2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite the speculated end of its production, remained a brilliant option in the compact crossover SUV sector. This was largely due to its stylish design and high-quality materials, which made it resemble a small luxury SUV instead of a basic mass-market model. One of its biggest selling points was the luxurious feel and superb sophistication evident in every version of the vehicle, regardless of trim level. Even the base model exhibited quality and refinement, ensuring that buyers always felt they were driving a premium vehicle.

The decision-making process started with choosing between the standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine or the more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The most expensive trims, the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature, were priced at $36,850 and $39,650, respectively, excluding destination charges. The lineup also included eight versions spanning from $26,700 to $35,500, aligning well within the compact crossover segment's price range.

Testers found the 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium Nappa leather upholstery and upgraded Rhodium White metallic paint, to be of top-notch quality. Even though its price might seem steep at $41,655 (including destination charges), the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature justified this cost, unlike many of its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trim levels, ranging from the sub-$30K RAV4 LE to the feature-packed RAV4 Limited, which included ventilated seats. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims were distinct due to their unique front grille designs and added exterior ruggedness, albeit more for aesthetics than actual off-road capability.

The Adventure trim moved the Toyota badge closer to the center of the grille and added blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and beefy black cladding, giving it a rugged look without significant off-road prowess. Inside, the Adventure trim featured orange accents, adding a touch of sportiness to the otherwise basic interior design. Highlights included a frameless rearview mirror, enhancing the interior's premium feel.

Comparatively, the base RAV4 trims (LE and XLE) featured fabric seats, while the XLE Premium trim upgraded to synthetic leather (SofTex) upholstery. Different levels of manual and power adjustability were available across trims, ending in heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats and heated rear seats. Despite not having the same level of luxury as the Mazda, the RAV4's interior was practical and offered a decent level of comfort.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's performance offered two distinct engine choices. The base 2.5 S model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, powered the standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined.

However, the highlight was the 2.5 Turbo's 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which boasted impressive performance figures. Using premium fuel, it generated 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, though it could still provide 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular gas. The same six-speed automatic transmission and AWD system ensured a respectable 24 mpg in combined driving. The added structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, reduced interior noise, and revised transmission from previous updates made the CX-5 feel modern and responsive, despite its age.

The turbo engine's torque kicked in at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium, delivering swift acceleration and a refined engine note. Although the fuel economy could decrease with aggressive driving, the overall experience was engaging and enjoyable, especially on twisty roads, where the CX-5 excelled.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4's sole gas-powered engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's acceleration might not have been thrilling, the eight-speed automatic was preferable to the CVTs found in some competitors.

Standard on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, AWD was an option on all trims except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which had AWD as standard. The AWD system included a Snow Mode for better handling in inclement weather. Furthermore, the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime variants came exclusively with AWD, enhancing their appeal.

While the Adventure trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and standard suspension, the TRD Off-Road edition was more rugged with 18-inch wheels, Falken All-Terrain tires, and a TRD-tuned suspension system with unique shocks and jounce bumpers. Although the Adventure trim offered a rugged look, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to its TRD Off-Road sibling.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 saw notable improvements in its front seats in the 2022 model, enhancing comfort and support. Height-adjustable seats for the driver were standard in all trims, and all but the base 2.5 S featured a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

Moving up the trim levels offered additional amenities such as power adjustments for both front seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and different upholstery options. The Signature trim's Nappa leather seats underscored its luxurious appeal.

However, the CX-5's shortcomings were evident in its tech, storage, and space. The infotainment system lacked voice recognition and had awkward physical controls on the center console. Furthermore, the limited size of in-cabin storage areas, cramped rear seats, and subpar cargo space (30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded) were noticeable drawbacks.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided ample space, seating five occupants comfortably. With the moonroof, it afforded 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear. Although the front-row legroom of 41 inches aligned with competitors like the Honda CR-V, the rear legroom of 37.8 inches fell short compared to both the CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Storage-wise, the RAV4 offered clever solutions, such as a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets large enough for water bottles. Cargo space was a strong point, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, positioning it ahead of rivals like the Mazda CX-5 but behind the Honda CR-V.

Technological advancements in the 2023 Mazda CX-5 were marred by the Mazda Connect infotainment system's shortcomings. Despite its wide 10.25-inch display, sophisticated graphics, and logical menu structure, the system's physical controls were cumbersome. Requiring memorization and conscious thought, these controls distracted drivers from the road. The control knob needed multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, further complicating operation.

Although the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services, the lack of an intuitive voice recognition system was a critical flaw. Other brands, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, had already embraced touchscreens and advanced voice assistants, leaving Mazda Connect feeling outdated and frustratingly complex.

Nonetheless, the CX-5’s upper trims compensated slightly with features like a front-facing camera, surround-view camera system, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, providing enhanced convenience and sound quality.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 introduced a significantly improved infotainment system. The base models came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims featured a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen. The new software supported over-the-air updates, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity made the system user-friendly.

The Adventure trim included the upgraded multimedia system, featuring a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. Additionally, a 7-inch driver-information display was standard, while the Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch version, which was also optional for the TRD Off-Road but not available for other trims.

Mazda excelled in safety with the 2023 CX-5. Bundling most advanced driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner, Mazda included features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. Higher trims had additional safety tech like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, a rear low-speed automatic emergency braking system, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Driver assist systems operated smoothly, especially the lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The CX-5 also included an E911 system for automatic collision notification but lacked a crucial feature – alerts for night driving without headlights.

Crash-test ratings were stellar, with the CX-5 receiving five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 boasted an extensive array of standard safety features across its lineup. These included lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam LED headlights, all under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available from the XLE trim onwards. The Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control enabled the adaptive cruise control system to function even at speeds below 20 mph.

The RAV4 excelled in safety evaluations, clinching a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, marking a significant improvement from its previous designation without the "plus."