The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling model for the compact crossover SUV segment. Another popular crossover SUV is the Mazda CX-5. See how they measure up in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 comparison. With its plethora of advantages, the RAV4 beats the CX-5.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage with a higher base-engine horsepower and a higher maximum horsepower. It offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (256 hp).

The RAV4 also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the CX-5 gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 26 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Towing

Which crossover SUV can tow more? The RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the CX-5.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Off-road capabilities

If you want a crossover SUV that can head off-road, then the RAV4 is the better choice for you. While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the CX-5 (up to 8.6 vs. 7.5 inches). Also, unlike the CX-5, the RAV4 offers off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Woodland Edition trims.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Safety

For safety, the CX-5 has the advantage. For the previous model year, the CX-5 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Considering that both crossover SUVs are carryover models, the IIHS ratings will likely be similar for the 2023 model year.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Passenger and cargo space

Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five passengers, but the 2023 CX-5 provides more passenger space (104 vs. 98.9 cu-ft). However, the 2023 RAV4 offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 58.1 cu-ft for the CX-5.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and CX-5 have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the CX-5, the RAV4 has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

RAV4 vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 CX-5? The starting price of the 2023 CX-5 ranges from $26,700 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $39,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim.

For the RAV4, the price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year. However, the 2023 RAV4 will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 RAV4. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover comparison, the 2023 RAV4 has more advantages than the 2023 CX-5. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, the 2023 CX-5 has advantages for safety, passenger space, and a lower price.