Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-50 Comparison (2023) / Sharing Goals

[@rafalpgresiak629]

I’ll take Mazda any day

[@asog88]

As should all humans

[@doax3333]

100% agree

[@dougpetty2128]

Agreed, I love my Mazda ❤

[@marvinsantos2456]

LOVE MAZDA, soooo underrated! I just bought a Mazda3 hatchback. I love it so much, but only thing making me doubt is this beautiful Mazda CX 50 hahaah , MAZDA ALWAYS!

[@overundersidewaysdown]

CX50 is overwhelming better looking, and a much better vehicle. Not even close!

[@charadeyouare0814]

I just picked up the Turbo Premium Plus CX-50. If you are watching this in 2024, know that the 2024 CX-50 got a mid-year update in late 2023 and are better than they've ever been. Also, unless you are utterly lost and worthless without a touchscreen, most of the Mazda infotainment system gripes are a bit overblown. I'd suggest trying it before making a decision. I'm 5'10" and completely comfortable in my car.

[@Boxerdad27]

I think I’d be satisfied with the Mazda much longer than the Toyota. Toyota’s long term reliability wouldn’t be an advantage when I’m sick of it after just a few years. If Toyota’s are are of such superior quality, it would be nothing for them to offer a long warranty like Hyundai/Kia and Mitsubishi and that would attract even more buyers.

[@asog88]

Toyotas or Lexus are no longer more reliable than Mazdas. All 3 are equally as relatable

[@Gopinathk17]

​@@asog88Mazdas are good but they are still far behind Toyota. Toyotas are not just for reliability but also the overall satisfaction in terms of availability of parts and service, maintenance costs, mpgs, resale values etc...

[@markjoseph8795]

*In terms of reliability you'll likely do very well with either.* *In my quest for a new vehicle, I test drove both the RAV4 & the CX-50. The Mazda CX-50 won hands down in term of driving dynamics. After some wheeling & dealing with my trade-in, I wound up with the Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo in Soul Red with the Terracotta leather.* *_Here in Canada, it's the 2nd highest trim level behind the meridian._* *Extremely happy so far.*

[@justing2285]

How do you like it now?

[@dillonjohnson8810]

You are one of the best reviewers out there. Thank you for the detailed and well put together content. Cheers

[@johnnytampocao7671]

I love the Mazda for many reasons including the looks.👏👏

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Very well done. Thorough. The Mazda for driving engagement and maybe cabin presentation and the Toyota for ride comfort, ruggedness and seems to have a bit more space.

[@joeleahan8063]

Your review would seriously make me want to consider the Mazda but I am a very loyal Toyoda car owner. I have 2007 RAV 4 with 208,000 miles, a 2006 Sienna with 198,000 miles and a 2012 Camry with 97,000 miles. My daughter is thinking of buying a Mazda so I am checking out the difference for her. Your review has convinced me that I should not push her towards the Toyoda. Thanks for your review. It was very helpful.😊

[@raymondwong7674]

Royalty can be bought,shopping for a new SUV with Toyota dealers greedy markup and waiting time,I m looking at Mazda.

[@chuyzzt1252]

Having a older honda or toyota are so nice to have, i miss my 2003 accord, as much as i wanted another honda i couldnt get one that a dealer wasent selling one the price of a acura, ended up getting a mazda 3 2020 for 18k but im enjoying it

[@timothygibney159]

I just bought the Mazda cx-50

[@mera4643]

I'm in the process of buying a new car and the Mazda CX-50 has caught my interest heavy. Do you recommend it and love it?

