2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Toyota RAV4 Comparison

Can an updated version of the classic RAV4 compete with the modern era Mazda CX-5?
Compact crossovers are selling like proverbial hot cakes in the United States. Last year nearly two million of these tall little family vehicles moved off dealer lots.
As should be expected, a booming market segment like this attracts attention. And while some vehicles like the Dodge Journey, Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport stretch the term 'compact' to its limits, nearly every manufacturer has a player on the field; some more than one.
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[@mongen526]

I spent months deciding between the cx5 and rav4 and am glad I got the cx5! It looks better and feels sportier in my opinion. Just wish I had the extra budget to go with the AWD grand touring. I recommend going with the cx5 for those of you looking to get a cuv!

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

just wondering why you chose the CX5 vs the rav-4, thank you.

[@mongen526]

@@AlexZ-lc6nl my cousin owns a RAV4 and after 6 years of seeing and driving both I still feel I made the right choice. The RAV4 interior feels cheaper and scratches easily, I have a 2014 corolla and it’s the same. Mazda also had better standard features and also less prices when I was deciding between the two, plus the dealer gave us more discount for being a current mazda owner.

[@AlexZ-lc6nl]

@@mongen526 thank you for the honest opinion.

[@melmar07]

Forget the good looks and sportier handling. You got screwed. Relibility is the name of the game. You should’ve chose Toyota Rav4. Rav4 is not bad looking and handling is not bad at all.

[@darkwoodmovies]

The reason Toyota will always win is reliability. You can get 200k on those cars without a single repair other than regular maintenance. And their resale value is incredibly high.

[@teemcshanney8910]

Mazda's reliability is equal to Toyotas and their driving dynamics is much better and way more fun for the driver! My CX-5 just broke 296,430. I had NO repairs until after 225k miles when Michigan's brutal roads destroyed my front end parts, many of them over the next 100 miles.

[@ray54ization]

why people consider the looks of too much when buying a car as long as the car is reliable, consume less fuel, comfortable/smooth ride, quiet look or style is not a very big factor

[@BiancaFigz]

I actually test drove both of these cars yesterday and I wish that I could take the RAV4 interior inside the CX-5. That would make the perfect car for me!

[@TheGusrojo88]

I work at a Mazda dealer and ever since I drove the cx5 I fell in love with it.. it just feels like they got it right in all areas. Drives like a car interior has everything at reach. I would highly recommend it.

[@AWCAWD]

Many of us buy a car for many years and/or over 100Kmiles. In this regard Mazda's Skyactiv technology is yet to prove that it will be reliable even after the warranty ends. RAV4 has nothing to prove. Have you ever wondered why the RAV4, CRV, Forester, XC, Outlander Sport are not offering direct injection engines (yet)? Because there are lot of problems with carbon depositions. Mazda has another risk factor: high (13:1) compression ratio. Cars designed with it have not been known to last long.

[@markwilliams6378]

Great review guys. Just got a 2014 CX5 touring mainly because the CX 9 I had was a gas hog. The best thing I would say about the CX5 is the steering, it's precise, communicative and at speed it really tracks true. The CX9 was very reliable had no issues with 42000 miles on the odo...time will tell if it's smaller cousin is just as reliable

[@speedkar99]

Nice video work, this was shot near Centennial park in Etobicoke on Eglinton Ave.

[@Barobran92]

Not everyone likes the same thing, personally I don't really like either of these vehicles, I would take a Ford Escape or a GMC Terrain over them, but everyone has an opinion, obviously if people are buying the RAV4, Toyota is doing something right.

[@lowincash]

Great comparison vid. I'm very glad the CX5 has the option of a bigger engine now, the 2.0 is really under power for a car this size. I've always thought the Rav4 looked plain and girly and never liked how the back door opens. Glad the new one is changed and car looks a bit better now. However, I would choose the CX5 out of the two. You get much more options that the Rav4 doesn't have like xenon lights and other stuff, plus you get the zoom zoom. I'm not ready for a granny car yet.

