Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4

In the automobile world, crossover SUVs are popping up everywhere, making it a challenge to determine which one is right for you. With offerings in every size, from extra-small to large, you have plenty of options. Two top picks for a small crossover SUV are the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4, and learning about each of these vehicles can help you determine which one best fits your needs. Read on for a comparison of the Mazda CX-5 versus the Toyota RAV4.

Trims Available

You can get the 2022 Mazda CX-5 in eight trim levels: S, S Select, S Preferred, S Carbon Edition, S Premium, S Premium Plus, Turbo, and Turbo Signature. The S and Select feature LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. You get a sunroof and power liftgate on the S Preferred. Moving up to the S Carbon Edition adds an exclusive gray exterior paint with gloss black side mirrors and trim rolling down the road on 19-inch black-painted wheels.

On the S Premium, you get 19-inch wheels and heated outside mirrors, while the S Premium Plus adds power-folding to the heated outside mirrors. You get a special exterior trim with black-painted wheels on the Turbo and Turbo Signature for a unique look guaranteed to turn heads as you pass by on the road.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is available in six trims: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The LE and XLE have LED headlights and 17-inch wheels to get you started. Moving up to the XLE Premium or Limited rewards you with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a power liftgate, and a sunroof. On the Adventure, you’ll enjoy the bold look of the fender flares and taller roof rails. The TRD Off-Road features 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique black trim.

Power and Performance

The standard engine on the 2022 CX-5 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder matched to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo and Turbo Signature feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard across all trims of the CX-5.

The only engine option for the 2022 RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can expect 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from this engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road feature a standard all-wheel-drive system, an option for all other trim levels.

Interior Elements

Sliding behind the wheel of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, you’ll discover interior design elements made for the comfort and convenience of everyone inside the vehicle. The S has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, a four-speaker audio system, and a 10.25-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capabilities. On the S Select, you get proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, rear air vents, simulated leather upholstery, and a six-speaker sound system. The S Preferred adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver’s seat memory settings, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and leather upholstery.

The S Carbon Edition features black or red leather upholstery for a unique take on the interior. Moving up to the S Premium adds paddle shifters, satellite radio, an upgraded driver information display, and a 10-speaker premium Bose audio system. With the S Premium Plus, you get ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Turbo upgrades you with a wireless charging pad and special interior trim. Finally, the Turbo Signature adds upgraded leather upholstery, wood trim, ambient interior lighting, and a navigation system.

Inside the 2022 Toyota RAV4, you’ll find similar interior features with the driver’s and passenger’s comfort in mind. The LE has a six-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE adds keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. With the XLE Premium, you get Toyota’s SofTex simulated leather upholstery. The Limited features a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a 9-inch touch screen, and an 11-speaker premium JBL sound system.

Safety Features

Mazda knows how important safety is to today’s drivers and has added many standard and available safety and driver-assistance features to the CX-5. Standard features include forward collision mitigation, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The S Premium adds adaptive headlights to swivel with you as you turn the corner for better lighting. You get a head-up display on the S Premium Plus to keep your eyes and attention focused on the road ahead. On the Turbo Signature, you also get a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.

Toyota also understands the importance of arriving safely, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite is standard on all RAV4 trims. This suite of safety and driver-assistance features include forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. You also get a blind-spot monitor on the XLE to alert you if the vehicle in the next lane is in your blind spot for lane changes and merging.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has a starting MSRP of $25,900 for the base trim. The top-of-the-line Turbo Signature features an MSRP of $38,650 for the fully loaded small SUV. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 base model comes in at a starting MSRP of $26,975, while the high-end Limited has an MSRP of $35,475. The highest MSRP on the RAV4 goes to the TRD Off-Road at $36,915 for its off-road-ready features.

When compared head-to-head, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has more to offer for a slightly lower starting price, making it our top choice. When you’re ready to get into a CX-5 of your own or another new vehicle, please visit our sales team at Mazda of Orange, located at 1360 W. Katella Ave. in Orange, California. You can reach us at 888-696-8425 or via our convenient and secure online messaging service for questions or to arrange a test drive. Our sales team is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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