2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Toyota's RAV4 has come a long way since its inception in 1996 as a small alternative to the dominating large SUVs. The 2022 iteration retained the familiar crossover vibe while distinguishing itself through subtle but notable design nuances. Angular flourishes in the wheel arches, crisp body lines, and head-turning headlights gave it a unique character. The adventurous front fascia, complete with a snub-nosed grille and expressive lower fascia, offered a blend of playfulness and aggression. The interior continued this theme of sophistication with a layered dashboard filled with contrasting textures and colors. The geometric patterns, found from the seat inserts to the sill plates, added a distinctive yet cohesive design element throughout the cabin.

Conversely, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintained a more luxurious and refined aesthetic, making it feel like an entry-level luxury vehicle rather than a mass-market crossover. Despite its smaller back seat and cargo area, the CX-5 was undeniably stylish, using high-quality materials throughout. The Signature trim, with its Rhodium White metallic paint and Caturra Brown Nappa leather, epitomized understated elegance. Mazda's attention to detail in the design and build of the CX-5 was palpable, reinforcing its premium ambiance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model tested boasted a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice between FWD and AWD, it delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Fuel economy ranged from 27-28 mpg city to 35 mpg highway for FWD models, slightly lower for AWD. The hybrid and Prime plug-in hybrid models offered further efficiency, with the Prime achieving up to 42 miles on electricity alone and an impressive 94 MPGe combined.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 presented two powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter turbocharged version offering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine significantly boosted performance, especially noticeable on twisty and undulating roads. AWD was standard on all models, providing a smooth and responsive ride. However, the turbo model's fuel economy fell slightly short during real-world driving, averaging 21.4 mpg in our tests.

The RAV4 excelled in cargo capacity, offering 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with them folded down. It also featured various tow ratings depending on the configuration, from 1,500 pounds for standard models to 3,500 pounds for Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The RAV4's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with ample storage solutions, cupholders, and a spacious front row. The rear seats could accommodate three passengers, albeit with less comfort in the middle seat.

Mazda's CX-5, though smaller, provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet when folded down. The interior, particularly in the Signature trim, featured luxurious materials and amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, a dual-zone climate control system, and beautifully upholstered Nappa leather. Despite these comforts, the back seat and storage areas remained tight compared to the RAV4, a drawback for those needing more space.

The RAV4 came well-equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims boasted a 9-inch screen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and advanced driving aids such as a bird’s-eye view camera and head-up display. The RAV4 Prime even included additional USB ports, power outlets, and ambient lighting, showcasing Toyota's emphasis on connectivity and convenience.

While the 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a larger 10.25-inch display and sophisticated graphics, its non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system left much to be desired. The control knob was cumbersome, requiring memorization and focus that detracted from the driving experience. Voice recognition was notably absent, putting the CX-5 behind competitors. While it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, using Mazda Connect was often more frustrating than functional.