Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota RAV4: Compare Crossover SUVs

Mazda’s CX-50 and Toyota’s RAV4 compact crossovers are more similar than different, making it a tough choice for the one that earns your money. The CX-50 leans into the premium segment with its refined interior, and both now offer high-mpg hybrid models. But only the bestselling RAV4 is also offered in a plug-in-hybrid version. For most shoppers, the difference comes down to looks and the power—and powertrains—of choice.

 

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 outgrows the smaller CX-5 that has been Mazda’s bestseller for years. It’s larger, roomier, and roughens up the urbane style of the CX-5 for something a bit more American. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues to improve on its choice of gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains with improved in-car tech and more than a dozen trim options, ranging from the basic to the luxurious. It casts a wide net, and Mazda clearly wants some of Toyota’s catch, even as it risks overshadowing the alluring but aging CX-5. 

Which one is better, the stalwart or the newcomer? More importantly, which one is a better car for your needs? Here’s how they compare, by category.

Mazda CX-50 vs. RAV4 price and trims

• Mazda CX-50 starts at $32,000 and climbs to nearly $45,000

• RAV4 ranges from $31,000 to above $50,000 for a loaded Prime

• Best picks: CX-50 2.5S Premium, Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid

How much is a Mazda CX-50? Which CX-50 should I buy?

Taking a page from Toyota’s deep playbook, the Mazda CX-50 comes with a choice of three powertrains across 11 trim levels. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas Toyota charges $1,400 extra.. Standard equipment includes good driver-assist tech, keyless start, cloth upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Toyota has the advantage on in-car technology because Mazda insists on a console-mounted controller dial as the main interface with the far-to-reach touchscreen. 

Options range from a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen to a 12-speaker Bose audio system, leather seats, power front seats that are heated and cooled, and a panoramic sunroof. Those features come on our recommended pick, the roughly $35,000 2.5S Premium. Unless you want either the better mileage of the hybrid (at the expense of driving enjoyment) or the more potent turbocharged engine in the 2.5 Turbo—both for several thousand dollars more.  

At about $42,000, the Meridian Edition with the 2.5 Turbo challenges the off-road leaning RAV4 TRD models, and adds all-terrain tires to its 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as side rockers, a hood decal, and a special beige leather inside that Mazda calls Terracotta.

The top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs nearly $54,000, and stretches Mazda into the premium space alongside Lincoln, Lexus, and Genesis. It has a surround-view camera system, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, wireless smartphone charger, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, steering support for blind-spot monitors, and 20-inch wheels.

Hybrid versions slot in between. That lineup starts with the $35,390 Preferred, which included heated vinyl seats, a power driver’s seat, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless phone charger, and a power liftgate. Above that is the $38,820 Premium with its panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, memory settings, adaptive cruise control, black roof rails and exhaust tips, and 12-speaker audio. The top $42,085 CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus gets 19-inch alloy wheels, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power folding side mirrors.

How much is a Toyota RAV4? Which Toyota RAV4 should I buy?

Even the nicest RAV4 can’t match the nicest CX-50, but aside from the plug-in hybrid Prime models, Toyota doesn’t charge as much on the top end. Fifteen trim options, and a huge span in prices drives Toyota RAV4 owners from around the $31,000 mark to more than $41,000 for the Hybrid Limited, but the base LE model packs a value with any powertrain. It has 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, cloth seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Hybrid powertrain in LE, XLE, SE, XLE, XSE, and Limited grades costs $2,600-$3,000 more than their gas counterparts. The best powertrain in the RAV4 family—most efficient, most powerful, most fun to drive—belongs to the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. The Prime SE costs about $45,000, or about $9,000 more than the Hybrid SE. The Prime XSE tops the RAV4 lineup at just under $49,000, but adding the Premium package for an onboard charger, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and other comforts takes the price beyond $50,000, which is beyond our comfort for a RAV4. 

As much as we prefer the efficient powertrain of the RAV4 Prime, and its 42 miles of all electric range that’s perfect for around town, we understand plugging it in at night might not appeal to everyone. In that case, we recommend the XLE Hybrid RAV4 for less than $36,000 as the AWD budget buy. 

Advantage: The CX-50 for gas only, the Toyota for hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

RAV4 vs. CX-50 towing, touring, and performance

• Mazda CX-50 excels at handling and steering

• RAV4 has good if dull manners

• RAV4 Hybrid and Prime present more compelling choices

Is the Mazda CX-50 4WD?