[@austinphelan6374]

I would like to touch base on your concerns about throttle response on the CX5. We own one as our family vehicle and have noticed that the throttle can be unresponsive sometimes. But, the gas pedal is like a two step process. If you just floor it to the point of resistance, it may not get to the power you want. But if you push the pedal even further (will click and feel the pedal touch the floor) then it kicks the transmission to the gear needed and off she goes. Secret economy and sport modes

[@zoomzoom4157]

Didnt talk about the low load tail gate ... if you have dogs its a blessing on the toyota ... also more reliable and more overall room

[@jdoe5171]

Cx5

[@kelvincheu]

I test drove RAV4 LE and CX-5 AT 2.0L and 2.5L. RAV4 felt sluggish compared to both CX-5. I could hardly tell the difference between the 2 CX-5 in acceleration in normal road. The exterior of RAV4 also looks boring or conservative, nothing exciting, although I like its extra storage space. I purchased the 2.5L CX-5 Touring. + point for CX-5 for better fuel economy. It has been 2 months and 2000 miles, and love the CX-5 so far. Friends have been "wowing" when they see my new car.

[@orsonozu755]

The Mazda looks better, unfortunately far too many customer complaints about its' built within days of taking it home. Toyota seems much more reliable and its not that bad looking.

[@josephboot1]

I wish these reviewers would stop telling people what looks good and what doesn't, nobody is interested in their taste, we can decide for ourselves.

[@georgemckean9725]

Okay, I have received so many emails asking my opinion on these two CUVs, so I will comment. Both CUVs are great cars, but there is only one clear winner. Sorry folks, it is the RAV4. The Mazda, as good as it is, lacks long-term reliability...or I should say, in the past it lacked long-term reliability. The Toyota uses the same 2.5 as in the Camry, and the same transmission. The ratings for the Toyota drive-train are remarkable! The Mazda is not quite up to the same standard, good effort.

[@DennySantos23]

Great comparison and review of both cars. I think the deciding factor will be preference and price on both these cars.

[@mountainhobo]

Wish you would have included the 2.0 manual Mazda. That would provide some differentiation. As it is, you pretty much tested two twins.

[@5had0wL1nk]

awesome revierw guys keep up the good work

[@eldawii]

I prefer mazda

[@melmar07]

At the end of the day, reliability is the deciding factor. For some people doesn’t care about driving dynamics or how good looking it is, people wants to go to pt A to B in comfort knowing they will be there whenever they turn on the key no matter how old their SUV or how high the mileage. Can Mazda CX-5 do that? I was in the market for a used small suv and I was choosing between Cx5, CRV and RAV4 and I chose the RAV4 because it is the only one who’s using a 6 speed A/T and not a CVT plus the Toyota Bullet proof reliability. RAV4 wins.

[@jeffallan3761]

Just got a new CX5. Traded our Rav4 which sucked because it was paid off and had 6 cyl. engine. More power than CX5, but not very good mpg. But main reason was quality. Recall after recall, we had to keep taking it in. Also scary moments of car completely stalling out on the highway because of Toyota's stupid electrical system which draws a lot of current. The new CX5 drives real nice, quick and feels like it hugs the road, so solid, and great MPG. Interior doesn't feel as cheap as the RAV4 did. But that was an older RAV. Don't know how the new ones are. We weren't even going to consider one after the scary close calls that one put us in.

[@Mati12ful]

hi soon im gonna buy mazda cx5 but im not sure the mazda cx 5 its really good car ? U like it ?

[@jeffallan3761]

We love it. Better mileage, handling and more fun to drive.

[@Mati12ful]

okej thakns for info :)

[@rkgsd]

I've never heard of Toyotas having poorly designed electrical systems.

[@jeffallan3761]

Several different mechanics at different places have told us this. They may have fixed it in recent years. Very scary, stalling at highway speeds!

[@MIZUNOMP60]

Have the 2013 Cx-5 GT(2.0L engine) other than been a little sluggish, it's defo fun to drive, comfy, and looks way better than rav 4, CRV, and Escape. Rav 4 looks about five years behind in styling and if I can't afford a 300+hp vehicle at least the CX-5 checks all the boxes in this price range. Now I just wish I had the 2.5L model !!

[@95thRiflesOCI]

If you do not mind the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and get a good score in the Small overlap front test results.

[@1WorkAt]

I own a Cx-5 sport version, i picked it after i tryed out most SUVs, I've had it for almost 1 year now and let me tell you!!! go for this car, its just great! the version i have has alot of extra teck tho. europe specs seem to be a little better. Good luck

[@gabbogabbo]

I plan on getting the CX-5 with the skyactiv 2.0 and 6-speed manual. I found its the best overall CUV that I looked at.

[@melmar07]

Does it last 300k miles?

[@melvin5818]

i been going back and forth on both of these cars . just alittle note i heard some of the parts in rav4 gets scratches easliy around the door area and around the cup holders that fake carbon lining . all and all i say test what you gonna buy .

