2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 presented a sleek and elegant design that set it apart from many other SUVs on the market. While competitors often favored aggressive lines and sharp design elements, the CX-5 opted for a more refined look. Even while stationary, the CX-5 appeared to be in motion, thanks to its smooth, aerodynamic design. It wasn't flashy, but it carried the Mazda family resemblance in a stylish way.

Across the various CX-5 trim levels, the exterior differences were minor. The base Sport model came equipped with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Moving up to the Touring trim added features like rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, additional USB ports in the rear, a six-speaker audio system, and auto-leveling LED headlights, which turned with the steering wheel to better illuminate corners.

For those looking to enhance the Touring model, the new-for-2021 Touring Preferred SV Package offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather seats, a power liftgate, power moonroof, and more power adjustments for the front seats. The Carbon Edition combined Touring-level features with the Touring Preferred SV Package, adding a unique Polymetal Gray paint job, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, it featured red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim accented with red stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The Grand Touring model built on the Touring trim, adding dual heated mirrors, leatherette-trimmed upholstery, 19-inch brilliant silver aluminum alloy wheels, LED taillights, fog lights, and daytime running lights. The Grand Touring Reserve and the top-tier Signature model further enhanced the luxury feel with ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a high-quality interior including Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim.

Mazda's interior craftsmanship was evident in the fit and finish of the CX-5, delivering materials that felt solid and premium, rivaling even luxury brands like Buick and Acura.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, adhered more to conventional crossover design language, blending in with its competitors at first glance. However, a closer look revealed its distinctive features. The RAV4's angular wheel arches and crisp lines contrasted with the body-side curves, while its expressive headlights and grinning lower fascia openings gave it a playful yet aggressive appearance. Quality and durability were evident, thanks to Toyota's renowned fit-and-finish.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors. The center stack was uncomplicated and easy to navigate, with a touchscreen interface well-positioned at the top. Distinctive design cues tied the interior together, with geometric patterns reminiscent of a circuit board appearing on cloth seat inserts, sill plates, and dash pieces. Our Adventure-trim test vehicle included 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to the unique look.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's performance was defined by two engine options. The base Sport model came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The base engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving, but for a more spirited experience, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine available on higher trims was the better choice. This powerplant offered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, delivering robust acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.

The CX-5's fuel economy varied slightly depending on the drivetrain and engine choice. The most fuel-efficient model, with FWD and the naturally aspirated engine, achieved 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. Adding AWD reduced these figures slightly. The turbocharged engine achieved similar fuel economy, with the AWD turbo model rated at 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.

While the CX-5 offered a responsive driving experience and solid grip, particularly in AWD mode, it was marked by a stiff suspension that may have been less comfortable compared to some rivals. The sportiness of the drive was paired with seats that could have used better bolstering to handle spirited driving.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided more powertrain variety, beginning with the gasoline-only model equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The RAV4's fuel economy was impressive for its class, with FWD models achieving up to 30 mpg combined and AWD versions slightly less.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined net output of 217 horsepower. The hybrid setup offered excellent fuel economy at 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid took it a step further, delivering up to 302 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 42 miles. This model also boasted a fuel efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined.

The RAV4's gasoline engine provided smooth power delivery without turbo lag, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offered even better efficiency and performance. The RAV4's handling was car-like, thanks to its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. AWD models included features like Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring to improve handling and traction on various surfaces.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was well-designed for comfort and usability. The seating position and distance to the center stack were appropriate for a compact SUV, though rear legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The CX-5 provided two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat, though the connections could be tricky to use.

Mazda's climate controls were user-friendly and straightforward, and while the larger shifter took up more space than newer, more compact alternatives, it was not a significant issue. The placement of the Mazda infotainment system controls, however, might have been less accessible for shorter drivers.

Cargo space was a drawback for the CX-5, as it offered 30.9 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures were below average for the segment, with competitors like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V offering significantly more cargo capacity. A power liftgate was available for easier access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row seats, and with the second row folded flat, it could accommodate up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo. This made the RAV4 one of the roomiest options in its class. Payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The RAV4 was also capable of towing, with LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, while Adventure and TRD Off-Road models could tow up to 3,500 pounds. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, and the RAV4 Prime was rated to tow up to 2,500 pounds, allowing it to effectively compete with some mid-size SUVs.

Inside, the RAV4 was spacious and comfortable, comfortably accommodating four passengers, with the option to carry five in a pinch. The front row offered ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom, with plenty of storage options like cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy center console. The second-row bench seat included split-folding capabilities to create a versatile cargo area.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen on all models, but its usability was lacking. The system, though uncluttered, did not meet modern design standards and was difficult to use via the center console knob. The lack of quick-access knobs made simple tasks like tuning the stereo more cumbersome. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, providing workarounds using smartphone integration.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a comprehensive range of technology across its trims. Base models came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and offered options like an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation on Premium models.

The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced tech features, including five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, blue ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an available bird's-eye view camera system with perimeter scan. A 10-inch color head-up display was available in the top trims, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a strong suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional safety features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and front and rear parking sensors.

These comprehensive safety features helped the CX-5 earn top safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ designation, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star rating. Mazda backed the CX-5 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 also boasted an impressive array of safety features. Toyota's Star Safety System included vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The RAV4 also provided LATCH child-seat anchors on rear seats and child-guard locks on rear doors.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 came standard on all models, offering a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear cross-traffic braking. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking was available on upper trims.

The 2022 RAV4 earned high safety ratings, with the regular model recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, and the RAV4 Prime as a Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA awarded five-star ratings to the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid.