2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the efficient, compact RAV4 Prime and the spacious, powerful CX-90 is a common struggle for modern buyers juggling budgets and needs. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid starts at a higher MSRP of $44,815, yet it offers superior running costs thanks to its 42 miles of electric range and a combined 38 MPG, crushing the 2026 Mazda CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating. While the RAV4 provides 302 hp, the Mazda counters with superior torque at 332 lb-ft and a larger footprint (200.8 inches long). The $6,015 initial cost saving with the CX-90 must be weighed against the RAV4's significant 13 MPG fuel economy advantage over longer 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 substantial 42 miles of electric range and superior 38 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is better suited for families needing space, offering a significantly larger overall footprint and more passenger room due to its longer 200.8-inch body.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Despite the CX-90's torque, the RAV4's higher 302 hp output combined with the instant torque of its electric motor gives it a slight edge for spirited driving.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 provides a substantial initial cost saving of $6,015 less than the RAV4 while still offering AWD and solid power.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel consumption, capitalizing on the 38 MPG combined rating.
- You can frequently utilize the 42 miles of pure electric range for daily errands.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle, as the RAV4 is narrower at 73.0 inches.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You need maximum cargo room, though the official figure is smaller at 14.9 cu ft, the longer body suggests more general space.
- You prioritize a traditional driving feel offered by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You want to save $6,015 upfront, as the CX-90's MSRP starts at $38,800.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 Plug-In 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6000 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) | 40/36 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 580.0/522.0 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| 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. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
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 | 18 x 7.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R18 | 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 Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How does the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime handle fuel costs compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The RAV4 PHEV offers far lower running costs; its 38 MPG combined efficiency beats the CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating significantly. Furthermore, the RAV4 can cover 42 miles purely on electricity before needing any gasoline.
Is the Mazda CX-90 large enough to handle big family road trips?
The CX-90 is physically larger overall, measuring 200.8 inches long versus the RAV4’s 180.9 inches, which usually translates to better space utilization inside. However, be aware that the RAV4 offers more stated dedicated cargo space at 33.5 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better acceleration or performance feel?
The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid leads on raw horsepower with 302 hp, offering a quicker feel, especially utilizing electric boost. The CX-90 compensates with higher torque at 332 lb-ft, which aids in hauling or towing scenarios.
What is the main financial tradeoff between these two crossovers?
You pay $44,815 for the RAV4 PHEV versus $38,800 for the CX-90, meaning you save $6,015 upfront with the Mazda. That savings must be balanced against the RAV4’s higher fuel efficiency over years of ownership.
Do both models come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are specified with All-Wheel Drive capability.
How do their transmissions differ?
The RAV4 uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), favored for efficiency, while the CX-90 utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which driving enthusiasts often prefer for engaging shifts.
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