[@FINALV8]

The Rav4 has more technology and usable space, and a better AWD system. The Mazda is sportier to drive while also returning slightly better MPG. One thing to note: Mazda bundles options into expensive packages, vs. the Rav4 which allows you to self-select options after choosing a model grade. I personally find that the front end of the CX-5 looks rather bland and unfinished, and the Rav4 much better looking overall. How many people making negative comments are actually shopping in this segment?

[@MemphisMojo15s]

Guys we had Mazdas one filename they sucked. Toyota has proven to be the best in comparison to Mazda. Its not even a competition.

[@marcbedard5036]

I guarantee that if you were to look at the Toyota instrument gauge/dash in two to three years you would not agree with the statements you made today. I personally think it looks ugly, bulky and cheap today, and I have a feeling that this will resonate more and more in the next few years.

[@SIIKAP1]

Yeah it’s very dated

[@CanadaSocial]

I don't see many people talk about how much it costs to service one of these or how is the customer service... Now I am talking about these specific vehicles. So someone throw some light on that topic....

[@bennygerow]

best comparison vid I've seen on yt between the 2 CUVs!!!!!!!!

[@guyproulx1660]

i wonder which one will be more reliable and which one will hold it's value longer?

[@dgsantos8]

Great job, it really help me to pick a car.

[@gabbogabbo]

Believe it or not, not everyone likes Toyota. I actually work in woodstock where the Rav4 is made, and I would take the Mazda any day.

[@K8AC]

Not a word about the tire noise in either vehicle - particularly bothersome in the CX5.

[@madillmazda]

Great review! This Vehicle is Very Popular here in Australia : )

[@JF-em6hr]

Very good review. doesn't waste a lot of time. Gets right into the facts. Thank you.

[@Sassymui8]

Toyota is the world's biggest car maker. They must be doing something right.

[@fundiver198]

Actually for now Mazda is the only producer, which has gone down the "skyactive" path which is basically to increase compression ratio. VW, GM, Ford, Peugeot, Renault and Fiat have all chosen the "downsizing" path, that is reducing the cc of the engine and compensating by the addition of a turbo. And Toyota and Honda have chosen to develop hybrid technology. I think only the future can tell, which of these technologies will dominate.

[@billm47645]

I'm a little confused. I am in New York State and in Canada often. I thought this was a Canadian magazine so why are they using MPG and US prices. Purchased a CX-5 Grand Touring with Tech Package over the weekend. Best combo of value, etc. Looked at Escape, CRV, even RDX. Escape rode nice but was small compared to old one and expensive. CRV lacked some of the sportiness and technology. Acura was nice but on the high end with tech package of what we wanted to spend. This was the bargai

[@chewsir]

Handles like a car? I would have to disagree with you on that point. I helped a friend purchase the 2.5 CX-5 and while it is sportier than many CUV's, it is nothing like the Mazda3, for example.

[@reuin1]

You guys are very confusing when talking about the styling of each. You say that the Mazda "Can't touch the Rav-4's boldness and design" and yet you say the styling of the Mazda "goes a lot farther than the Rav-4 can ever hope to."

[@cisco6142]

Did he seriously say the Rav4 looks better then the Cx5?

[@thebunnis]

I know I did a double take when he said that as well

[@tonym7434]

I know. That’s like the only time anyone has ever said that.

[@maclowry3802]

I just bought a 2014 mazda cx-5 and got t-boned 6 days after lol. Other than that i believe its the best crossover out there right now. great mileage, i averaged 26 on the highway from long island to upstate new york, and great comfort aswell

[@InfamousPR]

Rav4 is way better looking. The CX5 looks too bland and doesn't even come with a roof rack

[@mlafonta22]

Last Toyota I had was junk. In the shop every 2 months. Hope they improved since then.2007

[@KING2011KOKO]

my 12' Honda CRV kills these two birds in one stone.

[@vtlsl]

I'm wondering what is 'Sky Active chassis'.. And how exactly does it help to keep the car better on the road?

[@cky945able]

Every brand new car is just as good as the others but my opinion is buy a rav4 if you in market for suv, mazda cx5 may have all those fancy name like skyactiv etc but in a long run, nothing beats toyota's reliability and trust me I drive a mazda with skyactiv. Actually, you don't need a very long time to realize how sorry you will be sitting in a mazda with all those rattling noises, mechnical issues..etc

[@brendonracine1732]

mazda cx5 all the way

[@observant98]

The RAV 4 is like a lot of SUV's (including the Escape) to-day. The front ends look like they've already been in an accident. Reminds me of a saying ....only a face on her a mother could love.

