CX-5 and RAV4: Which popular compact SUV better?
Today, the compact crossover market is highly competitive, but the two most popular models include the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Both options are spacious, comfortable, efficient, safe and relatively pleasant to drive. Since these two compact SUVs both perform well in our compact SUV rankings, if you buy a new compact SUV in the market, you can cross shopping with each other.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sits in our No. 2 compact SUV ranking. The last time Mazda launched a completely redesigned version was in 2017. Since then, automakers have been adding new features and engines for many years. In 2021, CX-5 is equipped with a new 10.25-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. In terms of safety, driver attention monitoring and automatic reversing emergency braking are new options.
To help you make an informed decision as to which compact SUV is right for you, we will use our review and rating data to compare vehicles in the most important categories to shoppers. This article and your own needs and budget will help you determine whether Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4 is the better choice for you.
Without further ado, let us dive into it and see which Japanese compact SUV dominates.
price winner: 2021 Mazda CX-5
The basic 2021 Mazda CX-5 starts at $ 25,270.This is slightly higher than the average of the compact SUV segment. Mazda offers a total of six types of decorative CX-5, the intermediate Carbon Edition starts at $28,855, and the top Signature starts at $37,405. This is one of the most expensive top trims in the compact SUV category. In most trims, plus all-wheel drive costs $1,400; it is standard for high-end travel reservations and signature models.
The entry-level 2021 Toyota RAV4 starts at $26,050, which is nearly $800 higher than the CX-5. Like CX-5, RAV4 also has six different decorations. In addition to the basic model, the price of the RAV4 series ranges from US$30,050 for the intermediate XLE Premium to US$35,980 for the performance-oriented TRD off-road trim. The more luxurious limited edition decoration starts at $34,580. Although the basic model of the RAV4 is more expensive, the most expensive interior is nearly $1,500 cheaper than the most expensive CX-5.
Reliability winner: a tie
Toyota is known for its bulletproof reliability, and Mazda has made a lot of efforts to improve the reliability of its vehicles in the past few years. Surprisingly, both vehicles achieved the average expected reliability score.
In addition, both SUVs have a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Seat Comfort Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
RAV4 and CX-5 both provide spacious and comfortable seats for front passengers, but Toyota's compact SUV has an advantage in the rear seats. It is difficult for CX-5 to place three adults in the back row, but a more reasonable choice is two adults. Passengers sitting in the middle of the back row will find the space inside the car particularly narrow during long-distance driving.
Although the RAV4 lacks electrically adjustable passenger seats, the high roofline of the SUV makes it a more comfortable choice for passengers (especially the rear passengers). Compared with CX-5, RAV4's rear shoulder space has increased by 1.6 inches.It may not sound like a lot, but it makes Toyota more able to accommodate three adults.
Cargo Compartment Winner: 2021 Toyota RAV4
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has some of the most cargo space in the compact. With the rear seats in place, the RAV4 has a maximum cargo space of 37.6 cubic feet (in XLE, XLE Premium and limited edition interiors, this figure drops to 37.5 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats down can accommodate 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space, regardless of the trim height.
The cargo space of the CX-5 is below average, providing 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, providing a total of 59.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Interior Quality Winner: 2021 Mazda CX-5
Although both Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 have practical and fascinating interiors, Mazda’s cabin is similar to that of luxury brands. Even the lower CX-5 interior uses high-end materials that decorate the interior. Mazda's simplified design is also considered high-end. The taller CX-5 is equipped with Nappa leather interior and solid wood decoration, which can indeed meet your needs. This is a rare convenience facility for this class.
In contrast, RAV4's interior design is more modern, with soft touch points, but the material quality is not comparable to that of CX-5. In addition, the RAV4's internal design is more robust and durable than the CX-5, making it feel like a more mainstream model. The higher RAV4 interior has better materials than the lower interior, and optional features include synthetic leather seats, unique stitching and special interior decoration.
internal features winners: 2021 Mazda CX-5
In 2021, Mazda has carried out a major technical update to the CX-5. The compact SUV is now equipped with a 10.25-inch touch screen and Mazda's latest infotainment system. Other standard features include Android Auto,Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a four-speaker audio system and a high-definition radio. The standard touch screen of the CX-5 is one of the largest in the field, and is easier to use than last year's 7-inch touch screen.
Toyota RAV4 is well equipped, but it cannot match the standard equipment of CX-5. The compact SUV is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, USB port, satellite radio and a six-speaker audio system. Although RAV4 has better standard audio system and Amazon Alexa compatibility, its smaller touch screen cannot match Mazda's infotainment system.
Both SUVs offer dual-zone automatic climate control, advanced audio system, sunroof, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, close-range keyless entry function and universal garage door opener as optional features.
acceleration winner: 2021 Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4 can only be used with one engine. The compact SUV is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can output 203 horsepower. The engine is paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission to provide enough power for most drivers. At higher speeds, the engine may be very loud, and the automatic transmission may hit ic during downshifts. Front-wheel drive is standard, except for Adventure and TRD off-road trim including all-wheel drive. In all other models, all-wheel drive is optional.
Mazda CX-5 offers two engines. The basic engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a rated power of 187 horsepower. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to always provide precise gear changes. Although the standard engine should prove sufficient for most drivers, the available turbocharged engine is one of the most powerful in the compact engine.
The aforementioned optional engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (with premium fuel). The turbocharged engine gives the CX-5 a sportier feel than the basic powertrain.
Riding and handling winners: 2021 Mazda CX-5
Mazda is known for its outstanding athletic ability, and CX-5 is no exception. In the compact SUV category, the CX-5 offers some of the best handling and imitates smaller vehicles. Although the CX-5 will definitely make a deep impression, the SUV can still provide a comfortable ride experience, absorb bumps and maintain stability on rough roads.
RAV4 feels comfortable overall, and the SUV's suspension does a good job of absorbing potholes and bumps. Where RAV4 lags behind CX-5 is the lack of overall athleticism.
towing winner: 2021 Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are not heavy compact SUVs that can tow boats, but they can both tow small trailers. If equipped correctly, the CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
safety winner: 2021 Mazda CX-5
National Institute of Highway Safety (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Mazda CX-5 five-fifths overall safety evaluation, and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave 2021 CX-5 2020 Highest Safety Selection + Honor. This is the highest honor of the organization and is reserved for vehicles with top crash test and safety technology levels. We should note that this recommendation only applies to CX-5 models with specific headlight configurations.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 also received a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. Although RAV4 only won IIHS's "Best Safety Choice" award, it still shows the overall safety of a compact SUV.
CX-5 and RAV4 are equipped with standard advanced safety and driver assistance tools. Each car comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking,Lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, etc. Although every vehicle has a strong set of standards and available safety features, the CX-5 provides more features.
Considering the above factors and the higher safety score of CX-5, Mazda won here.
The winner is... 2021 Mazda CX-5
Both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have done a good ranking in our compact SUV, but the ranking position of each car is clearly Indicate which model is the best overall. Although RAV4 won some CX-5 victories in important categories, CX-5 won more overall victories, making it the winner.
CX-5 is ahead of RAV4 in terms of price, interior quality, interior features, acceleration, driving and handling, safety and towing. In terms of acceleration, driver turning enjoyment and interior quality, few options in compact cars can match the CX-5.
In this comparison, RAV4 outperforms CX-5 in terms of seat comfort, cargo space and fuel economy. If you need an efficient and compact compact SUV, RAV4 will be more suitable for you than CX-5. Although the RAV4 has lost this comparison, it is still a reliable choice for the compact SUV category.
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