Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: Which One To Buy Used?

​One is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the US, and the other is a quiet competitor that’s gaining popularity. I’ve owned them both. So, this article puts two excellent SUV options against each other. If we analyze the Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4, one comes out on top, but not because of what you might think.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: Which One To Buy

If you’re looking for a compact SUV, chances are you’ve considered both the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4. I know I have, as I ultimately owned both, and if I had to go through the process again, I’d buy the Mazda CX-5.

Why? When we pit the Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4, some factors stand out, and that’s what I want to tell you in the following sections. For now, the main reason is simple: the Mazda CX-5 drives better.

I love a vehicle that handles the curves well, and the CX-5 does precisely that. That’s not to say that the Toyota RAV4 didn’t, but it certainly didn’t feel sporty. Even the CX-5’s exhaust is a fun, rumbling growl.

Plus, there are some surprises when it comes to reliability. That’s right, even if Toyota has a reputation for reliability, I’ve found that the Mazda CX-5 performs slightly better.

Which is more reliable between the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4?

Both brands are known for reliability. In fact, they constantly battle it out in reliability rankings. It’s highlight likely that neither will leave you stranded on the side of the road. However, if you dive deeper into data and stats, you find that the Mazda CX-5 is, in fact, the clear winner.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ever since it entered the market in 2012, the CX-5 has had zero federal defect investigations. On top of that, it only has nine total recall campaigns. This is the cleanest federal record of any vehicle on federal lists. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 has had 46 recall campaigns and four total federal defect investigations.

This might come as a surprise to many, as Toyota has built its brand on reliability. The reality is that Mazda has also done the same, but it’s not as popular as Toyota. That’s why not many people know this.

Mazda CX-5 Vs Toyota RAV4: What Do Owners Say?

Speaking of people, what do owners say about both vehicles? We analyzed the complaints that the NHTSA has received from both vehicles, and the data tells a fascinating story.

The following chart compares the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 in terms of complaints. We’ve normalized the data by taking all complaints submitted to the NHTSA and normalizing them per 1,000 units sold.

The CX-5’s first years were riddled with complaints, which is normal in the first years of production. However, the automaker made a clear effort to fix its problems, eventually catching up and beating Toyota in some years.

As far as recalls, Mazda also beats Toyota. Available data from the NHTSA indicates that the Toyota RAV4 has 2.875 recalls per year, while the Mazda CX-5 has 0.64 recalls per year. While you could point towards production numbers, that’s still 4.45 times more for the Toyota RAV4, and it hasn’t outsold the Mazda by 4.45 times.

Fuel Economy: Which One Gives You More Range?

One thing I found interesting is that both of my cars, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 and the 2025 Mazda CX-5, have a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. When it comes to fuel economy, the Mazda CX-5 barely beats out the RAV4, giving me around 5% more miles per gallon.

That’s where the rest of the features come into play. My Toyota RAV4 didn’t have either cylinder deactivation or engine start/stop systems. My current CX-5 comes with both a start/stop system and intelligent fuel management.

In times when fuel is pricey, that difference is crucial. However, my personal experience contradicts that of EPA data, and there’s a good reason why. First, let’s put the Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 head-to-head in fuel economy.

The Mazda CX-5 was originally more fuel-friendly than the Toyota RAV4, thanks to its reliable but underpowered 2.0L engine. Then, Mazda introduced the 2.5L engine in 2014, effectively lowering fuel consumption. Since then, the median fuel economy has remained somewhat constant because Mazda relied on the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine and the turbo version.

Toyota, on the other hand, has gone the opposite way, and its increase in fuel economy is largely thanks to hybrid technology, which raises the lineup average.

So, why is it that, when I’m driving, I get better miles per gallon? That’s because, in 2016, the Toyota RAV4 had only the 2.5L engine, which was very reliable but not the most powerful. Then, hybrids became more popular, leading to more fuel efficiency. I’m sure a 2026 RAV would beat the Mazda CX-5 in fuel economy.

Handling: One Of The Game Changers

If you look at overall capabilities, pitting the Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 should be an even competition, but handling-wise, there’s no competition. The Mazda CX-5 is basically a sedan. It handles great, especially the AWD version, whereas the Toyota RAV4 lacks any sporty feel.

When it comes to acceleration, both cars theoretically take the same 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, but the Toyota RAV4 does so with almost no feeling at all. Meanwhile, the Mazda chops its way to 60 mph, and it’s fun.

Granted, while the Mazda is more fun, you could find yourself wanting something less jumpy. The acceleration isn’t as smooth as the RAV4’s. That’s where the RAV4 has another drawback, and it all has to do with the transmission.

As many would know, the Toyota RAV4 has the (in)famous CVT and, for most of what you’ll do, it works great. It shifts smoothly, and you barely notice when it does.

This is also the main reason why I sold the RAV4. The dealership informed me that, at around 60,000 miles, we had to replace the gaskets in the CVT. The cost was so high that it made no sense, and that’s the drawback with CVTs. Almost no one wants to work on them, so they opt to replace them.

How they behave also doesn’t help. The acceleration is subdued, but you’ll get there, and you’re better off leaving it in Drive rather than taking over the shifting, unless you need to downshift.

That’s because the RAV4’s transmission is almost entirely absent of feel. There’s no connection between the driver and the vehicle. On the other hand, the CX-5 has a traditional 6-speed automatic that operates basically like older transmissions, with upgraded mechanics.

This results in concise shifting that you can feel. For driving enthusiasts, this is wonderful. It gives you a better feel, but for ordinary drivers, it can feel jumpy.

I, for one, love it. Taking the CX-5 on curvy roads takes you back to the days of sporty sedans, with excellent acceleration and effortless handling. If there’s a downside, it’s that on longer trips, I have found the RAV4 less tiring.

Cargo and Leg Room: The Other Game Changer

Performance-wise, unless you’re a true gearhead, both SUVs offer practical driving and reliability. These are two SUVs that won’t disappoint you, although I’m loving the CX-5 more than I ever did like the RAV4.

However, there’s one aspect where the Toyota RAV4 beat the Mazda CX-5, hands down—interior room, in all senses of the word.

The Toyota RAV4 can fit a lot. Its cargo area is formidable, and you can pile on the cargo with no sweat. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 carries a decent amount of cargo, but you won’t be blown away.

Rear seats are also more comfortable in the Toyota RAV4, and that comes in handy when fitting the baby’s car seat. Those extra fractions of an inch are crucial.

Is this a gamebreaker? It isn’t in my case, because I rarely have passengers in the back. However, if you have more than one kid, it can become critical.

The driving position is similar on both, with the Mazda being slightly more cramped, but not by much. Ironically, this smaller space (for someone who is 6’4”, like myself) can give you a more sporty feel, for a while.

Closing Thoughts: Mazda CX-5 Vs. Toyota RAV4

When we pin these two against each other, we’re expecting excellence. These are two renowned manufacturers with a reputation for reliability, and they both deliver. However, having owned both, the differences come out once we start looking into the details.

If I had to buy a used one, I’d buy the Mazda CX-5, because it handles better, it looks great, and the transmission shifts smoothly. My family is small, and we rarely take long trips, so the cargo room isn’t essential. The Mazda CX-5 is, ultimately, the driver’s compact SUV, if that driver wants reliability, great looks and to avoid the headaches found in other luxury brands.

For the more practical drive, the Toyota RAV4 is perfect. It’s more basic, and it’s not afraid to show it, but it does everything it needs to do, with not much fanfare, as Toyota always does.

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