[@Nunguis71]

Just test drove the Rav4 and didn't like it, it was also uncomfortable and my hubby felt so uncomfy in it!! Also TOO EXPENSIVE for the quality!, we only sat in the cx5 and fell in love with the design and spaciousness!!

[@cyclingzen]

finally a guy without a lisp

[@MemphisMojo15s]

One vehicle does not determine reliability for a company as a whole. Plus, if you do like I say and compare percentages of break downs to units, Toyota has less reports. Its proven. They have fewer trips to the garage per 100 units year after. My dad had a Mazda truck and so did my cousin, and they had 5 engines between the two. And honestly, how many Mazdas, other than the new Smiley face design crappy looking Mazda cars, do you honestly see on the road today compared to Toyota, GM, or Ford?

[@michaelmoschonikolakis3763]

Sky active = High combustion engine, better fuel efficiency, more torque, more reliable. It's very similar to diesel engines but with gasoline. Most car companies will adopt these type of engines in the future to beat mpg requirements.

[@sylvial1985]

should I get cx5 or accord v6 coupe? both are around $30

[@timothyln12]

Personally I'd choose a Honda CRV. It's better packaged, and although its not as fun to drive as the CX5, it's good enough.

[@mountainbiker5246]

so what did you guys decide was it the RAV4 or Mazda CX-5?

[@cogitaretoo]

I actually agree that the CX-5 is the superior car. The intention of my comment was to attack the tone and basis of mkaczmarski's comment, which asserted that subjective issues were facts and which was full of inaccurate statements about Toyota's cars in general.

[@sylvial1985]

Every car on the road is SUV, and I can't see shit.

[@smileychess]

Me neither, that's why I'm here researching SUV-ish vehicles so I can fit in.

[@timothyln12]

Nowhere in this video do they talk about the cargo area, why?

[@urielstud]

I guess you didn't have a guy 6'2'' tall try to drive the new Rav4. It's cramped severely and I would be tired in 50 miles in that. My 2011 Chevy Equinox is comfortable for 500 miles. That's the difference. Mine AWD also feels like a Porsche on Mt. Palomar. Just a better car that most people just ignore for unknown reasons.

[@enemay]

Damn Mazda is on a role! But I have to say, videos and pictures do not do the Rav4 justice, it simply looks so much better in person, but still for my money CX-5!

[@NeutralGenericUser]

I like your reviews, but it's really disappointing how you completely ignore Canada when you're Canadian. mpg? miles? inches? Seriously? At least provide metric measurements on screen or something... :(

[@sashalawla]

Mazda has no resale value at all in Jamaica. Toyota has excellent resale

[@astakutafaja]

i would take toyota, but the baby need bigger ground clearance

[@linuxaddict7]

Which one will hold up better 100k miles?

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Its funny how this is filmed in canada but we dont get pandora radio here!

[@AptomJ]

Which one is quieter?

[@ongvang1344]

The only Mazda I ever buy and only one is the Mazda rx-7.

[@reyperez3424]

We need another rav4 v6 fwd ,my 08 v6 , the best of his class , fun to drive, 24mpg@80mi , 28mpg@70mi , 20mpg@dacity ,15.1 1/4 mi , any other competition is worthless

[@azzkykkr3535]

My gf test drove both these cars ended up buying the CX5 and it wasn't even close. The Rav4 is fugly, gets worse mileage, and has ZERO power. With3 people in the car it turns into a 94 civic lx. Also I sat shotgun and my knees were touching the dashboard on the rav 4 yet I'm only 6'1". The CX-5 2.5L GT AWD comes with leather, moonroof, 19 inch rims, NAV (for the old heads) and rain sensing wipers. The CX5 seems like its in a different class than the Rav4. It seems like a cheaper ALT to the Q5...

[@bosanaczauvjek]

its personal preference I think it looks nice

[@markb4132]

Any car can go lots of miles now days, just depends on how well you maintain them. So with that being said, I would rather ho with the car with the most fun factor or best fuel economy. Mazda is the clear winner as it has both. Mazda looks better too.

[@94navin]

reliability isn't everything.And mazda has been ranks right behind toyota in reliability. I have a 20 year old mazda mpv with 200,000 miles and it has been a dream to own.I recently bought a 11 se v6 camry and the engine has a problem with the vvt-i system and has to spend at least a week tearing down the engine and the transmission lugs when driven aggressively(which i hardly do) i also only get 13-15 mpg 95% city driving.

