2025 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 | Side By Side Comparison

[@winstondeocampo699]

Hitching a ride in my niece’s 2023 CX5 impressed me with the materials, fit and finish as well as the quietness, handling and smooth ride.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

Mazda CX-5 is nearly a decade old and still looks great. Design has aged extremely well.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Mazda’s design language is looking really “long in the tooth” these days. It was a great design but it’s now due for an overhaul

[@tw238]

I love Toyota reliability... but there's no comparison in styling... that CX5 is sooo much nicer looking.

[@User_2051]

@@lukeclifton4392 it is overdue, but it is still the best looking crossover IMO

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

@@lukeclifton4392 Why ???? Change just to change ????

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

briengakaplam My 2015 is 10 years old, paid for, running great, no problems, AWD, leather seats, top of the line Grand Touring, with only 48,000 miles and still looks like new and nobody knows its 10 years old, same body as a 2025 !!!!

[@xsej4223]

Mazda all day any day. Better in every way. Quieter, faster, smoother, more luxurious, drives better. Reliable as well.

[@raula.garzaaguirre8213]

I have both, both are incredibly good, I bought my wife the CX5 Signature and I bought a RAV4 Limited Hybrid. I couldn't be happier with both.

[@paulwatson4574]

Mazda is it for me , the rav4 is always tops in reliability and resale but mazda has been improving to the point where in terms of quality interior and driving performance Mazda is right up there.Having owned a Mazda 2 for nine years I’m confident that the Mazda is a better quality vehicle.

[@RahShanProductionsMTU]

Bought a CX5 just because it’s not ridiculously overpriced plus the damn Toyota dealers price gouging.

[@nthdegree1269]

Nice comparison between the two cousins....The way Mazda does color always stands out for me.

[@majestix1230]

Test drove a 2024 rav4 & brought a mazda cx5 premium plus & absolutely love her!!

[@christianbryant5617]

Dang lol. Upgrade! Well, they’re both nice but y’know. I love riding in Mazdas so I’m biased..

[@deluxe7779]

@majestix1230 you know her reference to someone who can breathe not to an inanimate like a car.

[@Brian-nb6fb]

I went with the 25 CX5 Preferred. I didn't want the start stop or the turbo. Certainly don't plan to off road it. It's a comfortable car with plenty of space not to mention the red exterior color rocks! I rarely use the dealership for service, typically this is where the money is made for dealers and I find the quality of service is no better than anywhere else. If this is like my 15 TLX, it'll just be oil changes and tire rotations for many years to come. Thanks for the review with RAV 4.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

[@christianbryant5617]

It’s your preference ofc because it’s your own vehicle, but I strongly suggest Mazda owners to bring their vehicles in to certified Mazda service centers where the trained technicians can work on them the way Mazda designed. Especially for major services. Using premium synthetic oil from Mazda is imperative to the longevity of a Mazda also. A lot of lil “jiffy lubes” are without the expertise of working on these Skyactiv engines as they are pretty over complicated depending on the job. But like I said, it’s not my place to tell you what to do. Just a thought since I’ve followed Mazda engineering for years and have worked for Mazda..

[@milktop1]

Mazda feels luxurious inside and Toyota feels utilitarian

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah haha.

[@reverett0508]

I am so glad you did this comparison of the Rav and the CX5. These are the two that I'm considering buying next year when the '26 models come out. Great job.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you appreciated it! Hopefully I can replicate this video with the new generations if they do come out next year.

[@BiagioOliverio-c7t]

2026 the RAV4 will be new and it’s a different story. I am sure their hybrid will have a newer system that gets better gas

[@davidwatts7767]

I currently drive a 2023 RAV4 XSE Hybrid, I've had it a year this past June and have put 65,000 miles on it, the bulk of miles are highway/interstate and when I get a chance, I do like to make a few quick take offs from stoplights, it has a little extra torque because of the 2 electric motors at the rear wheels, that being said, I average 32-35 mpg and on a slower traffic day 38-40 mpg. My wife drives a 2023 Mazda CX5 Turbo, with her driving habits (if my granny was still alive and driving) she gets 25 mpg, she has requested we trade for another RAV4 Hybrid.

