Head-to-head
2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
The Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 93 to 85.2, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, safety. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
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2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-50 4WD, is EPA-rate…
vs
B2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4 H…
Verdict · default weights
2025 Mazda CX-50
Clear winThe Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 93 to 85.2, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, safety. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
Tech & comfort 2025 Mazda CX-50 leads by 25
Fuel & range 2025 Mazda CX-50 leads by 21.8
Space & cargo 2025 Toyota RAV4 leads by 13
| Category · weight | 2025 Mazda CX-50overall 93 | 2025 Toyota RAV4overall 85.2 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 78.2 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 86.1 | 83.2 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 87 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 91.8 | 99.9 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 75 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 93 | 85.2 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-50: base trim 2.5 S Select Package AWD · Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (47 against 103 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists 26 standard driver-assist features against 20.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (24 points against 18 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 81 against 63).
- It opens up to 69.8 cu ft of cargo against 56.3.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $28,850 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | Skyactiv-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with CDA | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 25 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 31 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.367 | 3.177 |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in | 8.4 in |
| Overall height | 63.5 in | 67 in |
| Overall length | 186 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 72.9 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 56.3 cu-ft | 69.8 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 31.4 cu-ft | 37.5 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 100 cu-ft | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.1 in | 37.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 39.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.6 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 37.8 in |
| Third-row legroom | 39.8 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,370 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,741 lbs | 3,370 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,861 lbs | 4,610 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Macpherson strut | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion Beam | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 18 ft | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 326 mm | 305 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 325 mm | 282 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | steel |
| Wheel width | 7 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.9 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | Toyota Safety Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 120 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.9 in | 57.8 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 56.4 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.6 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
107 features · differences first, then sharedSafety26 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Head-on Collision Mitigation | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors | std | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors | — | std |
| Backup camera [camera] with dynamic gridlines | — | std |
| Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | opt |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front & Rear safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters (Exclude Rear Center Seat) | std | — |
| Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Front and rear side-impact door beams | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | — | std |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor: static guide lines | std | — |
| Seat belt warning/reminder for driver, front passenger and rear passengers | std | — |
| Secondary Collision Reduction | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) | — | std |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert. | std | std |
Infotainment12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music™) compatibility. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| 8-speaker audio sound system | std | — |
| 10.25" full-color center display with Touch Screen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | std | — |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatible, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch. Allows you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status and monitor guest drivers. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Subscription required. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| Three USB ports — USB media port in front storage tray and two additional charge ports in front center console | — | std |
| USB-C Audio Inputs - Front center console (Type C x 2 ports) | std | — |
| USB-C Audio Inputs - Rear center console (Type C x 2 ports) | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
Convenience6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock and panic function, power liftgate and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| 12-volt power outlets (x2) | std | — |
| Mazda advanced keyless entry & start system | std | — |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic functions and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | std | std |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning with pollen filter, dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter with rear seat vents | std | — |
| Climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
Seating4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats with sporty red stitching and embossed seat inserts; heated front seats; 8-way power-adjustable front driver's seat with lumbar support; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket | — | std |
| Seat material - half leatherette | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 6-way adjustable front driver's seat; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
Interior12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Panel - black | std | — |
| Digital speedometer and instrumentation with analog tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauges; 7-in. digital Multi-Information Display (MID) | — | std |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) | std | — |
| Passenger-side lockable glove compartment | — | std |
| Trim inserts - Silver paint | std | — |
| Sun visors with sliding extensions and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Cargo area LED light | std | — |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | std | — |
| Overhead console with maplights, sunglasses storage, and Safety Connect® button | std | — |
| Storage - front seatback pockets (passenger) | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B, current and average fuel economy, distance-to-empty | std | — |
| Black carpet flooring with driver-side footrest | — | std |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior19 differ · 23 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off | — | std |
| 17 x 7J inch aluminum alloy wheels - with Black Metallic Finish | std | — |
| Badging - AWD badge | std | — |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and folding feature | std | opt |
| Dual chrome-tipped exhaust | — | std |
| Dual exhaust outlets - 76φ with bright finish | std | — |
| Front Grille - Black Finish | std | — |
| Garnish (B pillar/C Pillar/Sail) Molding - Black | std | — |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - LED with manual-leveling | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| P225/65 R17 all-season tires | std | — |
| Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with de-icer function and intermittent rear wiper | std | — |
| Roof rails - Silver | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - black, dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - manual folding | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Rear Roof spoiler - body color | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) accent lighting | std | std |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Rear liftgate window defogger | std | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel - Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Mi-Drive (Sports/Off-road modes) | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | std | — |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | — | opt |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | — | std |
| Towing capacity - 2,000lb | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-50
Safety Signal 63 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 5 · 1 critical · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 47 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Power Train (11), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), Service Brakes (8)
Top recalls
- critical Suspension 25V737000 · 1,007 vehicles
- high Electrical System 25V418000 · 22 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Air Bags 25V413000 · 2 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V167000 · 63 vehicles
- high Exterior Lighting 24V649000 · 672 vehicles
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 81 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 103 · 11 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (27), Visibility/Wiper (16), Electrical System (15)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V256000 · 4 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-502.5 S Select Package AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $28,850 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 10 trims | $28,850 – $47,735 19 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | PHEV, HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-50 4WD | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 38 | 30 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,750 | $2,250 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 or the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
The Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 93 to 85.2, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, safety. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on space & cargo and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mazda CX-50 scores 93 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 85.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 or the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
2025 Mazda CX-50: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 5 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). 2025 Toyota RAV4: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (47 against 103 filed with NHTSA), lists 26 standard driver-assist features against 20, and lists more comfort and tech equipment (24 points against 18 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 81 against 63) and opens up to 69.8 cu ft of cargo against 56.3. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.