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Are you deliberating whether to buy the 2022 Mazda CX-5 or the 2022 Toyota RAV4? The CX-5 has several advantages over the RAV4 for compact crossover SUV shoppers. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 CX-5, not a 2022 RAV4. 

2022 Mazda CX-5 has a more upscale cabin than the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Front angle view of Soul Red Crystal Metallic 2022 Mazda CX-5
2022 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

The first reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the CX-5 has a more upscale cabin than the RAV4. It has the premium look and feel of a luxury SUV, not a mainstream model. 

Also, the cabin of the CX-5 is more technologically advanced. Unlike the RAV4, the CX-5 offers a head-up display, which projects driving data and other information onto the windshield. Plus, the CX-5 has a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, while the largest touchscreen available for the RAV4 is 9.0 inches. 

2022 CX-5 provides more passenger space than the 2022 RAV4 

Front angle view of Cavalry Blue 2022 Toyota RAV4
2022 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The second reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the CX-5 provides more passenger space than the RAV4. It has a total passenger volume of 103.6 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. For the higher passenger volume, the most noticeable difference is for the rear seats. The CX-5 has 39.6 inches of rear legroom, compared to 37.8 inches for the RAV4.

Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Toyota RAV4

The third reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the CX-5 is safer than the RAV4. For one, 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 award. 

Also, unlike the RAV4, the CX-5 offers auto-leveling headlights. Furthermore, cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitor driving assistance features are standard for all CX-5 models. For the RAV4, these features are optional, so you have to pay extra.

2022 CX-5 costs less than the 2022 RAV4

The fourth reason to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-5 instead of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the 2022 CX-5 costs less than the 2022 RAV4. The starting price of the 2022 CX-5 ranges from $25,900 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $38,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. Also, when you take into consideration its more premium quality, the CX-5 offers greater value.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs.

In making a buying decision between the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and the 2022 Toyota RAV4, the 2022 CX-5 has multiple advantages for crossover SUV shoppers. This includes advantages for an upscale cabin, passenger space, safety, and a lower price. 

For reasons to buy a Toyota RAV4 instead of a Mazda CX-5, continue reading below.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.