Head-to-head
2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
The Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 95.1 to 82.3, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
A
2026 Mazda CX-50
The 2026 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
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 Mazda CX-50
Clear winThe Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 95.1 to 82.3, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
Tech & comfort 2026 Mazda CX-50 leads by 67.3
Safety 2026 Mazda CX-50 leads by 21.5
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 11.5
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-50overall 95.1 | 2026 Toyota RAV4overall 82.3 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 93.7 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 88.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 78.5 | ||||||||||||
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 | 86.6 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 86.5 | 97 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 32.7 | ||||||||||||
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 | 95.1 | 82.3 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-50: base trim 2.5 S Select 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 Mazda CX-50 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (13 against 35 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 16 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 28 standard driver-assist features against 18.
Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 answers
- It opens up to 70.4 cu ft of cargo against 56.3.
- It carries 124 hp per ton against 100.
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.
Advertisement
Specifications side by side
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $29,900 | $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 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 | 226 hp |
| Torque | 185 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 | 4.367 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in | 8.1 in |
| Overall height | 63.5 in | 66.7 in |
| Overall length | 186 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 56.3 cu-ft | 70.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 31.4 cu-ft | 37.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 100 cu-ft | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.1 in | 37.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | 38.6 in | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,640 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,741 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,861 lbs | 4,920 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); rack-mounted parallel-type electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 18 ft | 36.9 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 | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| 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 / Drive Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.9 in | 57 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 53.6 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
130 features · differences first, then sharedSafety22 differ · 34 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) With Stop And Go Function | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (SBS*) With Head-On Collision Mitigation | std | — |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) | std | — |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| LATCH Rear Seat Child Safety Seat Anchors & Upper Tether Anchors | std | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| Child Safety Rear Door Locks | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Emergency Lane Keeping - Road Keep Assist | std | — |
| Front & Rear Safety-Belt Pretensioners With Force Limiters (Exclude Rear Center Seat) | 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 |
| 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™ 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 |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | 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 |
| 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 |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | 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 |
Infotainment20 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Connected Services - Remote Services / Remote Engine Start | std | — |
| Mazda Connected Services - Remote Services / Remote Lock/Unlock/Remote Hazard Light | std | — |
| 8-Speaker Audio Sound System | std | — |
| Mazda Connected Services - Navigation Services / Vehicle Finder / Send To Car | std | — |
| 10.25" Full-Color Center Display With Touch Screen For Apple CarPlay And Android Auto | std | — |
| 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 360L with 3-month trial | — | std |
| 2 - 15w front USB-C charging ports and 1 center console media USB-C charging port | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. 1-year trial on Limited AWD; capable/subscription required on all other HEV grades; 1-year trial on XSE & GR SPORT PHEV; capable on SE & Woodland PHEV | — | 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 |
| HD Radio™ | std | — |
| Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-Function Commander Control | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app. 1-year trial subscription | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Single Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | std | — |
| USB Audio Inputs - Front Center Console (Type C x 2 Ports) | std | — |
| USB Audio Inputs - Rear Center Console (Type C x 2 Ports) | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Integration | 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 |
Convenience7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control With Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | std | — |
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | std | — |
| Power Door Locks - Speed Sensitive With 2-Stage Unlocking | std | — |
| Power Windows With One-Touch Down/Up Feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote Release - Fuel-Door And Hood | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, and panic functions, and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| 12-Volt Power Outlets | std | — |
| Push Button Start | std | std |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning With Pollen Filter, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control With Pollen Filter With Rear Seat Vents | std | — |
| Dual zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
| Heater/Defroster With Rear Heater Ducts | std | — |
| Rear Window Defogger With Timer | std | — |
Seating7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Way Manual Adjustable Driver's Seat | std | — |
| 40/60 Split Rear Seat With Remote Fold Down Handle | std | — |
| 5-Passenger Seating Capacity | 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 |
| Headrests - Height-Adjustable, Front & Rear (3 Passenger Seats) | std | — |
| Seat Material - Half Leatherette | std | — |
| 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
Interior19 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 7-Inch TFT LCD Meter Display | std | — |
| Assist Handles - (4) | std | — |
| Coat Hooks (2) Rear | std | — |
| Illuminated Entry System | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent 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 Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | — |
| Map Lights | std | — |
| Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic | std | — |
| Storage - Bottle Holder, Front (2) And Rear (2) Door Panels | std | — |
| Storage - Front Center Console | std | — |
| Storage - Rear Center Console With Tray And Covered Storage Bin | std | — |
| Trim Inserts - Silver Paint | std | — |
| Sun Visors - Dual Covered Vanity Mirrors With Illumination And Extensions | std | — |
| Cargo Area LED Light | std | — |
| Floor Mats - Carpeted | std | — |
| Storage - Front Seatback Pockets (Passenger) | std | — |
| Storage - Overhead Console With Sunglasses Holder With LED Room Lamp | std | — |
| Storage - Overhead Console With Sunglasses Holder With LED Room Lamp | std | — |
| Trip Computer - Odometer, Trip Meter A & B, Current And Average Fuel Economy, Distance-To-Empty | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior22 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs), front side marker lamp, parking lamp and front turn signal lamp with chrome accent, Automatic High Beams (AHB) auto on/off | — | std |
| 17 X 7J Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels With Black Metallic Finish | std | — |
| Badging - AWD Badge | std | — |
| Brand Emblem and Badges - Chrome | std | — |
| Dual Exhaust Outlets - 76Φ With Bright Finish | std | — |
| Front Grille - Black Finish | std | — |
| Front Grille - Piano Black Finish | std | — |
| Garnish (B Pillar/C Pillar/Sail) Molding - Black | std | — |
| Headlights - LED With Manual-Leveling | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Low-profile black roof rails | — | std |
| P225/65 R17 All-Season Tires | std | — |
| Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with de-icer function and intermittent rear window 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 | — |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off Feature | std | — |
| Privacy Glass - Rear Side Windows And Rear Liftgate Glass | std | — |
| Rear liftgate window defogger | — | std |
| Brake Light - Center High-Mount | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | 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 | — |
Chassis5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension - Macpherson Strut 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 | — |
| Rear Suspension - Torsion Beam | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Capacity - 2,000Lb | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Advertisement
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-50
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 13 · 1 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (4), Power Train (3), Suspension (2)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 97 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 35 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (11), Unspecified (10), Electrical System (7)
Top recalls
- minor Equipment 26V571000 · 135 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-502.5 S Select AWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,900 (base trim) | $31,900 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $29,900 – $42,900 10 trims | $31,900 – $48,500 13 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-50 4WD | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 38 | 43 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,750 | $1,550 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The Mazda CX-50 wins clearly, 95.1 to 82.3, on tech & comfort, safety, price. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-50 scores 95.1 and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 82.3. 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-50 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts lower — $29,900 against $31,900, a gap of $2,000 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-50 or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
2026 Mazda CX-50: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Toyota RAV4: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 1 recall. 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-50 and the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2026 Mazda CX-50 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (13 against 35 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 16 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and lists 28 standard driver-assist features against 18. Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 answers: it opens up to 70.4 cu ft of cargo against 56.3 and carries 124 hp per ton against 100. What they share: 5 seats.