2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a broad range of six trim levels, catering to various preferences and budgets from the basic RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, which featured ventilated seats. It retained much of the design language introduced in 2019, with certain trims like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road distinguishing themselves through a distinctive two-part front fascia. Specifically, the Adventure trim moved the Toyota badge closer to the center of a more aggressive grille, included blacked-out wheels, and featured faux skid plates along with more rugged black cladding around the wheel arches.

Interior accents in the Adventure trim included orange stripes and contrast stitching on the seats, as well as orange plastic elements on the center console. These details added a touch of sportiness to an otherwise conventional setup. The RAV4's interior varied across trims, with upholstery options ranging from fabric in the LE and XLE trims to synthetic leather (SofTex) in the XLE Premium. Higher trims offered more sophisticated features, such as heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver, as well as dual-zone climate control, although this was standard on all but the base trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, but with more substantial changes. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, giving it a more imposing presence. The Meridian Edition, which we tested, took this rugged image a step further with its all-terrain tires, black hood graphic, and enhanced rocker-panel trim. The CX-50 at least looked the part with its earthy color palette, including paint options like Polymetal Gray Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic. Inside, the CX-50 featured a more upscale design compared to other non-luxury brands, with a pleasing layout and well-finished materials. The infotainment screen was perched on a shelf reminiscent of BMW designs, and the interior used less piano black plastic, suggesting it would age better than some rivals.

While Mazda aimed for an upscale feel, the CX-50 showed some of the brand's traditional traits. Lower trims came with half-leatherette seats and manual adjustments for the front seats, posing a stark contrast to the aspirations of luxuriousness. The Meridian Edition included Terracotta leather upholstery, enriching its rugged yet refined aesthetic.

In the performance department, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which compared favorably to the CVT transmissions found in some competitors, although it did not excel in acceleration. The RAV4's AWD system, available across all trims and standard on Adventure and TRD Off-Road, included a Snow Mode for added versatility.

For more robust off-road capabilities, the TRD Off-Road trim featured unique enhancements, including 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. Although the Adventure trim looked the part, it was better suited for light off-road excursions with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on 87-octane fuel. All models came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Turbo models also had a Towing mode, boosting towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.

While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a distinct driving experience. The naturally aspirated version was competent for daily driving, but less thrilling. The Meridian Edition's off-road tires reduced handling prowess and increased noise, making it evident that this trim was better suited for occasional off-roading than regular driving.

Seating five comfortably, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the rear when equipped with the moonroof. Legroom was 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back. While its front legroom matched the Honda CR-V, its rear legroom and overall width slightly lagged behind its competitors. The RAV4 excelled in practical storage solutions, providing ample door pockets, a center console shelf, and well-placed cupholders. Cargo capacity stood at 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet when folded, placing it in the middle of the pack ahead of models like the Mazda CX-5 but behind the Honda CR-V.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 also seated five and offered comparable interior space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom but less headroom. It trailed behind rivals like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage in headroom. The CX-50 provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. Although its cargo space was modest compared to competitors, a power liftgate improved access. However, the cargo area wasn't particularly suited for rugged use, and the optional roof platform could be challenging for shorter users.

In 2023, the Toyota RAV4 received an upgraded infotainment system featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.5-inch screen on higher trims. This system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice commands and OTA updates. Our RAV4 Adventure tester boasted the larger screen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a 7-inch driver-information display, further enhancing its premium feel.

By comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen operated by a rotary controller rather than touch. While it provided wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless charging, SiriusXM radio, and a 12-speaker Bose system. Despite its less intuitive interface, Mazda's system offered physical feedback, making it easier to use without diverting attention from the road. However, its dated graphics and basic functions may appeal less to tech enthusiasts and more to those who prefer simplicity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came well-equipped with safety features across all trims, including lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Updating from TSS 2.0 to TSS 2.5, the RAV4 also included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned top scores in IIHS crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2023.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, achieving top scores in crash tests, "Good" ratings for optional headlights, and "Superior" ratings for daytime front-crash prevention. However, it scored lower in nighttime pedestrian collision prevention and standard headlight performance. The CX-50's array of standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, with additional advanced features available as options.