2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

In 2024, the Mazda CX-90 became a notable contender in the luxury SUV market. While it wasn’t a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz, its design and material quality often surpassed traditional Japanese peers like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, edging closer to premium brands such as Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus.

The exterior design of the CX-90 was a testament to Mazda's striking aesthetic approach. Borrowing the elegant design language from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models and scaling it up to over 200 inches in length, the CX-90 presented itself as an imposing vehicle. Its prominent grille, wide front end, and large wheels—which ranged from 19 to 21 inches—demanded attention. The tasteful chrome trim accentuated the SUV’s elegance despite its sizeable dimensions.

Once inside, the CX-90's interior did not disappoint. The top-tier trims offered an upscale environment that could rival and even surpass the offerings from some luxury manufacturers. High-end models featured brown suede upholstery on the dashboard, wood inlays on the center console, and matte black plastic trimming, contributing to a sophisticated yet subtle aesthetics. Even BMW's X5 could look overpriced next to a well-equipped Mazda CX-90.

With 11 different trims to choose from, the CX-90 catered to a broad spectrum of buyers. Entry-level trims like the CX-90 Turbo in Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus configurations provided decent material quality and stylish design. For those interested in sustainability, Mazda also offered the PHEV model in Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. At the top of the lineup sat the CX-90 Turbo S, starting at over $50,000 and available in base, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, showcasing the most luxurious and performance-oriented features.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 tried hard to project a rugged image. With a perpetual angry look defined by its frowning grille and grimacing headlights, Toyota injected a sense of toughness into this compact crossover. Lower gray body cladding and angular design lines added to the aggressive aesthetic, while dual exhaust outlets hinted at a level of performance that the RAV4 did not quite deliver. Upper trims showcased fake skid plates, and off-road themes were further emphasized in the TRD Off-Road model with more robust roof racks.

Our test model, the TRD Off-Road, was priced starting at $38,295, with an additional destination charge of $1,350. The Army Green color, though not our favorite, was a no-cost option. Additional features such as a digital rearview mirror, and the Advanced Technology and Weather option packages, brought the total price to $41,925.

Toyota catered to a wide range of budgets with the RAV4. Starting from the LE model priced at $28,675 to the TRD Off-Road at the upper end, the RAV4 was accessible to many. Hybrids cost slightly more but offered better fuel efficiency and slightly enhanced power.

Inside, the RAV4 emphasized practicality. Utility elements like full-width shelves across the dashboard, durable door handles, and rubber-lined storage areas made the SUV user-friendly. While it wasn’t the most luxurious interior, higher trims, especially the XLE Premium and Limited, provided contrast-color interiors that added a touch of upscale sophistication.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 brought significant changes with its new powertrain options. For the first time, Mazda offered a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in this SUV, aimed at delivering better fuel economy and performance than the outgoing CX-9. Alongside the PHEV, the CX-90 introduced two versions of an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base spec turbo I6 produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. However, during our test, we had the pleasure of experiencing the upgraded I6 found in the CX-90 Turbo S.

The performance difference between the old CX-9 and the new CX-90 was substantial. The former's turbocharged four-cylinder engine had always seemed better suited to smaller vehicles like the CX-5 or CX-50. In contrast, the powerful inline-six and PHEV powertrains allowed the CX-90 to carve out a distinct niche. The CX-90 Turbo S, in particular, impressed with its incredible exhaust note, unlike anything Mazda had produced before. The “S” upgrade boosted the 3.3-liter I6 to 340 horsepower on premium fuel, coupled with 369 lb-ft of torque. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. Although we didn't test its off-road capabilities, the difference in performance between Normal and Sport modes was noticeable. In Sport, the CX-90 held its gears longer, producing an exhilarating sound from the engine. However, the eight-speed transmission occasionally struggled, especially in Sport mode, sometimes shifting too aggressively.

The 2024 CX-90 PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, generating a combined output of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an EPA rating of 56 MPGe in combined driving with a total driving range of 490 miles. Although it lacked the auditory drama of the Turbo S, it exhibited commendable handling performance.

Mazda engineered the CX-90 to handle like a smaller vehicle, with a double-wishbone front suspension and a transverse engine layout that enhanced agility. The thin, delicate steering wheel typical of Mazda models added to the feeling of driving a lighter vehicle, a positive surprise for a three-row crossover.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required a hard rev to access maximum power. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels by default unless the optional torque-vectoring AWD system was chosen. Our TRD Off-Road model came standard with AWD and unique off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels.

The Multi-Terrain Select system was standard, offering Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt driving modes. Despite these features, the TRD Off-Road did not improve ground clearance or approach and departure angles beyond the standard 8.6 inches.

While traversing through Southern California’s challenging terrain, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road showed that it was only slightly more capable off-road than its siblings. An incident involving damage to the plastic and paint when navigating a dirt berm highlighted its limitations compared to more rugged vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner.

However, the off-road suspension provided benefits during everyday driving. It efficiently absorbed speed bumps and uneven pavement, delivering a smooth ride. The steering and brakes were well-tuned for the SUV's intended use, and the all-terrain tires performed adequately on road. While at freeway speeds, the RAV4 was noisy, this wasn't attributed to the tires.