[@sunilayya8948]

If you have any taste at all , the Mazda it will be.❤ What use is a super reliable car if it makes you cringe every time you open the garage or get inside it. The mazda may need a bit more maintenance, but the happiness and joy it will bring you is well worth it !

[@christianbryant5617]

Well said

[@christianbryant5617]

Comparing a run-of-the-mill Toyota to a Mazda seems crazy and counterintuitive, but honestly, I expect a lot of people to cross-shop these because they’re so similar in size and offer some great features. However, I like a more refined, heritage-oriented, stately vehicle with driving dynamics and performance in mind so I’d obviously prefer the Mazdas of the world. My point about the bold decision for auto reviewers to compare these divergent brands merely suggests that people of today’s market don’t view these products as competitors because their offerings are strikingly different. Toyota= longevity, efficiency, practicality, good price, ease of use. Mazda= premium craftsmanship, performance, handling, and a broader range of features + ownership benefits such as their dealer experience and client relations. Their engine bays for example are indicative of their respective intentions as brands. The Toyota from a mechanical standpoint looks a lot easier and conventional to work with, while it’s clear the Mazda has a more complex engineering philosophy and fills the compartment with lots of interesting gadgetry and plastics. I feel making the distinction is imperative because buyers need to be aware of what each car is about. Nice video.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

[@RD-ce6bb]

Great review thanks

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

The CX5 is very interesting and made to compete. Hopefully the cilinder deactivation won't take away from the overall reliability. For Mazda not to include LED lights in the inside is a glaring error for the car's pricepoint. The red cherry color is great, but my favorite is grey w/black accents. It keeps better than other colors. Thank you for the comparison!

[@aaronb1301]

🤔 I thought they did away with cylinder deactivation as well as iStop in all 2025 CX-5s because of reliability concerns. I purchased a 25 Turbo Premium a couple weeks ago which has LEDs in the interior, and I wonder if lower trims don’t have them.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

They removed the cylinder deactivation

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

@@danielroberto9183-w8j it’s very easy to change out all the interior lighting to LEDs I did mine. It takes maybe 10 minutes.

[@christianbryant5617]

My friend’s ‘24 GLC doesn’t have white LEDs either. I assume it’s a design preference with some models because some feel the traditional, warm bulbs are classier and create a cozier atmosphere. Seems like something Mazda would do, even if at the end of the day it’s really just for price.

[@OceanWave-k4g]

Cx5 wins ,i have one its an excellent suv well designed by Japanese engineers.

[@gregjoubert5118]

I think the Rav4 Hybrid is made in Kentucky and Canada. Only the Prime is made in Japan. I may be wrong though. Nonetheless, great comparison! Really putting out the content lately.👍

[@reverett0508]

You are correct. He can look on his VIN starts with a 4 or a J. (4 is U.S. and J is Japan.)

[@fallguy4209]

Hybrid RAV4 are made in Japan as well. Those are the ones with the pano roof and front tow points

[@gregjoubert5118]

@@sunlover5150 Thanks for clarifying. I could have sworn I read somewhere all US bound were made outside of Japan except Prime. Nice to know there are some being produced in Japan also.

[@nthdegree1269]

@@gregjoubert5118 Not sure but from what I heard...Most Rav 4's are made in Ontario Canada for the market in North America except a few Trims/ Kentucky I think builds more of the Camry and Lexus.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Mine was actually built in Japan. The vin starts with a J. There’s a lot of variation globally with vehicles like these though. For instance a lot of people thought the 2025 CX-5 didn’t have cylinder deactivation anymore, but this example proves that’s not consistent. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!!

