For a lot of automotive customers, a compact SUV hits all the appropriate notes. They’re inexpensive, provide sufficient house for all however the largest households, and are sufficiently small to simply slip by way of visitors and highly effective sufficient to deal with an open highway.
The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling compact SUV in America. The Mazda CX-5, although, could deserve extra reputation due to its crisp dealing with and classy seems to be. Let’s see how they examine.
2023 Mazda CX-5
Mazda kinds itself the premium inexpensive automaker. Its automobiles are priced like rivals from Honda and Toyota, however reply them with engaging styling and sporty character. The CX-5 is Mazda’s traditional compact SUV, with fun-to-drive character and a glossy physique. Costs begin at $26,700.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD): Many drivers affiliate SUVs with sure-footed efficiency in foul climate or off of paved roads. However AWD is the important thing to that safety, and a few inexpensive crossovers don’t have it. It’s customary on the CX-5. It’s out there on the RAV4 however provides $1,400 to the sticker worth.
Decrease base worth: Talking of costs, the CX-5 begins at $26,700. The RAV4 technically begins at the next $27,975. However to construct a really comparable mannequin, you’d have so as to add AWD to the RAV4, bringing its minimal worth to $29,375.
Enjoyable to drive: Value apart, one of the best purpose to drive a Mazda is that the drive is entertaining. Mazda’s G-vectoring management torque vectoring system can range the velocity of every wheel to assist maintain the CX-5 flat by way of turns. It makes driving extra enjoyable.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the CX-5 fashions on the market close to you
2023 Toyota RAV4
Extra Individuals purchase a Toyota RAV4 than another compact SUV. The RAV4 is famously well-rounded, incomes a strong A-minus in each topic and doing all of it for a good worth. Toyota builds it in gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variations. Costs begin at $27,975.
Toyota RAV4 Highlights
Wonderful gas financial system: The least fuel-efficient RAV4 remains to be extra environment friendly in mixed driving than essentially the most fuel-efficient CX-5. In the event you’re procuring small due to gasoline costs, this may make a distinction in your determination.
Cargo room: The RAV4 and the CX-5 have comparable dimensions for passengers. However they’re not comparable on the subject of cargo house. The RAV4 holds extra with the rear seats in use and much more with them folded down. If cargo house is what has you SUV procuring, the Toyota could be the higher name.
Versatile lineup of choices: Toyota builds gas-powered RAV4s, hybrid RAV4s, and plug-in hybrid RAV4s that act like electrical automobiles round city and gas-powered automobiles for longer journeys. They construct not one however two off-road fashions – the soft-roader Journey version and the extra succesful TRD Off-Street variant. Mazda builds the CX-5 in a formidable eight trim ranges, however none are electrified, and none are constructed for the path.
Similarities
2.5-liter 4-cylinder customary engines, 3-year warranties, and robust reliability reputations make these two lots alike
Conclusion
The Toyota RAV4 has been the appropriate alternative for hundreds of thousands with its versatile lineup, bulletproof reliability repute, and glorious cargo house. However there’s little doubt that it’s extra enjoyable to drive a Mazda CX-5, even earlier than you take note of the CX-5’s non-compulsory turbocharged engine improve. Comparable costs and warranties make the 2 comparable up-front investments. Totally different character, although, means one could also be extra best for you than the opposite.
Specs
2023 Mazda CX-5 | 2023 Toyota RAV4 | |
Beginning Value | $26,700 | $27,975 |
Standard Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automated | 8-speed automated |
Gas Financial system | 24 metropolis/30 freeway/26 mixed mpg | 27 metropolis/35 freeway/30 mixed mpg |
Additionally Out there | 2.5-liter turbo-4 | Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, AWD |
Specs | ||
Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA General Security Ranking | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 105.9 inches |
General Size | 180.1 inches | 180.9 inches |
Width | 72.6 inches | 73.0 inches |
Peak | 65.6 inches | 67.0 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.0 toes | 36.1 toes |
Headroom, Entrance | 39.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.0 inches | 41.0 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 37.8 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.1 inches | 57.8 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.4 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 30.8/59.3 cubic toes | 37.6/69.8 cubic toes |