2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior, with its aggressive angularity and dual exhaust outlets suggesting a performance that wasn't quite there. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology packages. Despite its tough appearance, the RAV4's interior was all about utility, with easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas. The cabin's design was practical, with a full-width shelf across the dashboard and robust door handles, offering a utilitarian feel rather than luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was celebrated for its elegant design, with graceful curves that set it apart from its competitors. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's styling remained timeless, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs provided ease of use. The CX-5's interior was likened to those of Acura or Lexus, offering a more refined experience than similarly priced crossovers.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and the eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels unless the optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system was selected. The TRD Off-Road model came standard with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were not significantly improved. The SUV averaged 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The turbocharged model accelerated to 60 mph in about six seconds, making it one of the quicker choices in its class. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics were complemented by a firm ride quality, providing confidence on winding roads. The cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, featuring storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Optional packages added heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. The RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with a rear seat offering good legroom and footroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior scored points for design and refinement but fell short in practicality and space compared to rivals. While rear legroom was better than the RAV4, headroom was slightly less. The cargo area offered 30.8 cubic feet of space, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-5 featured moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin. Midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad, although the harder plastic surface allowed phones to slide around.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were complimentary for one year. The system lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues with Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle did not have the JBL premium audio system, but the standard speakers were adequate.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a dial on the center console. The system was easy to operate while driving, with logical menus and a dial that moved from one on-screen button to the next. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial, with wireless integration available on midrange trims. The base trim featured a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model had a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and control were available through a smartphone app, free for the first year.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately on straight highways but struggled on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The 2024 model received a "Good" rating in all IIHS tests and a Top Safety Pick rating. All CX-5 trims came with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The systems operated smoothly without false alarms or technical glitches.