2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

It’s easy for a luxury brand to lose stature and cachet, but it’s hard for a mainstream brand to gain it. Nevertheless, Mazda is giving it the good old college try, having discussed its plan to become a premium brand for more than half a decade.

Unlike some automakers that rely solely on marketing to support their premium brand positioning, Mazda heavily invests in everything from design and engineering to dealership facilities, all to ensure there is substance behind its claim. Now, numerous updates to its most popular model elevate the 2022 Mazda CX-5 solidly into premium territory.

Don’t believe us? Drive one of the turbocharged versions of the 2022 CX-5 back to back with a similarly priced Audi Q3, Buick Envision, BMW X1, GMC Terrain, or Mercedes-Benz GLA, and you’ll see what we mean.

The RAV4 was last revised for 2019, and Toyota takes the if-it-ain’t-broke approach for the new model year, retaining the well-reviewed styling while updating the frequently maligned infotainment system of yesteryear.

This review focuses on the gas-powered RAV4. The RAV4 Hybrid and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RAV4 Prime are each covered separately.