[@EJleon96]

Mazda gets a lot of points for feeling more nimble and more sporty but people forget these are SUVs😂 if you want something sporty look at the Miata or the Supra!!!! Ultimately it was more cargo space and rear passenger space that made me go for the RAV… not to mention, the Mazda looks a little bland to me, not ugly but not much going on in the looks department

[@marktwo3160]

I have the 2024 cx5 select and NO CYLINDER DEACTIVATION OR ISTOP. Car runs fabulous. My friend has the 2023 with CD AND ISTOP there is a very noticeable decline in performance. His runs rough and lags in acceleration among other down falls. Plus his has the coolant valve issue where as my mid 2024 does not have that issue. Redesign took care of that. I run shell gas and Idemitsu 0w20 oil. So if u are going to buy a cx5 get one with an "L" as the 8th number in the vin. That indicates no CD OR ISTOP. ALSO call up the car mileage screen and you will not see those stupid cylinders deactivating continuously...on and off on and off. You tell me that is good for a direct injection engine to have two cylinders constantly shutting off. Talk about sludge build up ! And the cars without CD ARE DIFFERENT ENGINES, it is not just a software change. The head and manifold and other important parts are better designed. Also the CD PLAYS HECK with the transmission performance. Shifting with the CD is unreliable and has shifting gear flares.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for sharing your guys experiences with one of each system!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the 2024.

[@christianbryant5617]

All Mazda Skyactiv engines should be given premium fuel of at least 91 octane also! It seems some entity like MazdaUSA has gotten away with telling owners any fuel is fine but it’s really not how Mazda designed the engine to run. That’s a very high compression ratio engine (same as a Ferrari 458) jam-packed with a lot of sensitive and complex components and performance tech. I’ve seen these N/A and Turbo engines crater as they’ve not been given the proper fuel. To ensure longevity, Mazda “strongly encourages” premium fuel as they also require owners to use premium synthetic Mazda-branded or Mobil oil. With that being said, I have seen a lot of these engines with high mileage, running fantastic, despite the owners using regular fuel.. so it seems to be a nuanced concern. Up to you ofc, just a thought.

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

Rav4 looks so ugly next to the Mazda.

[@DU30DU30]

@Jamarkus_Delvonte True! Ugly but bullet proof million miles away reliable than cx5. Cylinder deactivation of cx5 is a ticking time bomb

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

@DU30DU30 turn off the cylinder deactivation

[@DU30DU30]

@Jamarkus_Delvonte you can't turn it off in mazdas too bad

[@sunilayya8948]

Most Toyotas are ugly next to mazda

[@Влад-и2л]

​@@DU30DU30just by turbo version) without that option 😂

[@guilladogui8259]

The cx5 is better quality, the interior it just to be more fuel efficient. The interior of the rav4 is good in fuel efficiency but the interior looks cheap ,

[@yournightmare9999]

Thats true but cry babies still prefer outdated rav4

[@ryankov]

Both of them will be redesigned in 2026 probably

[@rodrigotenorioyahoo]

Hopefully

[@ptrazz11]

Mazda all the way. Better then a fridge on wheels.

[@yournightmare9999]

😂

[@susanmeredith4957]

I wish you compared apples to apples- hybrid to hybrid or gas to gas.

[@RickStein-i9o]

Good video, can you do a HRV versus the Toyota?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

If I find an HRV I’d love to film one! I haven’t established a Toyota connection yet, I’ll probably try to do that in the Spring.

[@srjwildcat3589]

Well, since you picked the Toyota, I think we know what you'd tell someone you love to buy. 😅 We're debating right now between the Rav4 and the mazda cx5 & cx50s. Im having a HUGE problem deciding. I LOVE my 6 cylinder and NEVER wanted to go back to a 4 or less EVER, but that seems to be all there is anymore. I thoughy maybe the cx70 was gonna be the answer as it was supposed to be a mid-size SUV, but as you know its HUGE. Clearly a full size with a full size price. Was sooooo disappointed with that. We only have 1 car so need the most reliable we can get and we do get snow/ice on occasions every year. Im so lost & would take any recommendations you got. People all saying not to get one with cylinder deactivation or istop too. Just so confused at this point. I like the Toyota reliability & its SO much easier to access maintenance, etc.. But, the interior of the mazdas is clearly a step above. Im not even sure which mazda is better. Im clearly a mess & wanted to get one by the end of the year for hopefully discounts. H E L P.😅😅😅

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha, of course. That is a tough decision. I recommend test driving them all at least once. But also avoiding the cylinder deactivation if you plan to keep the vehicle after the warranty ends. Both Mazda and Toyota are great options, it just comes down to which one you think fits your wants and needs better. 🤷‍♂️🤪😅

[@yournightmare9999]

Cx5 Japanese is best choice but if you need slightly more second row room or more cargo but less headroom buy usa cx50

[@nikkitak8360]

I love your toyota. I'm going to buy that one. Thanks!

