Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 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 Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5.
When we compare the Toyota RAV4's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Toyota RAV4's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $29,901 to $41,971 while a used 2025 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $25,750 to $37,887. For a new model, the Toyota RAV4's price is between $31,697 and $42,082, with the Mazda CX-5 priced between $31,061 and $41,347.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-5 loses 42.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 retains 12.1 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 Toyota RAV4 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 4 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 13 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 4 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota RAV4’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 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 has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room. The Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31697 - 42082
Starting MSRP:
29550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31061 - 41347
Starting MSRP:
29050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35046
Price Range:
29901 - 41971
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30175
Price Range:
25750 - 37887
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9099
Depreciation %:
0.30791758
Resale Value $:
20451
Residual Value %:
0.69208242
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12425
Depreciation %:
0.42771385
Resale Value $:
16625
Residual Value %:
0.57228615
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.312
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.263
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6101922460091163
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5563369845389827
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 54Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
65 out of / 66Ranking
65 out of / 66Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 54Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
LE, Limited, XLE, XLE Premium
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
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
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
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
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
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:
30.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3679 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Gray
Platinum Quartz Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Rhodium White Metallic
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
