and 68.3 inches high compared to 67.0 inches, in addition to its overall greater length.
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