2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 often comes down to efficiency versus capability. If your primary concern is keeping running costs low, the RAV4 is the clear winner, delivering a combined 30 MPG compared to the CX-50's 26 MPG. The RAV4 achieves an impressive 35 MPG highway on regular unleaded fuel, significantly easing the pain at the pump over the long term. However, the CX-50 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a slightly longer body at 185.8 inches versus the RAV4's 180.9 inches. While the RAV4 boasts slightly more power with 203 horsepower versus the Mazda's 187 hp, the CX-50 offers a touch more low-end pulling power with 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Toyota's 184 lb-ft. For budget-minded daily drivers, the $29,800 MSRP of the RAV4 and its fuel savings make a compelling argument, despite the CX-50 only being $100 more expensive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 offers significantly more cargo space at 37.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by including standard All-Wheel Drive, which the base RAV4 lacks.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 provides a better value proposition primarily driven by substantial fuel savings over the vehicle's lifespan.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops and maximizing miles per gallon (30 combined MPG).
- You need maximum storage capacity, as the RAV4 offers 37.6 cubic feet for gear.
- You prefer a bit more outright power, delivering 203 horsepower.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You live in an area requiring frequent inclement weather traction due to standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You appreciate a slightly wider stance (75.6 inches) for potential stability.
- You prefer a marginally longer vehicle overall at 185.8 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 185.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 75.6" |
| Height | 67.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 110.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 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 | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.5/507.5 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual 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) | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 53.6 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
How much more fuel-efficient is the RAV4 compared to the CX-50?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has a significant edge in efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is rated at 26 combined MPG. This 4 MPG difference means the RAV4 is substantially cheaper to run daily, especially on long commutes.
Which crossover has more interior storage room?
The 2025 RAV4 is the more practical choice for cargo hauling, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 CX-50 provides less room, measuring 31.4 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Does the base model of either vehicle offer All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it an advantage in slick conditions. In contrast, the base 2025 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with Front Wheel Drive.
Are the horsepower and torque figures very different between the two?
The differences are minor; the RAV4 produces 203 horsepower versus the CX-50's 187 horsepower. However, the CX-50 has a slight torque lead with 185 lb-ft compared to the RAV4's 184 lb-ft.
What is the price difference between the starting MSRPs?
The two vehicles are nearly identical in starting price, with the 2025 RAV4 listed at $29,800 and the 2026 CX-50 at $29,900. You save $100 upfront by choosing the RAV4.
Which car uses a lower-grade fuel?
Both the RAV4 and the CX-50 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline, which is good news for overall running costs.
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