[@symmetry08]

In third world people prefer Toyota over Mazda because they make their parts heavy and robust. If you have good roads Mazda are more prefered. You just fly faster.

[@GabenHood]

I alread have a Mazda 3 and that cx5 looks no bigger. I also read a local review of the AWD versions where the cx5 system overheated and dropped back to 2WD and got bogged lol. Now if only the local dealers had ordered more Cruisers (Limited) versions of the RAV. :(

[@fabianher120373]

I test drove both these cuv's Mazda hands down

[@InsanityIsNormality]

If you think this, you don't know your Mazda's, buddy! Mazda's are fantastic!

[@fundiver198]

That "throttle issue" is mostly an urban myth. There is no way, a car can crash, just because the throttle gets stuck, since the driver can still easily bring the car to a stop by a) applying the breaks or b) putting the transmission into neutral or c) applying the hand break. So the few accidents, that did happen, were mainly due to driver error not technical problems.

[@Siper2]

Nice review. I think the chap driving the RAV4 needs a bit more time in front of a camera, as he seemed somewhat nervous - but, well done! Videos aren't easy to do. :-]

[@jvrdlc]

id get the CX-5 all day fully loaded

[@jtbteg]

How is the cx-5 2.5l slow? 0-60mph in 7.2secs. Faster than the CR-V at 9+secs.

[@cogitaretoo]

Only adults would buy the Toyota. Is it attractive? This may come as a shock to you, but that's subjective. Grown-ups choose their cars based upon things like reliability, fuel efficiency, long-term cost of ownership, utility, and resale value. Toyota excels in all of these areas. If, on the other hand, you're concerned only about how a car looks, you're an auto company's marketing wet dream . . . and a sucker.

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

Rav4...interior is nicer....and Reliability....but cx5 is a lot cheaper n cheap on gas. I will test drive them both then I'll decide.

[@Soob4ME]

Oh and not to mention Toyota requested that IIHS not test the Rav4 in the small overlap just yet because they needed to make some revisions to the structure. That's just shows they have a piss-poor approach to building cars.

[@Carsandgamesdude]

CX-5 grill looks a lot better than the Rav4 to me

[@y571]

Right, the transmission in a mazda crossover shifts almost as fast as a dual clutch. there you have it Ferrari, drop those heavy dual clutch gearboxes and put in the ones from this fucking mazda right ?

[@dagrome]

When we were considering a crossover SUV, it was between a Subaru Forester and a Chevy Equinox. Ultimately we went with the AWD Equinox. Sure its AWD system isn't as great, but for our long, long, long, road trips, the Equinox had a much more refined and quieter cabin. (Plus the new V6 engine has amazing power!)

[@losmedical]

How come this Canadian show uses American gas mileage and price???

[@jakejaytsay5806]

Of course there isn't any "long term reliability" records yet. The vehicle just came out, Mr. McKean. You should know better than that. How can you make a comment on like that when you got nothing else to back up you claim that the RAV4 is better? 4 years from now, the CX5 will reign in reliability as well. So go back to your reading your emails. By the way, I have Toyota Tundra so I am not bias.

[@FoodyTunes]

Is AutoGuide Canadian?

[@Soob4ME]

I must be old fashioned, but I really like the way the new Rav4 looks. I even really like the interior. I think it could seriously be a competetive option to the Subaru Forester, IF it wasn't typically Toyota to drive. Their cars have ALWAYS been boring to drive. Is that so damn hard to change? Jesus Toyota, get some fucking balls.

[@FoodyTunes]

And I think with the now more powerful engine, I would choose the CX-5

[@icemanroyal]

you guys forgot to mention the weight of the two vehicles. I'm assuming the Mazda weighs less than the Rav 4, which is what the whole Skyactive thing is about at Mazda, less weight, less bulk, more efficient. To say the Skyactive chassis makes the vehicle feel more planted dosen t explain why, it just sounds like marketing jargon. The reason is because it's paired of excess weight, and weight is the enemy of all vehicles. Want better fuel economy? drop a few hundred pounds and watch.

[@wonderwall135]

toyota looks cross eyed

[@brego129]

Sorry. Test drove both several times. Ended up with the CX-5.

[@borris8485]

mazda looks ugly. toyota rav4 is the best. . i uses both of them i know rav4 is better