[@timothygibney159]

@@mera4643 My 2 cents is this. The seats are firm compared to competitors. I originally wanted a cx-5 but the seats were even narrower and I liked more space on the 50. I already took a long 3 hour drive with no pain at all but it will take awhile to get used too. As a woman you have wider hips so it maybe a no go. Test drive and figure out if this is a deal breaker or not? The good is it's the most sporty drive and reliable. It is one of the last cars with a traditional old school transmissions. The Hondas, Toyotas, and Suburbus use something called CVT which uses a pully when you hit the gas. It takes away the feel of gear shifting and they are not as reliable. Toyota keeps the old school transmissions for their Lexus now. Grrr The stereo and cabin is superior on the Mazda than competitors. Space is tinier compared to Suburu outback and Rav4s. Speaker sound quality is better on Mazda. Toyota has a softer ride and better navigation screen and wider seats and more cargo space. Mazda is zippier, better handling, and finer cabin interior. Depends which is more important to you. That is the difference for me test driving both. There is a child seat adapter to for the CX 50 if you're a mom. I don't remember if the RAV4 had one? As a gay guy and not a Mom I chose the CX 50 because it's boyish in handling and fun 😊. Test drive both as everyone drives differently.

[@guru14343]

What did you mean when you said Rav4 has better navigation screen? CX-50 also has HUD makes it easier for navigation?

[@timothygibney159]

@@guru14343 No it is a side ways samsung phone screen with navigation so crappy you have to use your phone. Android auto on my phone has been a nightmare and I plan to get an iphone though I hate Apple. Also Google maps can't seem to get night mode right and I noticed a weird set of bugs like this. Any car manufacturer will have a real dash system that works far better.

[@guru14343]

@@timothygibney159 so if you have an iPhone, you won’t have any issue with the navigation screen, right?

[@andrewsmithphotography]

Mazda for me! 13k miles on my CX-50 and loving it so far.

[@zrunner240Z]

Your opinion on seat comfort and ride smoothness?

[@andrewsmithphotography]

@@zrunner240Z I've driven the on multiple long distance road trips and I've been very comfortable. The ride quality has been amazing. I mentioned it to my wife last trip about how it feels so smooth while driving.

[@ethanbevington4094]

What trim did you get

[@andrewsmithphotography]

@@ethanbevington4094 Premium Plus

[@dianaleon1752]

How is your fuel economy? I’ve heard from others that you only get 18 to19mpg and is not the best

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

At 6'5" tall I found the CX-50 had more headroom than the RAV4 even though on paper the Toyota has a tiny bit more. Both had sunroofs. The Toyota was just too small for me. Different manufacturers make that measurement differently I guess. Also I hate sunroofs and how common they have become.

[@Realistick]

The numbers can be useful if you’re trying to convey a large difference between the two but they definitely aren’t something I’d rely on. They measure from the same points from what I’ve seen, I believe it’s just a difference in the seat position when doing the measurement.

[@gailenrique2804]

Get a LE model. More headroom without the sunroof.

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

What's to hate? Just close it. We just passed on a car for the sole reason it didn't have a sunroof. Too claustrophobic

[@thetechlibrarian]

Honestly that’s how I felt about the interior of the 4th gen rav 4 vs 5 on paper the inside is bigger but I swear the old one feels bigger. That’s Mazda though the numbers don’t tell the whole story nor do they focus on them completely.

[@raymondcrew8785]

​@@a.nobodys.nobodysunroofs reduce headroom for taller folks, closed or open.

[@spinedoc893]

The CX 50 is much better looking inside and out. Toyota makes very good vehicles but aside from the recent Supra they haven't made a good looking vehicle in decades and their interiors are awful, the RAV is a shinning example of that. When did people stop caring if the vehicles they buy are nice looking?? Hat's off to Mazda for making some vehicles that you could actually like to look at. Both of these are great daily drivers but to call either of them rugged is laughable. These are fine for a cottage road but lets not pretender either is suited to any kind of actual off roading.

[@Bus_em]

I have a 2015 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0. With 185,000 The only issues I've had are the basic wear & tear items, except the infotainment crashed right after the warranty. Other than that, it's not burning oil (gotta keep up with the oil changes). I don't push it as hard as I used to, & it's still moving down the road. I stay away from turbos as they need more attention, & you have to burn premium to get the most out of them, if you don't use premium your horse power suffers because of the turbo. If you live in cold country, you have to warm them up for a few minutes, so not to blow any seals or gaskets. Just saying.

