2025 Mazda CX-50 HYBRID vs. My Own Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Side by Side Comparison

[@mikesargent6989]

Just ordered a CX50 Hybrid. Looked at the RAV4 and Honda but you get so much more value with the Mazda. Toyota has to get away from using cheap plastics in their top trim levels.

[@anackonnagrp7284]

Keep us up to date re. your experiences with it.

[@bleblu]

Mam najwyższą wersję wyposażenia i nie znalazłem wewnątrz tanich materiałów. Może dlatego że nie oczekuję udawanej jakości premium od toyoty.

[@lukeclifton4392]

😂😂Mazda’s plastics are average. Whilst they may not seem as “hard & harsh” as Toyota’s plastics, Toyota’s retain the finish for much longer, are less flimsy and installed using better securing methods… so they don’t suffer the same issues as Mazda’s scratching, devulcanising and interior footwell trims constantly popping off.

[@mikesargent6989]

Mazda has a better maintenance record than Toyota that doesn’t even offer a leather option. I currently own a RAV4. There is no comparison.

[@neilquinn]

@@mikesargent6989 toyota being really stingy. Hopefully 2026 models resolve this

[@sunlover5150]

I am focused on the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium trim level which includes the panoramic sunroof, Bose audio system, and the red leather seating option. The Premium+ trim adds some goodies, but is still missing a few desirable options.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think the Premium is probably the sweet spot! Which options are you looking for? And can those be found on the Premium Plus or just not with this Mazda model at any trim level?

[@sunlover5150]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus trim adds: Ventilated front seats, 19” wheels, Folding side mirrors, and a Heads Up driving display. What it is lacking (and available on other Mazda vehicles) is: Cruising and traffic support, 360 degree monitor, parking support, and a heated steering wheel.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Oh gotcha! Yeah, those would be nice features. I also filmed a CX-5 to the RAV4 to compare each brands best seller. And the 2025 CX-5 I used is very nice. It had those features you mentioned. But this specific one also had I-stop and cylinder deactivation. Due to that it was rated for 26/30 mpg, I’ve never seen a CX-5 rated that high before lol.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@sunlover5150 don’t forget that the premium plus has ventilated seats

[@yosmilemo]

I don’t like panoramic sunroof but it will broke the sunroof repair more expensive.. two seat in front of the sunroof for me only

[@nthdegree1269]

Very well done! I think you made the right choice between those, but the Mazda looks very nice. From what I hear they drive really well as well.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks again for watching! Yeah, the 50’s are cool! But their seat comfort and storage space seems to be the biggest issues people have reported.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Tire pressure readings for the Mazda are in the settings in the entertainment center

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@angusmacdonald5300]

And on the Mazda phone app

[@angusmacdonald5300]

The Mazda looks so much nicer. I know it’s subjective but I find the current RAV4 kind of ugly.

[@Thunderlo]

My family is a toyota and honda fan for most years. I broke the chain and got a mazda 2019 cx5. Best decision ive made thus far. No issues at all and its running like a champ. Ultimately it made me open to what other brands has to offer. I wouldve never consider mazda in my line up but whenever I look for a car now mazda is defintely a consider. I recently got a rav4 hybrid xse, i was going to look for a mazda hybrid but unfortunately there is none for the cx5 and I would like to see it out for some time for them to tweak it. Ive been in a regular cx50 and i found it to be cramped inside compared to my cx5 but i think thats just me. I like my rav4 xse but it doesnt drive as smooth or quiet like the cx5.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

The CX-5 is awesome, I’m glad you’re enjoying yours. In a few days I’ll release a video comparing my RAV4 to a CX-5.

[@martinmcc.6237]

It's good to see some competition in this hybrid CUV segment, albiet Mazda's entry into the market carbon copied the leader's powertrain. The CX-50 definitely wins glamour points. They do a nice job with interior/exterior design and handling. I loved my '06 Mazdaspeed6 for its styling and handling. The e-CVT will be a game changer for this platform with Mazda. I have a '23 Woodlands Edition, and the 'matte' plastics are hard to scratch, and do not absorb wax or stain. Toyota's plastics are good quality. Once again I hear off road mentioned... Neither of these vehicles should be considered for any level of dedicated off roading. A dirt road or fire trail maybe. A big rock will tear through the underside plastics, which are there for aerodynamics. Toyota cloth interiors are really durable, and will not likely tear. The plastics carry the same durability. No, they're not as soft or 'visually appealing', but they're not supposed to be. If you want a Luxury Toyota, buy a Lexus! Given Mazda's move towards reliability, I would seriously consider one if I was in the market. Nice comparison/review. 👍

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing this write up, and I so you watching!!

[@alsheremeta]

One thing I wonder about the rear doors that open farther, how many more vehicles parked next to them get door dings from kids flinging them open or the wind catching them..... A big company like Toyota probably thought about that.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good point! And since the U.S. is only about of 40% total RAV4 sales the parking space and garage situation may be more limited in the other countries. A lot of Toyota dealerships seem to be installing over priced door edge guards on their inventory upon arrival, that (if offered at a reasonable price, not $300) would definitely help decrease the worry of door paint scuffs when not careful.

[@Offensively-normal]

I believe both OEM's do a great job bringing sound reliable and attractive product to market. I trust the Toyota a little more. I like the looks of the Mazda a little more. We are never going to have it all.

[@kenfrank2730]

My feelings also.