The CX-50 rolls out with standard all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission routing power from the 2.5-liter inline-4. The engine makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It’s fine. The 6-speed lets it rev higher, so there’s more power available once off the line, but that can also make it louder inside the cabin. Sport and Off-road modes tweak the throttle response, and the latter allows for more low-end torque and brake-based torque vectoring for modest off-road capability. 

The available 2.5-liter turbo-4 brings more of that Mazda verve. Its 227 hp and 310 lb-ft (on regular gas; with 93-octane fuel, it’s 256 hp/320 lb-ft of torque) makes the 6-speed feel more appropriate, but it can still lag from a stop, even in Sport mode. From about 2,000 rpm and up, it packs a satisfying punch that turns on-ramps and merging into something fun. 

Slotting in between is the CX-50 Hybrid. It swaps in Toyota’s well-established planetary-based hybrid system, in essentially the same form as used in the RAV4 Hybrid. It makes 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque—the same output numbers as in the RAV4 Hybrid. While it accelerates a bit quicker than base versions, its performance is unremarkable and doesn’t match the responsive feel of the rest of the vehicle; even tuning of steering and ride feel farther off the mark. But its payoff is mileage: It earns EPA ratings of 39 mpg city, 37 highway, and 38 combined.

Of note is that AWD is done differently in the CX-50 Hybrid. It has no mechanical connection from the engine bay to the rear wheels. Instead it has a separate (third) electric motor, providing 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. It’s not strong enough give this version a dynamic handling boost, but it’s great for fresh snowfall. 

For the most part, the CX-50’s charm shines in its steering and ride. It cruises in comfort, and its front strut and torsion beam rear suspension keeps it mostly just right, neither too firm nor too soft. It’s not meant for hard cornering, and it’ll respond like a slap to the jowls. The electric-assist steering also keeps the CX-50 true without the need for frequent corrections

Is the Toyota RAV4 4WD?

The RAV4 comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive that’s standard on Hybrid, Prime, TRD Off-road, and Adventure grades. Non-hybrids feature a simple power split front to rear, while Hybrid and Prime RAV4s use a second motor to power the rear axle, while the engine and primary motor power the fronts. 

The RAV4 has more gumption coming from its 203-hp 4-cylinder and it pairs to an 8-speed automatic, but that doesn’t make it any quieter than the CX-50. It might even be louder and buzzier when pushed. The 219-hp Hybrid pairs that engine to its two-motor system and a CVT that encourages more efficient driving and enables electric-only power under light throttle. The RAV4 Prime puts out the most power at 302 hp. The engine pairs with two motors fed by an 18.1-kwh battery pack that helps the RAV4 hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds while generating pure electric driving range.

However, the battery gives it a heavy feel on the road, though it still steers with clarity and has a well-tuned ride. All RAV4s have better steering and handling than the vehicles that bore the nametag a few years ago.

Advantage: CX-50 tops the base RAV4, but not the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime.

RAV4 vs. CX-50 fuel economy

• Mazda’s 6-speed automatic isn’t helping

• RAV4 gets at least 28 mpg combined, Hybrid at 38 mpg

• RAV4 Prime has 42 miles of plug-in range

Is the Mazda CX-50 good on gas?

The CX-50 gets below average fuel economy for the compact crossover class. More gears in its transmission might keep its revs lower to operate more efficiently. Even with standard all-wheel drive, it trails the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and rivals by at least 2 mpg combined with AWD. Here are the EPA ratings. 

• 2.5-liter gets 24 mpg city, 30 highway, 27 combined

• CX-50 Hybrid gets 39 mpg city, 37 highway, 38 combined

• 2.5-liter Turbo gets 23/29/25 mpg

Is the Toyota RAV4 good on gas?

The CX-50 gets below average fuel economy for the compact crossover class. More gears in its transmission might keep its revs lower to operate more efficiently. Even with standard all-wheel drive, it trails the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and rivals by at least 2 mpg combined with AWD. And Hybrid versions are likely to pay back their initial price premium within a few years of typical use. Here are the EPA ratings. 

• Base inline-4 gets 27/34/30 mpg in most configurations; AWD costs it 1 mpg

• RAV4 Hybrid AWD gets 41/38/39 mpg; Hybrid AWD Woodland drops to 38/35/37 mpg

• RAV4 Prime has 42 miles of electric range; with engine and motor power, it gets the equivalent of 94 mpg combined; on engine power alone it gets 38 mpg combined. 

Advantage: The RAV4, dwarfed by better Hybrid and Prime models. 

 

Mazda CX-50 vs. RAV4 safety

How safe is the Mazda CX-50?

According to the IIHS, it has top crash-test ratings, good headlights, and a Top Safety Pick+ award. All models have automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control down to a stop. Outward vision to the rear is not so good, though, so consider the available surround-view camera system and parking sensors.

