2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a range of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, with two off-road-oriented trims in between. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim, which we tested, had a more aggressive grille with a centrally positioned Toyota badge, blacked-out wheels, and a faux skid plate. Despite its rugged appearance, it was more style than substance. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents, including a stripe on the seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The frameless rearview mirror added a touch of sophistication, but for a more premium feel, the Toyota Venza was a better option. The RAV4 offered a variety of seating materials and adjustability options, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, which still looked modern and appealing. Our test vehicle, the new Carbon Turbo trim, featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. The gloss-black exterior detailing complemented the paint color. Mazda improved the fuel economy for the base engine, added wireless charging, and introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup included 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with the Turbo offering up to 256 horsepower on premium gas. The Carbon Turbo test vehicle had a rear bumper guard and an interior lighting kit, bringing its MSRP to $39,355. The CX-5's interior materials, seating, and technology upgrades over the years resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured all-wheel drive. The sole engine option for the gas-powered RAV4 was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was preferable to a CVT, it didn't enhance acceleration, making the performance more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." The RAV4 Adventure, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, couldn't match the TRD Off-Road's capabilities, which included 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. On regular gas, it still offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. However, the fuel economy was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its tall and narrow feel, excellent visibility, and responsive handling. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved cornering and minimized body motions. The CX-5 was quiet on highways, firm in the city, and fun on twisty roads. It could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the back with the moonroof. It provided 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the second row. The RAV4's back seat was narrower than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The front passenger had ample storage options, including a shelf and generous door pockets. The RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it ahead of the Mazda CX-5 in terms of storage.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats, redesigned for comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather was standard on most trims, with Nappa leather exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The CX-5 was smaller in interior room but comfortable for four adults. The rear seat offered good support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest. The cabin's design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals. The CX-5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Adventure trim featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims.

Mazda's approach to infotainment in the 2024 CX-5 focused on traditional controls to reduce driver distraction. The 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the center console. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. Several CX-5 trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the base LE model and standard on higher trims. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature featured a driver monitoring system and surround-view camera. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.