[@warcrabcyber9908]

Rav 4 will not suffer from carbon build up like mazda, eventually the performance in mazda will decrease. There is also no comparison in fuel economy between cx5 and a rav 4 hybrid. But mazda is a good japanese vehicle, still 100% better than kia and hyundai.

[@dannyprecysroadtoforever5234]

I have a 2014 CX5 that just hit 200k miles and I've never had a single issue with the engine. I did have to replace the control arms at 190k but the drivetrain has been perfect and still runs like new

[@billyrock8305]

Old RAV4 Design is gone replaced by the all new 2026 RAV4 next year. CX50 Is nice. The backbreaking seats are brutal!

[@loudmotion5639]

Rav4 looks like it wants to be a 4x4 and a sedan at the same time 😅 while mazda design seems more simple and ageless 😊

[@Titaniumdog]

Still prefer the rav4

[@benxie5624]

one important note, CX5 is good for couple but not family given how squeezed the back seats are.

[@bluefire025]

Can you please add hybrid to the title for the RAV4 a lot of of us still only like the gas only version

[@mikej238]

Cry harder. Gas only is DOA soon.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I get that. Some countries already only sell this as a hybrid. The main purpose of this video is to show a side by side comparison of the exterior and interior. The specific powertrains are a little less relevant in this video as the focus is not related to driving. Those attributes of each car can be seen in other videos. But I do appreciate you sharing your thoughts regarding this!!

[@JoeSantos-x9g]

Isn't the RAv 4 assembled in Woodstock Ontario Canada?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Mine was assembled in Japan, the vin starts with a J.

[@24hrstolive27]

is the cx50 hybrid more reliable then the regular? or other way around?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

The Hybrid is probably mildly more reliable because it’s Toyota’s nearly bullet proof A25A engine and the electronic CVT. But I think the regular Mazda engines are also pretty reliable and have a better AWD system.

[@24hrstolive27]

@ curious if someone is looking for hybrid why not the rav4 hybrid? What makes this stand out as more reliable?

[@yournightmare9999]

​@@24hrstolive27cx50 has way better dynamic drying and interior design compared to outdated rav4. Rav4 have only newest hybrid system nothing else

[@musa_Gürer]

Rav4❤

[@okanaganjustin9321]

This should have been the RAV4 Hybrid vs. CX-50 Hybrid comparison...

[@Ricardo-p1z2x]

Toyota ❤

[@njsongwriter]

I thought the hybrid RAV4 was assembled in Canada? Guess I was wrong.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

It’s assembled in a variety of places. Mine is a J vin number assembly.

[@gsnt4597]

Mazda are very nice vehicles. However, they need to invest on making their seats more comfortable, I don't recommend Mazda for long rides..

[@richarda9961]

That cylinder deactivation does not work it looks good on paper to show that he gets better gas mileage but it doesn't work in 1980 and it doesn't work now causes premature wear on the engine due to thermal transfer of heat

[@yournightmare9999]

That's why you have button there to turn off cylinder deactivation if you don't know that. Or check it deeply and disconnect it by yourself to permanent turn off

[@danid.496]

Der vergleich ist gestellt damit der mazda besser aussieht. 😮‍💨 Beim toyota wurde die billige Variante ohne extras wie 360° kamera oder Heads Up display gezeigt. Auch auf der rückbank hat man im toyota mehr platz, hier wurde allerdings der beifahrersitz komplett zurück geschoben.

[@yournightmare9999]

W tej samej cenie między mazdą a rav4....mazda zawsze przebije rav4. Mazda jest w każdym segmecie lepiej wyposażona niż rav4. Pokazywana rav4 hybrid powinna być porównana do cx50 hybryd. Która to mazda cx50 i tak by wygrała

[@0HOON0]

Poor Rav4 getting mogged by the CX-5.

