Matchup
Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5
The 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium AWD against the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the RAV4 costs about $945 a year less to run: $1,638/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- In the trims shown, the CX-5 costs $3,105 less: $35,845 against $38,950 for the RAV4, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedMazda
- The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.0 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Who each one suits
For running costs the RAV4 wins clearly: 41 mpg against 26, about $945 a year less at 15,000 miles, plus 2,000 lb more towing and 4.1 cu ft more cargo space.
The CX-5 costs $3,105 less in these trims, is quieter at 70 mph (67 dBA against 69), and has more head room front and rear. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+; the new RAV4 hasn’t been rated yet.
At a glance
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $38,950PublishedToyota | $35,845PublishedMazda |
| Powertrain | 2.5 L four-cylinder + three electric motors · Electronic on-demand AWD (rear motor) | 2.5 L four-cylinder, direct injection, cylinder deactivation · i-Activ AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedMazda |
| Crash ratings | No safety rating yet · new for 2026 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.0 s.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 236 hp (176 kW)PublishedToyota | 187 hp (139 kW)PublishedMazda |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft (221 Nm)PublishedToyota | 186 lb-ft (252 Nm)PublishedMazda |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.0 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.9 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.5 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 16.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The CX-5 stops from 70 mph in 173 ft, 6 ft shorter than the RAV4 (179 ft).
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 370 ft (112.8 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 359 ft (109.4 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 283 ft (86.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 276 ft (84.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 172 ft (52.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 166 ft (50.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CX-5 on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg).
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $1,638/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.33Estimate | 0.37DerivedMazda |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
In our simulation the CX-5 corners at up to 0.83 g against 0.79 g for the RAV4.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | no data | 0.83 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.79 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.83 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 36.9 ft (11.2 m)PublishedToyota Canada | 36.8 ft (11.2 m)PublishedMazda |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedToyota Canada | 8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Tires | All-season touring · 235/60R18PublishedToyota Canada | Toyo Open Country H/T 225/55R19 99V all-season (as on C/D’s Premium Plus) · 225/55R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The RAV4 is rated to tow 2,000 lb more: 3,500 lb against 1,500 lb.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 2Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 0Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda |
| Cargo, seats folded | 70.4 cu ft (1,994 L)PublishedToyota | 66.5 cu ft (1,883 L)PublishedMazda |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedToyota | 1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedMazda |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.3 in (14 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +6.3 in (16 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.1 in head · −2.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom KBB | +0.8 in head · −0.6 in kneeSimulatedfrom Mazda |
| Front head room, published | 37.9 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear head room, published | 39.5 in (100 cm)PublishedKBB | 40.2 in (102 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 39.9 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda |
Cabin noise
At 70 mph the CX-5 is quieter inside: 67 dBA against 69 dBA for the RAV4, a noticeable difference.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 69 dBAEstimateCar and Driver | 67 dBAEstimateCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the CX-5’s hides 22 ft.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 17 ft (5.1 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 22 ft (6.8 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 50%Simulated, estimated inputs | 37%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CX-5 on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | no data | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 248 ft (75.7 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | no data | 58 mph (94 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 498 ft (151.9 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CX-5 on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS small overlap front | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,865 lb (1,753 kg)PublishedKBB | 3,856 lb (1,749 kg)PublishedMazda |
Where each one wins
Toyota RAV4
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the CX-5 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the RAV4 costs about $945 a year less to run: $1,638/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.0 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The RAV4 is rated to tow 2,000 lb more: 3,500 lb against 1,500 lb. PublishedToyotaPublishedMazda
- From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the CX-5’s hides 22 ft. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- The RAV4 has 4.1 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 37.8 cu ft against 33.7 cu ft. PublishedToyotaPublishedMazda
- The RAV4 makes 49 hp more: 236 hp against 187 hp. PublishedToyotaPublishedMazda
- Drivers see 50% of the ground within 33 ft of the RAV4’s nose and 37% in the CX-5. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 5.1 s in the RAV4 and 5.5 s in the CX-5. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Mazda CX-5
- In the trims shown, the CX-5 costs $3,105 less: $35,845 against $38,950 for the RAV4, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedMazda
- The CX-5 stops from 70 mph in 173 ft, 6 ft shorter than the RAV4 (179 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +3.7 in of knee room in the CX-5 and +2.3 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Mazda
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.0 in between head and headliner in the CX-5 and 0.0 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Mazda
- At 70 mph the CX-5 is quieter inside: 67 dBA against 69 dBA for the RAV4, a noticeable difference. EstimateCar and DriverEstimateCar and Driver
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.4 in of head room in the CX-5 and +2.5 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Mazda
- In our simulation the CX-5 corners at up to 0.83 g against 0.79 g for the RAV4. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Other trims
- CX-5 2.5 S Preferred · on this page
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
Keep comparing
- All the Toyota RAV4 figures
- All the Mazda CX-5 figures
- Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4 vs Tesla Model Y
- Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson
- Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-50
- Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson
Sources
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Toyota RAV4 ratings (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD 2.5 L, Automatic (S6) ratings (id 50290) (2026-10)
- Toyota: 2026 RAV4 trims and MSRP, $1,450 delivery, processing and handling (2026-09)
- Mazda USA: 2026 CX-5 trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,595 destination) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Limited AWD) (2025-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Escalates a Sibling Rivalry (2.5 S Premium Plus, instrumented results) (2026-05)
- Toyota USA Newsroom: The Next Adventure Begins: 2026 RAV4 Arrives this Winter (2025-11)
- Mazda USA News: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Spec Deck (engine, gearing, chassis, dimensions, H-points, cargo, weights) (2026-01)
- Toyota Canada: 2026 RAV4 Hybrid product information (dimensions, brakes, tires) (2026-01)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium specs (2026-09)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2025 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD, previous generation (VehicleId 20108): 16.9% rollover risk (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Mazda CX-5 review (75-mph highway test not yet run on the 2026) (2026-10)
- Mazda Technical Review No. 42: Aerodynamic Development for All-New CX-5 Adapting Flow Control Technology (Cd −5%, Cd·A −2% vs the previous CX-5) (2026-05)
- IIHS: 2026 Mazda CX-5 ratings (redesigned for 2026) (2026-10)
- IIHS: Four more models take home Top Safety Pick+ awards (Jul 9, 2026) (2026-07)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.