Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-9 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-9.
In comparing the Toyota RAV4's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Toyota RAV4's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2023 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $25,419 to $35,990 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $24,480 to $34,299. For a new model, the Toyota RAV4's price is between $30,601 and $39,823, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $38,027 and $46,161.
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-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 retains 20.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 16 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota RAV4 is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota RAV4’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles.This gives the Toyota RAV4 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda CX-9, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Toyota RAV4, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space. The Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-9 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-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30601 - 39823
Starting MSRP:
28275
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38027 - 46161
Starting MSRP:
38750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30009
Price Range:
25419 - 35990
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1730
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
38104
# Good or Great Deals:
521
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29384
Price Range:
24480 - 34299
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
528
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40845
# Good or Great Deals:
170
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.312
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.16
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.7003644978809893
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7552022033699368
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 56Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Summary 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
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
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
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
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
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
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:
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:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 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 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 493 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):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
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:
N/A
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:
37.6 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:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 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:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
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
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