[@saadtheman1]

toyotas will always win my heart 1.reliability 2.resell value 3.drives so smooth 4.cheap on maintence 5.amazing on gas

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Toyota Toyota and Toyota

[@jimmy5634]

Mazda

[@DU30DU30]

The non turbo cx5 WITH cylinder deactivation is gonna be problematic in the long run.

[@fredsausage8794]

9 sec and more for CX5 0-60..............You need to re-check that, my 2024 CX5 non turbo in sport mode running regular fuel gets 7 to 7.5 sec 0-60.

[@warcrabcyber9908]

@fredsausage8794 nope a naturally aspirated cx5 does not accelerate to 60 in 7 seconds, only the turbo version does it in 6.5 - 6.8 seconds. The na cx5 is around 9 seconds kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKue2RsqMinjqssi=s0eLM9iKJCxWP6iz

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

In my area vehicle won’t ever run their magazine “rated” time. Density altitude is a formula you can look into if you’re interested to know more about how much horsepower is lost in various conditions and geographical locations.

[@MrCamel2humps]

I thought Mazda got rid of cylinder deactivation in 2024?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Apparently not. Which is strange because I’m pretty sure my first review of a White 2025 CX-5 did not have that feature.

[@copperkettlepot]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 according to Google AI - "CD in certain 2025 Mazda models, including the CX-5, CX-30, and Mazda3 Hatchback"

[@ChrisD53893]

Rav 4 can get 35 highway non hybrid but not with AWD it’s closer to the Mazda in fuel mileage with AWD as I’ve owned both they are both very good vehicles. Cx5 is a more refined and sporty driving vehicle and the rav4 is very cookie cutter. Not particularly inspiring handling, seats are meh compared to the Mazda seats but the Mazda seats are also narrower so if your fat or are a big person you’ll fit in the rav4 better. There is definitely a bit of a difference in the cargo capacity so if you plan do taking long driving trips with more than 2-3 people the rav4 has more space.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for sharing this!!

[@lukeclifton4392]

The Rav4 Hybrid cruiser absolutely takes the stage over Mazda. Mazda have somewhat perfected the “quality feeling”… but it doesn’t reflect in actual engineering and it degrades beyond the front seats.

[@jimmy5634]

Yeah that’s why people compare them to the German made products. Nobody compares the Rav 4 to a German machine.

[@bundyho1]

Not a fan of the rear end of rav4,also not a fan of the front of the mazda

[@Winterstick549]

Mazdas dont use CVTs, though Toyota does make the best CVT if you dont mind CVTs.

[@andresgarciaespinosa7697]

saludos! mejor terminado Mazda que Toyota Toyota ibrido no me queda mazda mejor pará mi! transmisión CVT noo;?! saludos!

[@andresgarciaespinosa7697]

muchísimas GRACIAS 😊 ok 👍 saludos desde España ✨

[@RD-ce6bb]

👍

[@loum.4377]

In 20 year's or sooner you will need a HYBRID BATTERY REPLACEMENT.! $$$$$ With all the 4 yylinders in trucks Toyota = CHEAP TRASH.

[@mikej238]

lol 20 years..omg as if you wouldnt have got your money back 5x by then. Math is hard for Cletus. Today a brand new battery in a Rav 4 is 4g....in 20 years it will be 800 bucks. Prius replacement batteries for 12 year old Prius are being done in your driveway for 800 bucks.

[@lol-ge9bh]

Reliability

[@yournightmare9999]

​@@mikej238 12 year and you replace battery what's a crap

[@scouser2230]

It’s not relevant to compare a hybrid to a gas powered vehicle.

[@fallguy4209]

I can’t stand Mazdas small infotainment screen and bargain basement analog gauges

[@jimmy5634]

I like them

[@deluxe7779]

Mazda is nicer.

[@Soulcritic]

Hard no on the turbo! CX5 base trim or next one up!

[@jamesward9646]

Wait …. Apples to Apples? I think not!

[@seikocitizenwatches]

CX5 is good but RAV4 is better.

[@jimmy5634]

Sure thing Clyde