Most of the Hybrid’s floor structure is unique to it, and the front frame rails are set more widely apart. So while hybrid versions usually carry forward with the same ratings as non-hybrid counterparts, don’t expect the CX-50 Hybrid to carry over the federal five-star and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status quite yet.

How safe is the Toyota RAV4?

It’s safe, but misses the highest honor from the IIHS and settles for a Top Safety Pick because it didn’t ace the updated side-impact test. It gets five stars from the NHTSA, which is behind the times on its criteria compared to the IIHS. Toyota matches the driver-assist tech in the CX-50 with standard automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. It has the same rear vision issue because of thick roof pillars.

Advantage: The CX-50, but the safety tech in both is better than most rivals.

RAV4 vs. CX-50 size, space, and cargo capacity

• CX-50 is larger than the CX-5 but not quite as spacious as the RAV4

• The CX-50’s cargo holds 31.4 cubic feet versus 37.5 cubic feet in the RAV4 

• But CX-50 has more rear legroom at 39.8 inches vs. 37.8 inches in RAV4 

How big is the Mazda CX-50?

Dimensionally, it’s as if Mazda designers benchmarked the RAV4, but squeezed a little more passenger space out of it. It’s 4.3 inches longer, and has a wheelbase that’s nearly five inches longer. That translates to roomier seating for four; the fifth seat could be used for young road trippers or anyone else who doesn’t know better. That’s par for the class.

The front seats support all frames, and most models have power adjustments and seat heaters. It’s best dressed in leather upholstery and the overall fit and finish give it a luxury vibe when still. In motion on the highway, it lets in a good amount of tire and wind noise. It’s 5.3 inches shorter in height than the RAV4, yet the raked windshield and high-mounted seats of the RAV4 could crimp taller passengers, especially with the sunroof option. 

Keep in mind that hybrid versions of the CX-50 are slightly different dimensionally—especially in rear-seat space—but they effectively feel just as spacious.

How big is the Toyota RAV4?

It’s bigger by interior volume, but that’s due to the cargo hold and its 37.0 cubic feet of space versus the 31.4 cubes in the CX-50. Mind, the Prime has slightly less space due to its battery placement in back. Toyota optimizes the interior better than Mazda with clever storage spaces such as wide enough door pockets to hold fat water bottles and a dash shelf great for smartphones, transponders, cassette tapes. 

Toyota has improved on the RAV4’s interior, with mid-to-top trims and hybrid models sporting comfy bucket seats with power adjustments. It can be trimmed out to premium grade as well, but the CX-50 does it a bit more naturally and thoroughly. The RAV4’s cargo area maxes out at a useful 69.8 cubic feet versus just 56.3 cubes in the CX-50.

Advantage: The CX-50 passenger space is roomier and nicer, though the RAV4 wins for cargo space.

 

 

CX-50 vs. RAV4 styling

• CX-50 tries to look more like the RAV4 than the CX-5

• RAV4 continues to break the mold

• Both interiors can lean luxury

Is the Mazda CX-50 a good-looking car?

The CX-50 sheds the smooth grace of the CX-5 to appeal to more American tastes for bigness, boldness, and moreness. It’s by no means ugly, but neither is it striking. With its broad, wide grille, cladded bulging fenders, fake air intakes, and squared off ends, it fits in more than stands out. 

The interior carries more distinction with a clean dash and neat center screen underscored by climate buttons. Available leather upholstery with tasteful contrast stitching make its mark.   

Is the Toyota RAV4 a good-looking car?

Toyota can match that interior design on top and hybrid trims. There’s a bit more going on inside, with an eye toward functionality, but it has matured from the utilitarian RAV4 of the past. 

The exterior wears more daring design elements, as if it knows the competition has it marked as top dog. It marries Tacoma and 4Runner DNA, with a blunt front end and bold fenders. It flexes some creases and folds, but doesn’t overdo it.  

Advantage: RAV4.

Which is better: Mazda CX-50 or Toyota RAV4?

It’s a photo finish. The CX-50 and RAV4 both earn a TCC Rating of 6.7 out of 10. The Mazda CX-50 offers better on-road performance and a nicer interior—as well as a fresher one, as the RAV4 is due for a redesign in calendar year 2025. (Read more about how we rate cars.) The RAV4 has a better fuel economy rating, thanks to a lineup that truly emphasizes the hybrid versions—and hybrid sales. Even our editorial team disagrees on the style rating, and ultimately they’re so closely matched it’ll likely come down to what features matter most to you. 

Winner: The CX-50 carries the day—by a nose—but we’d pick a RAV4 Hybrid.