2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a striking and somewhat rugged appearance that set it apart from previous Mazda models. A blunt nose, extended hood, and rakish windshield added to the aesthetic, while the cabin's position towards the rear wheels embodied Mazda's seductiveness. Ruggedness was a new trait introduced by the prominent, blistered fender swells, conspicuous lower body cladding, and faux skidplates intended to mimic traditional SUVs.

The CX-50’s oversized air intake and vent designs suggested performance but managed to maintain visual appeal. Together with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and the optional 20-inch wheels, these design elements delivered a cohesive and attractive exterior. Eventually, the CX-50 Meridian Edition would add exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform compatible with rooftop tents.

Inside, the cabin maintained Mazda’s high standards with black leather seats accented by caramel-colored stitching, a driver-centric layout, and metallic trims. However, some interior elements, like the oddly small off-center air vent in the middle of the dash, appeared as afterthoughts.

In comparison, when the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned back in 2019, it shook off its softer crossover look for a blockier and more robust style. The adoption of a trapezoidal grille from Toyota's truck lineup emphasized its more muscular front end, and beveled bodywork framed the headlights effectively. Over time, other manufacturers followed suit with similar designs.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s interior continued the angular theme, with a multi-tiered dashboard that offered some visual breaks in an otherwise plain setting. This setup included an infotainment screen atop the dash and a good blend of physical buttons for ease of use. Materials were quite average for its class, with a mix of hard plastics and lightly padded surfaces where frequent contact was expected. The exclusion of a leather-wrapped steering wheel on the base and Woodland trims opted for a cheaper urethane alternative, detracting from the tactile driving experience.

Most buyers of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 leaned towards the more cost-effective and fuel-efficient 2.5 S model, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving according to Mazda.

For those desiring stronger acceleration and increased towing capability from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo was the better choice. This variant came with a turbocharged engine making between 227 hp on regular fuel and 256 hp on premium fuel, accompanied by torque figures ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. Despite promised fuel efficiency of 25 mpg combined, real-world usage brought it down to 23.4 mpg.

Driving the CX-50 Turbo across varied terrains showcased its smooth acceleration and robust power delivery without noticeable turbo lag. It provided various drive modes like Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, supported by G-Vectoring Control (GVC) technology to ensure consistent performance. While its ride quality felt firmer compared to the Mazda CX-5, it remained agile, resembling more of a well-tuned station wagon than an SUV.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator setup. This powertrain offered an overall output of 219 hp, directed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels, with an added electric motor for AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a performance that sat comfortably within its segment.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s regenerative braking system worked seamlessly with the physical brakes, ensuring smooth transitions under different driving conditions. Its suspension effectively managed to smoothen out bumps and deliver a stable and confident cornering experience. While its driving dynamics didn’t stand out as sporty, it was adequately responsive and composed, making it a reliable choice for most drivers.

For practical use, the fully equipped CX-50 2.5 Turbo ensured driver and passenger comfort with features like heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and considerable interior space. The front seats were supportive for long journeys, and the back seats offered sufficient room for adults, enhanced by almost 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access. Storage, though not abundant, was strategically positioned, with an intelligent placement for the smartphone charger.

Cargo-wise, the CX-50 provided 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, extending to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. This capacity was slightly more than the Mazda CX-5’s but still presented a narrow load space between the wheel wells.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, contrastingly, offered ample front seating space with practical rear accommodations for average-sized adults. While it slightly exceeded its competitors in rear headroom, the overall legroom differences were negligible. The rear seat cushions were somewhat low, potentially causing discomfort for taller passengers on long journeys. Cargo capacity was impressive with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, close to non-hybrid models and surpassing its direct rivals in this regard.

Interior storage solutions were one of RAV4 Hybrid’s strong points. Apart from various sizable door pockets, it featured an expansive dashboard shelf and a sizable center armrest bin, suitable for larger items. The availability of a wireless charging pad, pending component availability, was also a noteworthy aspect of its practical design.

Regarding infotainment, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 included the Mazda Connect system fitted with either an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Mazda's historically non-touchscreen approach saw minor adjustments, allowing touch control capability while using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the display's positioning still made it inconvenient.

A notable technological highlight was the optional Active Driving Display, projecting crucial information within the driver’s line of sight, significantly enhancing driving convenience. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system also offered a satisfying audio experience, though it fell short of attracting die-hard audiophiles.

For the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a significant infotainment upgrade was introduced, replacing previous iterations with a modernized and user-friendly system. Contingent on the trim level, the infotainment screen varied from 8.0 to 10.5 inches, with coherent graphics and well-organized menus ensuring minimal driver distraction.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, alongside over-the-air software update capabilities. A Wi-Fi hotspot was also available, coupled with remote vehicle monitoring and control features. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional JBL audio system with 11 speakers, providing an enhanced auditory experience compared to the base six-speaker setup.

Safety remained a cornerstone for Mazda, with the 2023 CX-50 anticipated to perform well, akin to its counterparts like the Mazda3 and CX-5. Mazda equipped the CX-50 with a robust suite of standard driving assistance systems, reserved with select enhancements for premium trims like the Traffic Jam Assist and active blind-spot monitoring.

Despite minor hiccups in the adaptive cruise control’s responsiveness in dense traffic, the overall safety package worked effectively, particularly the surround-view camera and parking sensors, which could have benefited lower trim levels as well.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 was standard, inclusive of forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety tools like parking sensors and a surround-view camera.

Throughout testing, the safety systems on the RAV4 performed without issues, with adaptive cruise control notably smooth in its operations.