[@charlesdudek7713]

One advantage of the shiny cladding is if you inadvertently get car wax on it, it wipes off much easier than flat finnish cladding, especially if the cladding is pebbled. So I would prefer the shiny cladding just based on that. Informative video!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good point! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Leviathan268]

Very nice comparison! Perfectly timed as I'm in the market for a compact hybrid and these are the frontrunners. In your opinion how much of a difference do the bose speakers make compared to the stock rav4 speakers?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks!! Yeah, I was excited to finally film this haha. Bose speakers in Mazda are as good as I would ever expect for a factory system in an economy car. I actually think the base RAV4 speakers might be an update over my Subaru Outback’s base speakers. But I personally wouldn’t pay more than $500 for the Bose upgrade. I think if the cost difference was much more than that you might want to consider and even stronger after market set up. But also I love music but I’m ignorant of speakers so take my thoughts with a grain of salt!

[@afcgeo882]

Better looking/more stylish: Mazda. More comfy too. More useable: Toyota. Toyota’s interior will be more durable. Outward visibility: Toyota. Ground clearance: Toyota

[@delreytamayo6283]

Toyota over Mazda 100%

[@afcgeo882]

@ Depends on what you value more. They’re going to be exactly as reliable and economical.

[@shawn1869]

I hope the new generation RAV4 steps up their game... It's so dated

[@kenfrank2730]

Thanks for this great comparison. I have a fully loaded Rav4 XSE hybrid on order. But the Mazda is still attracting me. I like the simple body styling better. And the CX-50 hybrid Premium trim is $4k less than my Rav4 hybrid. However, going with the CX-50 hybrid means I have to give up a few features, such as...360 pano view, digital rear view mirror, parking support, and 12.3" digital gauge cluster. Also slightly less mpg with the Mazda. As you pointed out, how much experience do the Mazda techs have working on hybrids? It's a good question.

[@joychung3639]

I wonder if you could do the video at night so we can see the backlight in the switch at the dash between them. Most buyer and review overlook that feature.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I see if I can fit in a few Mazda night driving videos over the next few weeks!

[@delreytamayo6283]

I'd take RAV4 hybrid over Mazda CX50 hybrid

[@angusmacdonald5300]

Because?

[@aplusimaging]

Easy , quality, reliability , resale value!

[@jeffreyfitch1006]

Better looking cx-50 with a proven toyota drivetrain? Who wouldn't buy?

[@rudyzooti7159]

4 years ago I drove both RAV4 and cx5 non turbo. It was no contest, the cx5 rode so much better, the RAV4 was noisy and truck like. Maybe not so much today

[@Thunderlo]

Nope it's pretty much the same. I have a 2019 cx 5 and recently got a rav4 hybrid xse. My cx definitely quieter and smoother.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

These vehicles are both still in their same generations, so I wonder if you’d feel about the same if you were to drive them today. I’ll share a comparison between the RAV4 and CX-5 I filmed within the next week! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@delreytamayo6283]

Toyota has more hybrid trims than Mazda's 3 trims

[@stevep4236]

Mazda looks wayyyy better

[@dwaaziwaazi]

What’s in the emergency kit?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question! It probably says on the manufacturers website, but I don’t know off hand. Thanks for watching and sorry I don’t know!

[@docregsportsmd]

Aw, cute relics 😊

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha yup!

[@delreytamayo6283]

Mazda doesn't offer Foglight like the RAV4 does

[@kenfrank2730]

Keep in mind that not all of the Rav4 hybrids include fog lights. My XSE that I have on order doesn't have them.

[@delreytamayo6283]

RAV4 Hybrid gets better MPGS

[@dclinton100]

Doesn't the pricing of the Mazda line up more with the XLE, XSE, and Limited trims of the Toyota? Noticed that you drive the SE trim which (if like Canada where I live) has some minor differences compared to the higher trim levels. For example, in the XSE trim (which I have), all four doors get soft touch (Mazda is only in the front), you also get much better screens for both the driver and media, softex seats, and a better stereo....just to name a few things. Also, the light in the back of the Toyota isn't like that to shade the driver, that is the space for where the sunroof needs to go when it is open.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think you’re right. There’s also always some subtle differences between our countries offerings of the same model. But in general other than the price tag these two were not exact competitors. But it’s what I had to work with to more just overall show the similarities and differences between the models as a whole. 🤪

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I don’t consider the JBL stereo system to be better than the Bose system in the Mazda

[@dclinton100]

@eleanormassaro5195 I haven't compared the two systems. My comment about "better stereo" was over the base system in the RAV.

[@dclinton100]

@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the work you do in these videos and understand you can't always get the same trim levels to compare. Agree about little differences between out two countries. The funny one (for me) is how Mazda and Honda don't think the US needs a heated steering wheel. Makes no sense.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@dclinton100 especially since the CX 50 is built in our Alabama plant. How in the world do they leave out the heated steering wheel and such right alongside the one that does get all those goodies?!🤷‍♀️

[@neilquinn]

I don't think the CX-50 looks sporty at all. Looks too happy/feminine/mini van like to me. I'd prefer the cx50 interior but hate the exterior.

[@hockeyandsoccer4ever]

I find the cx-50 ugly tbh. The side and wheel plastic cladding is wayyyyy too big

[@billyrock8305]

Mazda seats are brutal and backbreaking 😣

[@Yogi5D]

Mazda Rav4 is a good alternative to Toyota Rav4😂

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha 👆

[@aparach]

I would choose mazda between the two if only mazda has a good ground clearance.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Mazda’s design language is beyond the end of its era!!… each new Mazda is looking gradually worse than the last. The rav4 is a far better looking vehicle imo, its fit’n‘finish is superior over the Mazda, certain trim Rav4’s also have the JBL audio system… much better than Bose.