2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 displayed subtle yet significant updates, particularly in its exterior appeal. With new LED headlights and taillights for distinct illumination and updated bumpers, the CX-5 maintained its elegant and upscale aesthetic. The redesigned grille and rear liftgate added a modern touch, while the fresh alloy wheel designs, though less exciting, contributed to a refined overall look. In particular, the Signature trim boasted body-color lower exterior trims, reinforcing Mazda's transition toward a premium brand identity. Internally, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, adorned with premium Nappa leather, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents, positioning it as a convincing contender in the luxury segment.

The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, continued to evolve from its roots as a “cute-ute” to a sophisticated and widely appealing compact SUV. The 2022 model featured a design that aligned with the conventional crossover style, dressed with angular flourishes and sharp lines that gave it a characterful edge. The expressive front end with its snub-nosed grille and anthropomorphic headlights lent the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive demeanor, befitting its adventure-ready branding.

Mazda’s 2022 CX-5 came equipped with a base 2.5-liter engine offering 187 horsepower or an optional turbo variant that, when fueled by premium gas, pushed out 256 horsepower. Despite a focus on enhancing driving dynamics, the base model’s fuel economy stood at an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. The remodel included an all-wheel-drive standard and a retuned suspension for a smoother ride — a clear commitment to Mazda's sporty yet luxurious driving ethos.

Toyota's RAV4 offered diverse powertrain options—the standard 2.5-liter engine achieved 203 horsepower and up to 30 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive models. The RAV4 also boasted hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, emphasizing fuel efficiency and performance. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime provided a compelling peak output of 302 horsepower and offered significant electric-only driving capability, which emphasized Toyota's dedication to innovative propulsion technologies.

The interior of the CX-5 received high marks for comfort with its new seat designs and premium materials, especially in higher trims that included features like dual-zone climate control and heated seats. However, the rear seating was described as snug, and the cargo space, while generous for the luxury compact segment, was limited compared to mainstream crossovers—30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Conversely, the RAV4 excelled in spaciousness and versatility, offering up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made the RAV4 more adaptable for families and those needing more cargo flexibility. Moreover, towing capacities varied significantly, with certain RAV4 models capable of pulling up to 3,500 pounds, highlighting its utility for more demanding tasks.

The CX-5's infotainment system remained unchanged, with a non-touch 10.25-inch display operated via console controls—a point of contention for its less intuitive use. Connectivity options included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Toyota’s RAV4, in comparison, offered a standard 7-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, accessible tech upgrades, and a more straightforward user interface. The RAV4 Prime models also featured advanced tech options like a bird’s-eye camera and a heads-up display, presenting a package that was both user-friendly and technologically advanced.

Mazda equipped the CX-5 with its comprehensive i-Activsense suite, making a plethora of safety features standard across the lineup. The vehicle received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, reflecting its high safety standards.

The RAV4 was similarly equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0, providing a robust array of safety features, and earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating for most of its lineup, with the Prime variant achieving "Top Safety Pick+".