Head-to-head
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 92.6 to 87.5, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, performance. The Mazda CX-5 is ahead on safety and price.
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2026 Mazda CX-5
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV. The most efficient version, the CX-5 4WD, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no recall c…
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A2026 Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4, is EPA-rated at 43 mpg c…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota RAV4
Slight edgeThe Toyota RAV4 edges it, 92.6 to 87.5, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, performance. The Mazda CX-5 is ahead on safety and price.
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 40.1
Safety 2026 Mazda CX-5 leads by 25.7
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 20.7
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-5overall 87.5 | 2026 Toyota RAV4overall 92.6 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 94 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 59.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 74.3 | ||||||||||||
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 | 93.2 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 85.9 | 96.9 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 79.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
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 | 87.5 | 92.6 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-5: base trim 2.5 S 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 2026 Toyota RAV4 wins
- It costs $1,050 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,550 against $2,600).
- It is rated 43 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (29 points against 23 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (18 against 44 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 16.
What they share
- 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.
Specifications side by side
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $29,990 | $31,900 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | Atkinson Cycle |
| 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 | 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 | 226 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 24 mpg | 47 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 26 mpg | 43 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 30 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.624 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8.1 in |
| Overall height | 66.7 in | 66.7 in |
| Overall length | 185 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 73.2 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 66.5 cu-ft | 70.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 33.7 cu-ft | 37.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 107 cu-ft | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.7 in | 37.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.2 in | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.9 in | 37.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,856 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,856 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,914 lbs | 4,920 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson Strut type coil spring and stabilizer bar | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Independent Multi-link type coil spring and stabilizer bar | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); rack-mounted parallel-type electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 18.4 ft | 36.9 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 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 | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.3 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connect | Toyota Safety Connect / Drive Connect / Remote Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.6 in | 57 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | 56.4 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
121 features · differences first, then sharedSafety37 differ · 43 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 (TSS 4.0) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Proactive Driving Assist | — | std |
| Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags | std | — |
| Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags | std | — |
| Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning & Lane-keep Assist | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning & Lane-keep Assist | std | — |
| Rearview camera w/ Dynamic Line and Tow Hitch Guide | std | — |
| Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Front and Rear Parking sensors | std | — |
| Front and Rear Parking sensors | std | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors | — | std |
| Advanced 3-point seatbelts, including front and rear seat-belt pretensioners with load limiters | std | — |
| Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags | std | — |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | — | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Distance & Speed Alert | 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 |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | — | std |
| Emergency Lane Keeping (Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance) | std | — |
| Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Front and Rear Seat Belt Reminders | std | — |
| Headlights - High Beam Control (HBC) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | — | std |
| LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors | std | — |
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Speed Limit Assist | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Secondary Collision Reduction | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (SBS), Turn-Across Traffic, and Head-On Collison Mitigation | std | — |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | std | — |
| Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) | std | — |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | — | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | 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 |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert | std | std |
Infotainment18 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Connect — 1-year trial subscription | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 360L with 3-month trial | — | std |
| 12.9" center display | std | — |
| 2 - 15w front USB-C charging ports and 1 center console media USB-C charging port | — | std |
| AM/FM/HD Radio™ | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
| Audio menu voice-command | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. Capable, subscription required (LE, XLE Premium, SE, Woodland); 1-year trial (Limited, XSE, GR SPORT) | — | std |
| Drive Recorder Dash Cam- integrated drive recording system that utilizes front and rear (front and Panoramic View Monitor if equipped) camera systems for video recording | — | std |
| Google built-in capable NAVI and Voice Assistant (1-yr Free) | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Speed-sensing automatic volume control (Automatic Level control) | std | — |
| USB sockets - Front center console (Type C x 2 ports) | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Spotify® – separate subscription required) compatibility. 30-day trial subscription with Unlimited Hotspot Data | std | std |
Convenience4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry & start system | std | — |
| One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet [12v] in cargo area | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic functions, and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| 12-volt power outlet (x2) | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | std | std |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
| Dual-zone, automatic climate control | std | — |
Seating4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback | std | — |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | — | std |
| Rear seat center armrest with integrated cup holders | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats | std | std |
Interior16 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10.25" LCD meter display | std | — |
| 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, integrated multimedia information, odometer, tripmeters, clock, outside temperature, rear passenger seatbelt indicators, fuel gauge, hybrid energy monitor, battery charge meter, fuel economy information, trip timer, shift-position and scheduled maintenance indicators, and warning messages | — | std |
| Black carpet flooring with driver-side footrest | — | std |
| Chrome painted dash with urethane dash panels and soft touch leather wrapped armrests | — | std |
| Front-door storage pockets with bottle holders | — | std |
| Passenger-side lockable glove compartment | — | std |
| RAV4 branded center console | — | std |
| Removeable front cupholder divider | — | std |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Steering wheel and gear selector - leather-wrapped | std | — |
| Turn signal stalk with headlight controls and one-touch 3-blink lane change turn signals | — | std |
| Day/night rearview mirror | — | std |
| Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel | — | std |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Overhead console with maplights, sunglasses storage and Safety Connect® button | std | std |
Exterior17 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and front side marker lamp with chrome accent, Automatic High Beams (AHB) | — | std |
| 17 x 7J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Gray Metallic finish | std | — |
| 17-in. dark gray metallic wheels | — | std |
| Badging - AWD badge | std | — |
| Color-keyed roof-mounted shark-fin antenna | — | std |
| Dual exhaust | — | std |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - LED with auto-leveling | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Low-profile black roof rails | — | std |
| P225/65 R17 all-season tires | std | — |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | — | std |
| Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with de-icer function and intermittent rear window wiper | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - manual folding | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Rear liftgate window defogger | — | std |
| Rear Roof spoiler - body color | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | std |
| Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) - Normal/ Sport /Off-road mode | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Independent front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable assist | std | — |
| Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | — | std |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-5
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 18 · 1 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (8), Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Electrical System (5)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 94 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 44 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (17), Unspecified (14), Electrical System (8)
Top recalls
- minor Engine And Engine Cooling 26V659000 · 30,978 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V571000 · 135 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-52.5 S AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,990 (base trim) | $31,900 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $29,990 5 trims | $31,900 – $48,500 13 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-5 4WD | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 43 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,600 | $1,550 |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 92.6 to 87.5, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, performance. The Mazda CX-5 is ahead on safety and price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota RAV4 scores 92.6 and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 87.5. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts lower — $29,990 against $31,900, a gap of $1,910 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
2026 Mazda CX-5: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Toyota RAV4: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 2 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 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 wins: it costs $1,050 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,550 against $2,600), is rated 43 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (29 points against 23 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (18 against 44 filed with NHTSA) and lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 16. What they share: 5 seats.