Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
When we compare the Mazda CX-5's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-5's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing: A used 2024 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $28,687 to $40,393 while a used 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced between $33,827 to $44,499. For a new model, the Mazda CX-5's price is between $30,611 and $40,595, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced between $33,984 and $44,681.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-5 loses 36.2 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid loses 30.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.2 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 10 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid being ranked 2 out of 12 Best Hybrid Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the reliability rating is 6.2 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-5 an advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid base engine makes 219 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-5, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room. The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$30,611 - $40,595
Starting MSRP:
$29,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,984 - $44,681
Starting MSRP:
$31,725
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$35,591
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$28,220 - $43,690
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,021
Price Range:
$28,687 - $40,393
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,440
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
14,180
# Good or Great Deals:
107
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,897
Price Range:
$33,827 - $44,499
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$39,761
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$33,760 - $51,180
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,013
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15,604
# Good or Great Deals:
122
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,943
Depreciation %:
37.3%
Resale Value $:
$18,357
Residual Value %:
62.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$9,661
Depreciation %:
30.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,064
Residual Value %:
69.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
30.5% - 50.8%
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
6.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
10 - 12.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2 - 8.6
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
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12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
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15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
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20 out of / 59Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
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36 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
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3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 27Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models costing between $28,650-$37,180 and 3-year-old models averaging $27,181.
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
185 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
219 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic / Platinum Quartz Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Rhodium White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
White
Ice Cap
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Nutmeg
