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The Toyota RAV4 is not only the sales leader for the compact crossover SUV segment, but it’s also the overall best-selling SUV. See the advantages that the RAV4 has over one of its competitors, the CX-5. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4, not a 2022 Mazda CX-5.

2022 Toyota RAV4 gets better fuel economy than the 2022 Mazda CX-5

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

The first reason to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the RAV4 gets better fuel economy than the CX-5. Considering the high price of gas these days, a more efficient SUV like the RAV4 is an appealing choice. 

The gas-powered RAV4 gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, compared to a gas mileage of 28 combined mpg for the CX-5. For even greater efficiency, the RAV4 offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model (RAV4 Prime). 

The RAV4 Prime has an estimated efficiency rating of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a fuel economy of 40 combined mpg. With the RAV4 Prime, you can drive with electric-only power for up to an estimated 42 miles.

2022 RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the 2022 CX-5

Soul Red Crystal Metallic 2022 Mazda CX-5 parked by a sidewalk
2022 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

The second reason to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the CX-5. While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has greater abilities for driving off the beaten path.

For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the CX-5 (up to 8.6 vs. 7.5 inches). Higher ground clearance enables a vehicle to drive more effectively and safely over uneven terrain. Also, unlike the CX-5, the RAV4 offers an off-road-focused model with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which has beefy off-road tires and an off-road-tuned suspension.

Toyota RAV4 has more cargo space than the Mazda CX-5

The third reason to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the RAV4 has more cargo space than the CX-5. It provides 37.6 cu-ft of storage space behind the rear seats and has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the CX-5 has a rear cargo capacity of 30.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.6 cu-ft.

Unlike the 2022 CX-5, the 2022 RAV4 has a free maintenance plan

The fourth reason to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2022 CX-5 is, unlike the CX-5, the RAV4 has a free maintenance plan. All RAV4 models come standard with the ToyotaCare complimentary maintenance plan, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles.

ToyotaCare for the RAV4 includes:

  • Oil and filter changes
  • Tires rotations
  • Multi-point inspections
  • Topping off of the fluids

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has advantages over the 2022 Mazda CX-5 for fuel economy, off-road capabilities, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. These are solid reasons to buy the RAV4 instead of the CX-5.

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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.