If you’re shopping for a new compact crossover SUV, Gunther Mazda invites you to review our Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 vehicles share many of the same qualities, such as a high level of comfort and streamlined performance, but they also differ in key areas – for example, if you want a better driving experience with higher horsepower, the Mazda CX-5 turbo engines are a must-try. Let’s explore these two models in more detail and then see how they stack up against one another.
For the current model year, the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison remains unchanged outside of trim level and technology improvements. For instance, Mazda engineers reintroduced the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S model, giving a more budget-friendly option for drivers to join the Mazda family. You’ll also find wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Autoâ„¢, and phone charging earlier in the 2025 lineup than in previous model years – they now come as standard equipment beginning at the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition tier.
Toyota engineers, on the other hand, removed the popular, off-road-ready Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, reducing your access to choices and eliminating their specialized AWD functionality from the lineup.
| 2025 MAZDA CX-5 | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Standard Engine | 2.5L 4-Cyl | 2.5L 4-Cyl |
| Available Engine | 2.5L turbo 4-Cyl | N / A |
| Max. Horsepower | 256 | 203 |
| Max. Torque | 320 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Turning Circle | 36 ft | 36.1-37.4 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 180.1 in | 180.9 in |
| Body Width | 72.6 in | 73 in |
| Height | 65.4-65.6 in | 67-67.2 in |
| Gas Tank Size | 15.3 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Max. Oil Capacity | 5.1 qt | 4.5 qt |
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with i-ACTIV AWD®, offering refined ride quality in all trim levels. Higher trims add the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select system, which allows you to customize your driving experience even further with sport and off-road modes. This popular SUV is powered by a standard 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to 187 horsepower. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available in top trims and churns out a maximum of 256 horsepower. According to Kelley Blue Book®, its minimum 0-60 mph acceleration time is an exceptional 7.3 seconds.5
The non-hybrid Toyota RAV4 SUV comes standard with FWD – you have to upgrade to get AWD. It also comes with one engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to Edmunds, it reaches 0-60 mph in a more leisurely 9.1 seconds.6
Of all your options, the available turbocharged engine for the 2025 Mazda CX-5 SUV packs the strongest punch.
Although both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Toyota RAV4 models have 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, the entry-level Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select trim provides a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 LE base model has a tow rating of just 1,500 pounds,7 and the hybrid engines can only reach 1,750 pounds.7 That leaves the Mazda CX-5 the safer crossover for hauling canoe or jetski trailers to the waterfront. To learn more about the new Mazda CX-5 towing capacity or Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 specs, reach out to our team today.
The eight Mazda CX-5 trims range from the returning baseline Mazda CX-5 2.5 S to the capable and exceptional Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature. The entire lineup is as follows:
The 2025 non-hybrid Toyota RAV4 lineup offers just the following four trims:
The more extensive 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup appeals to a range of drivers. Not only is there a medley of available new Mazda CX-5 colors, but also a variety of features for comfort, luxury, and safety. Plus, it boasts many standard amenities that are only available as upgrades in the Toyota RAV4, which we review below.
We invite you to browse our 2025 Mazda CX-5 inventory online to see what trims we have available today.
The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Here are a few standard features you can expect in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 cabin:
As you can see, when you finance or lease a new Mazda CX-5, you get a lot of perks for your money. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 simply has a harder time keeping up with the standard and available options in the Mazda crossover.
For instance, the Blind Spot Monitor is an optional upgrade for the Toyota RAV4 LE, and you’ll need to climb more than a single trim level to get standard heated front seats – unlike the Mazda model, which has heated leatherette seating as soon as the second-tier Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select. Plus, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with an 8-inch display, which only upgrades to 10.5 inches in top models. The Toyota RAV4 also fails to offer a comparable one-touch fold-down function for its 60/40-split rear seat.
Other differences between the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 are that the Mazda CX-5 comes with two standard USB-C ports, available USB-C ports for the rear as soon as the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select, available leatherette and leather upholstery, a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, and standard push-button start. The Toyota RAV4 offers SofTex- and fabric-trimmed seating across its entire lineup, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and push-button start available in top trims or as package options. While it can offer five total USB ports, these are no USB-C ports, reducing the efficiency of your connection.
The Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 dimensions show that the latter SUV offers more cargo capacity than the former. However, the Mazda CX-5 delivers more in terms of key interior passenger dimensions, such as more front headroom, equal front legroom, more rear legroom, and more hip room in both rows, making it an ideal choice for families. Learn more about the Mazda CX-5 cargo space and interior dimensions on our dedicated vehicle page.
If you’re seeking a pre-owned compact SUV, you may be interested in seeing how the 2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Toyota RAV4 models measure up. Since the 2025 model year mainly brings adjustments to the trim lineups of these two models, a gently used Mazda CX-5 is still an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable alternative, especially when pitted against the Toyota RAV4. Similar to our 2025 comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with features like i-ACTIV AWD®, remote keyless entry, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. That previous model year began with the 2.5 S Select, meaning even the baseline model had standard dual-zone climate control and leatherette seating.
| 2024 MAZDA CX-5 | 2024 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Standard Engine | 2.5L 4-Cyl | 2.5L 4-Cyl |
| Available Engine | 2.5L turbo 4-Cyl | N / A |
| Maximum Horsepower | 256 | 203 |
| Maximum Torque | 320 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Turning Circle | 36 ft | 36.1-37.4 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 180.1 in | 180.9-181.5 in |
| Body Width | 72.6 in | 73-73.4 in |
| Height | 65.4-65.6 in | 67-68.6 in |
| Gas Tank Size | 15.3 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Max. Oil Capacity | 5.1 qt | 4.5 qt |
If you’re ready to get into the sophisticated Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, come by Gunther Mazda today. Our team can also walk you through other aspects of the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison, including driver-assistance features, EPA-estimated MPG ratings, and more. We are eager to get you behind the wheel of your dream SUV.
The Toyota RAV4 provides more overall trunk capacity than the Mazda CX-5. The Toyota RAV4 SUV has a maximum of 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Mazda CX-5 carries 59.3 cubic feet worth of cargo volume with the rear seats folded. However, the Mazda CX-5 has more front headroom, rear legroom, and overall hip room for occupant comfort.
The Toyota RAV4 has a maximum ride height of 8.6 inches. This is taller than the Mazda SUV’s 7.9 maximum ride height, though the Toyota RAV4 lacks an off-road drive mode on its non-hybrid trims. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select compensates for the height difference with an intuitive off-road drive mode, improving your grip on rough surfaces or maintaining momentum on sand, silt, or mud.
For discerning drivers seeking elegance, efficient performance, and advanced features, the Mazda CX-5 stands out as the preferred pick. Although both vehicles are strong contenders, the Mazda CX-5 offers standard i-ACTIV AWD®, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Blind Spot Monitoring, and more, making it a stylish and smart choice. Test-drive a Mazda CX-5 model to see the difference for yourself today.
When comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 is more agile in size than its competitor. It measures 180.1 inches long, up to 65.6 inches high, and 72.6 inches wide without side mirrors. The Toyota RAV4 is a bulkier 180.9 inches long, 67.2 inches high, and 73 inches wide without mirrors.
Our Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison presents two impressive compact SUVs with plenty to offer. Though they share many similarities, there are several differences between the two models, with the Mazda CX-5 coming out ahead in more ways than one alongside eight trim levels. Reach out to our team to learn more about how they compare in terms of horsepower, exterior design, interior features, and other areas.
The Mazda CX-5 is a refined compact SUV available at Gunther Mazda. It offers ample comfort, convenience, and safety features, along with stellar performance and fuel efficiency. Its warranty coverage is impressive, and it boasts an attractive starting MSRP, especially with the returning base Mazda CX-5 2.5 S model for the 2025 lineup. The Mazda CX-5 has excellent value overall, making it a widely popular pick.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/MAZDA/CX-5/SUV/AWD
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/TOYOTA/RAV4/SUV/FWD
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/mazda/cx-5
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/toyota/rav4
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-5/2025/specs/
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4/
7Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