With an official EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, our test vehicle averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly lower but reasonable considering the varied driving conditions. For those concerned about fuel efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered a substantial improvement with a rating of 37 mpg.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered versatile seating configurations across its numerous trims. The entry-level Turbo and PHEV models could seat up to eight passengers, featuring three-across seating in both the second and third rows. Mid-level trims replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs, resulting in a seven-seat layout that was anticipated to be the most popular.

In Turbo S trims, the third row featured a two-seat configuration. The base Turbo S seated seven passengers in a 2-3-2 layout, while the Premium and Premium Plus trims offered a six-seat configuration, with two seats each in the front, middle, and rear rows.

Cargo space varied slightly depending on the third-row seating configuration. Models with a two-seater third row offered 75.2 cubic feet of total cargo space, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second row. In comparison, models with three-across seating in the back offered 74.2 cubic feet of total cargo space, 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, and 40.0 cubic feet behind the second row.

These figures marked an improvement over the CX-9, which provided 14.4, 38.2, and 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Nonetheless, the CX-90 still lagged behind competitors like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander in terms of overall capacity, and the third-row legroom was relatively snug.

Mazda included numerous storage options in the CX-90's interior, with a spacious center console, ample door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The middle-row captain's chairs in the Turbo S Premium Plus trim featured an additional center console with a sizeable bin, cupholders, and a storage drawer.

Combining top-notch materials and upholstery, comfortable seating, and a large panoramic sunroof, the CX-90 provided a comfortable and elegant environment, even if it wasn't the roomiest option available.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 focused on practicality and utility, catering to recreational activities. Its interior design emphasized functionality with ample storage options, including storage shelves, trays, bins, nooks, crannies, and oversized rubberized control knobs.

In the TRD Off-Road trim, the seats were covered in SofTex artificial leather upholstery, and the driver’s seat came with eight-way power adjustment. To get features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer system, buyers needed to opt for the additional Weather package.

The RAV4's driver’s seat proved to be quite comfortable, complemented by a perfectly shaped steering wheel and excellent outward visibility, especially with the optional digital rearview mirror.

The RAV4 could comfortably accommodate four adults, and fit five when necessary. While the rear seat was positioned low and lacked sufficient leg support, soft front seatbacks, ample legroom, and footroom improved comfort. Rear passenger amenities included air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

The power liftgate revealed a generous 37.6 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats expanded the space to 69.8 cubic feet, making it competitive within its segment.

Mazda emphasized safety in its technology design, opting to minimize distractions in the CX-90's infotainment system. The Mazda Connect software used physical controls, such as hard buttons on the center console and a rotary control knob, instead of a touchscreen interface. The idea was to avoid drivers taking their eyes off the road, relying instead on the tactile feedback of physical controls.

However, in practice, this system had its quirks. The rotary control setup often required multiple actions for what would be simple touchscreen tasks, leading to increased frustration. Navigation, for example, required several clicks to orient the map, which could be more distracting than a usual touchscreen operation.

Saving grace came in the form of a personalization software that used facial recognition to adjust seats, mirrors, and head-up display (HUD) settings automatically. This system was beneficial for multiple drivers sharing the vehicle, making transitions seamless.

Additionally, the CX-90 came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and higher trim levels offered these features wirelessly. Importantly, Mazda's rotary control worked with these systems, but the brand acknowledged that touch controls were more suitable for these popular interfaces.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4, despite its age, featured the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen and an available 10.5-inch display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services.

Service Connect and Safety Connect came free for ten years, providing services like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Remote Connect offered one year of complimentary remote access features via a smartphone app, like remote engine starting and door lock/unlock.

Drive Connect, also free for one year, added cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and concierge services. Wi-Fi Connect turned the RAV4 into an internet hotspot, with a free three-month data plan before requiring a subscription. Integration with Apple Music and Amazon Music was also available.

Despite its advanced features, there were some usability issues. The lack of a multi-panel Home screen created distractions, as users couldn’t monitor multiple functions simultaneously. Switching from Apple CarPlay to SiriusXM required voice commands, and the light font on the display's daytime background could be hard to read.

The digital voice assistant generally performed well, though it had problems such as inaudible responses except when adjusting climate controls. Misunderstandings during critical commands, like finding hospitals, highlighted some system limitations.

While the standard audio system was adequate, the JBL premium audio option was absent in our test model. The digital rearview mirror, using a camera to provide a clear rear view, was a notable option, missing from our vehicle was the panoramic surround-view camera system, which could have improved off-road navigation.

Mazda's i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) came standard on every CX-90, including crucial features often sold as extra in other crossovers. Standard equipment encompassed blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, smart brake support with front-crossing and turn-across-traffic identification, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe-exit warning. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were also standard.

Our top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus model added cruising and traffic support, combining lane-centering with adaptive cruise control to provide a hands-on driver support system. This system kept the CX-90 well-centered in its lane with minimal issues.

Although the 2024 Mazda CX-90 hadn’t been crash-tested yet, its predecessor, the CX-9, received high safety ratings, which boded well for the newer model.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), a comprehensive ADAS collection. However, the base LE trim lacked a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, missing an essential safety feature.

TSS 2.5 received mixed reviews. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems worked well on straighter highways, they struggled on winding roads, causing frequent beeping when disengaging and re-engaging. In heavy traffic, the adaptive cruise control smoothly managed distances, though it sometimes braked excessively in certain situations.

Overall, TSS 2.5 was adequate, but not without flaws. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to newer, more stringent evaluations. The model received a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the latest side-impact test.