If fuel cost matters most
Toyota RAV4 with up to 40 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 answer the same shopping question from different directions. The RAV4 is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the RAV4 reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2012 - present | 1994 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 194 hp | 302 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 38 MPG | 40 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2017/2019) | 1 | 7 |
| Latest dimensions | 4550 × 1840 × 1675 mm | 4600 × 1855 × 1685 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1622 kg (3576 lbs) | 1765 kg (3891 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
If power matters most
Toyota RAV4 with a verified peak of 302 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Mazda CX-5CX-5 II 2.0 SKYACTIV-G | Toyota RAV4RAV4 XA50 2.5 Dynamic Force AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 2.5L (2487 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 9.1 s | 8.5 s |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 28.0 MPG | 25.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 37.0 MPG | 33.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 32.0 MPG | 28.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 148 g/km | 188 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4550 mm | 4600 mm |
| Width | 1840 mm | 1855 mm |
| Height | 1675 mm | 1685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1505 kg | 1660 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the CX-5 or the RAV4?
Toyota RAV4 wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 40 MPG, versus 38 MPG for the Mazda CX-5.
Which has more horsepower, the CX-5 or the RAV4?
Toyota RAV4 reaches the higher verified peak at 302 hp, compared with 194 hp for the Mazda CX-5.
Which is safer: CX-5 or RAV4?
Mazda CX-5 has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Toyota RAV4 has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.