2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2019 Mazda CX-5

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 was considered one of the most stylish and best-driving midsize crossovers available. Mazda addressed previous criticisms about the lack of power and the absence of modern tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay by making significant updates in 2019. The base Sport trim was priced at $24,350 and came packed with features like LED headlights, push-button start, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Its safety suite included low-speed forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic headlights, wipers, and high beams, lane-departure warning and assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Touring trim, at $26,615, added keyless entry, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and other comforts, while the Grand Touring trim at $30,045 featured adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, and navigation. All these trims came with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

At the higher end, the Grand Touring Reserve (£34,870) included a more powerful turbocharged engine, head-up display, and heated and ventilated seats. The Signature trim, costing $36,890, offered luxury features like ambient lighting, premium leather upholstery, and real wood trim. With a few added options, the total cost for the top-tier model could reach $38,930.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a tougher and more angular redesign reminiscent of Toyota’s 4Runner. The new look included trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills added to its adventurous demeanor.

Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited. All models included standard LED headlights and taillights, while only the top trim featured adaptive headlights.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. Although leather upholstery was not available, the Softex material used for the seats looked and felt high-quality. The interior materials were nice, even though not as premium as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5's base engine offered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, numbers that were once competitive but had become less impressive. As a result, the more powerful turbocharged engine available in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims was a welcome upgrade. The turbocharged engine could produce 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel (dropping to 227 horsepower on regular gas).

The 6-speed automatic transmission in the CX-5 was reliable, providing an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 31 highway, and 28 combined for the base engine. The turbocharged engine's EPA estimates were 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined.

Mazda also improved handling with its G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which employed subtle braking to the outside wheels during turns to enhance stability and steering response. The retuned suspension further refined the driving experience by offering better bump absorption and improved steering feel.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, resulting in a total output of 219 horsepower. This setup significantly improved the fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-rated 40 miles per gallon combined, a figure that proved attainable during real-world testing.

The hybrid system, which didn’t require plugging in, was innovative in that it eliminated the need for a heavy driveshaft, making the RAV4 Hybrid only 200 pounds heavier than its non-hybrid counterpart. This positively impacted both handling and fuel economy. The computer-controlled AWD system ensured optimal power distribution, effectively handling slippery conditions.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s acceleration was quicker than the non-hybrid model, benefitting from the instantaneous electric power. It could tow up to 1,750 pounds, with trailer sway control as a standard feature. The regenerative braking system was smooth, complementing the vehicle’s overall quiet operation aided by the hybrid's electric drive.

The Mazda CX-5 excelled in delivering a harmonious blend of style, performance, and practicality. However, its cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats was slightly less than some competitors, such as the Honda CR-V’s 39.2 cubic feet. Despite this, it offered ample room for most needs.

Passenger legroom was generous in both the front and rear, although the front seats felt somewhat narrow. Mazda offered luxury features in its higher trims that were reminiscent of more expensive vehicles, like ambient lighting, real wood trim, and a frameless rear-view mirror.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid demonstrated excellent ergonomics. The standard 7-inch (with an optional 8-inch) touchscreen was strategically placed and accompanied by hard buttons and knobs for easy access. The center console space was well-utilized, housing essentials like cupholders, storage bins, and an optional wireless charging tray.

The cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet was a strong point, and there was no compromise in interior or cargo space due to the hybrid system. The rear seat was notably spacious, with substantial legroom capable of comfortably seating three adults. The 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume made it a leader in its class for interior space.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 saw major tech updates with the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on trims above the Sport. The MazdaConnect infotainment system was user-friendly but utilized a scroll-wheel interface that might not appeal to everyone. The 360-degree camera was a handy addition, although its resolution could use improvement.

Opting for the GT Premium package unlocked an array of tech features including a head-up display, power-folding mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

Toyota made significant tech upgrades for the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, finally incorporating Android Auto to join Apple CarPlay, which had been recently adopted. These features were standard and provided users with a seamless infotainment experience.

The proprietary Entune software offered features like navigation through its premium JBL stereo, although many preferred using Google Maps or Apple Maps. WiFi Connect was also available with a three-month, 2GB trial.

The RAV4 Hybrid included multiple USB-A ports and standard Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. New behind-the-scenes tech like Predictive Efficient Drive improved hybrid efficiency by optimizing battery usage based on driver behavior and navigation data. Drivers could also choose among Eco, Sport, and Trail modes to better suit their driving conditions.

Mazda made the i-ActiveSense safety suite standard across all CX-5 trims in 2019, including features like automatic headlights, wipers, and high beams, lane-departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with mitigation. The 360-degree camera and parking sensors were available in the top-tier Signature trim.

The CX-5 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in almost all categories, except for a four-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS similarly awarded top marks in every category, except for an "Acceptable" rating for the child safety anchors' ease of use.

The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, which included a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Additionally, a one-year trial of Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and vehicle locator services.

Standard industry-wide safety features were present, including stability control and eight airbags. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and front/rear parking assist with automated braking.

The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 Hybrid a five-star rating, with four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. The standard RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, suggesting strong safety performance, though the hybrid had not been individually tested. Two recalls related to engine coolant leaks and suspension issues were noted.