2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

In 2024, the Mazda CX-5 continued to captivate with its timeless design, maintaining much of the aesthetics from its second-generation debut in 2017. Even with minimal changes, the traditional Mazda styling still struck a chord, appearing both modern and appealing. Our test model epitomized this with the new Carbon Turbo trim, adorned in a unique Zircon Sand paint. The SUV also offered an alternative of Platinum Quartz, further emphasizing its chic persona. Inside, the CX-5 didn’t skimp on style, featuring Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, juxtaposed against a black headliner. Zircon Sand was utilized effectively, complemented by gloss-black exterior details, also available in the premium Rhodium White paint color.

Mazda’s tweaks for 2024 included improved fuel economy for the base engine models, the elimination of a previously available machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and the addition of wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in various trims. The CX-5 lineup presented 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, starting from $29,300 to $36,500 for the S models and from $37,000 to $40,600 for the Turbo models.

Inside and out, the compact crossover exuded a sense of worth, combining upgraded interior materials, seating, technology, drivetrain, and suspension to deliver an upscale experience at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 sported a rugged, aggressive appearance. Often appearing perpetually angry, its lower gray body cladding showcased angular aggressiveness, and dual exhaust outlets hinted at non-existent performance prowess. Higher trims donned faux skid plates and off-road style roof racks. We tested the TRD Off-Road variant, the top of the lineup with a base price of $38,295. Army Green wasn’t visually striking but was a no-cost option. The test vehicle, equipped with a digital rearview mirror and the Advanced Technology and Weather option packages, reached an MSRP of $41,925.

Pricing across gas models varied from $28,675 to $38,295, with hybrids adding a premium. The RAV4's cabin focused on robustness and practicality, featuring a full-width shelf across the dashboard, robust door handles, easy-clean surfaces, and rubber-lined storage areas, making the SUV practical but not luxurious.

The Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo's powertrain impressively performed with premium gas delivering 256 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Using regular gas, it still managed 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. Though not immediately responsive, the engine shined when revs were allowed to build gradually.

Fuel economy was the downside, recording an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, with our test achieving 22.9 mpg. Choosing the base engine could improve fuel economy.

Despite being on the compact end, the CX-5 handled calmly and confidently, whether maneuvering through traffic or parking lots, thanks to excellent outward visibility. Improvements in recent years included retuned suspension, a stiffened frame, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), enhancing ride smoothness and handling. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology further refined cornering stability.

Offering 7.9 inches of ground clearance and different driving modes, including Off-Road, the CX-5 felt versatile, while its towing capacity capped at 2,000 pounds.

The Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp at 6,300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine required high revs to unleash its full capability. The eight-speed automatic transmission powered front wheels unless equipped with the torque-vectoring AWD system, as in our TRD Off-Road model, which also featured exclusive off-road suspension, underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires.

Multi-Terrain Select modes (Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt) were standard, though its ground clearance mirrored other RAV4 models at 8.6 inches.

Off-road performance proved minorly enhanced, as evidenced by a scrape on the lower front fascia during testing. The off-road suspension smoothed out city rides, and despite its noise at high speeds, did not deduct from its general performance. Fuel economy was commendable, with TRD Off-Road averaging 26.6 mpg in our tests, while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, rated at 37 mpg, offered a more economical alternative.

The CX-5 offered comfort with standard heated front seats, redesigned for support and comfort, with six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and manual height adjustment for passengers. Padded center console sides ensured leg comfort. Leather upholstery was standard across all but the base trim, which sported artificial leather, with the top-tier Turbo Signature boasting Nappa leather.

Rear seating provided good support and comfort, though space was snug for four adults, bolstered by rear air vents, a center armrest with cupholders, and storage. Storage capacity included 30 cubic feet behind the back seats, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, one of the smaller capacities in the segment.

In the RAV4, functionality reigned supreme. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, with additional amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers available via an optional package.

Comfort extended to four adults, with adequate room, but the rear seats were slightly lower with limited leg support. Practicality was evident with features like rear USB ports, air vents, and a fold-down center armrest. The cargo area impressed with a 37.6 cubic feet space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Mazda's rejection of touchscreen-dominated interfaces reflected in its traditional switchgear setup for various controls, though the 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operations for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless connectivity for these platforms was available on multiple trims.

Infotainment was navigated via a central knob with surrounding quick-access buttons, an approach borrowed from luxury brands. While straightforward and functional, the voice command system was less intuitive compared to Siri or Google Assistant. Mazda Connected Services offered features like remote engine start and find-my-car functions, complemented by safety services.

A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was available, contributing to the high-end feel of the SUV’s interior.

Despite its age, the RAV4 featured Toyota Audio Multimedia with standard 8-inch and available 10.5-inch touchscreens, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, and various connected services. Service Connect and Safety Connect were complimentary for 10 years, providing collision notification and SOS emergency services. Remote Connect and Drive Connect offered additional functionalities for one year, including cloud-based navigation and digital voice assistance.

The infotainment interface was sophisticated, albeit with minor issues like lack of a multi-panel home screen and challenging readability of certain fonts.

A JBL premium audio system was an option, though our test vehicle didn’t include it. However, the optional digital rear-view mirror proved useful for visibility when the SUV was fully packed.

Mazda equipped every CX-5 model with ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Mazda’s adaptive headlights provided superior nighttime visibility. Previously, the CX-5 ranked as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, and it held five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.

Toyota prioritized safety with the standard TSS 2.5 suite, though blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not standard on the base LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were more effective on straight highways than curvy roads, and the adaptive cruise control performed smoothly in moderate traffic.

Due to evolving IIHS criteria, the 2024 RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick status, with lower ratings in specific crash tests compared to previous years.