[@diazfam4306]

Mazda CX-50 ❤

[@psuave1210]

Great comparison as these are two of the 3 that SUV's that I'm considering, along with the Honda Passport. Decisions, decisions! Subscribed!

[@LuisMiguelAC2014]

Mazda cx50 😍

[@johnsanford3596]

Thank you very much for answering one of my biggest questions: how much headroom do they both have? The CX-50 is the best looking of the compact SUVs. The Kia Sportage, RAV4 and CX-5 share second place. The CR-V is beaten out soundly for last place by the Lexus NX.

[@user-jo4en1zl7b]

Cx50 for me for the fact theres no cvt to worry about and the choice of no turbo engine 😊

[@mrgold3591]

Love the Mazda; but, no hybrid version makes it a harder choice.

[@pendragonshall]

Out of curiosity, why a hybrid?

[@mrgold3591]

@@pendragonshall My current SUV is a 19 MDX Sport Hybrid with 321hp and awd. My city/combined/hwy mpgs are always the same range in the 25-28 mpgs and +/- 425 miles per tank of gas on 87-91 octane. My previous SUV was a 11 MDX with a 300hp 3.7L engine with awd that got 13-15 city and 19-21 hwy on required 91 octane. Living/driving 5000-7200 feet doesn't effect the 3 electric motors power level compared to the NA V-6 in either vehicle. It is not a plug-in and I just have to use gas for all the mpg+power+handling benefits of my hybrid. I would be looking in a few years to purchase either a CX-5, CX-50, or CX-90 in hybrid powertrains to replace my MDX hybrid (Acura stopped making hybrids).

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Hybrid is coming

[@filipeperry]

Great review!

[@ahmd-mi9964]

A price range indication always appreciate.

[@jokbia]

owner of a cx-50 Meridian turbo 2023 with the terracotta leather and after test-driving the rav 4 i knew immediately how superior the mazda was. the screen can be customized to touch screen anytime but you will definitely prefer the wheel after you get used to it. seats are definitely premium and the color looks luxurious but the seat isn't too comfortable but there is an easy solution. Just get a seat cushion and head cushion and you're fine. mpg is pretty bad currently around 22-25mpg and hitting around 28-30 on the highway. driving the mazda is significantly more fun and nicer to look at. don't regret my decision and I am super happy with it.

[@darrinzuger8195]

How is that mpg "pretty bad" considered the power? Earlier today I JUST bought/financed my first "new" car and it's the CX-50 meridian with apex package. I used to drive a 7in lift 1500 silverado with the 5.3V8. Got about 13mpg on 35s. This CX-50 gets me over double what I was used to lol

[@Gopinathk17]

​@@darrinzuger8195thats still very less. Rav4 mpgs will be atleast another 10mpgs more and hybrid would be another 20mpg more.

[@alengreen589]

good review 👍

[@phantomvox]

My wife bought the Rav 4. I was a bit disappointed with the interior and other areas of the car because to me feels cheap.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I know there's a CX-50 hybrid coming but I wish Mazda would make a CX-5 hybrid

[@TheSergio1021]

They might. The CX-5 is still their best selling vehicle in their whole lineup

[@janoycresnova9156]

Do you think these rugged "off-road" versions of compact SUVs are worth it? Or are they rugged in looks mostly?

[@Realistick]

Depends model to model, the Forester is the only one that I’ve seen to actually impress me! The trd off-road has many changes on paper but the awd still seems to struggle if you actually plan on taking it offroad. Seems great on snow and ice though.

[@sarcasticundertones3513]

It's mostly looks. The CX-50 is going nowhere with those low profile tires and the torsion beam suspension. Also, both of these AWD systems will overheat quickly in actual off-road conditions.

[@Realistick]

@@sarcasticundertones3513 Do you own both?I've seen otherwise. Neither of these overheat under regular trailriding/offroading or in deep snow. Obviously their limits aren't near what a 4Runner can do.

[@thecount1001]

the singular best thing that can be done to make it more capable off pavement would be to get the 17 inch wheels. any vehicle with these stupid low profile tires is a joke even for basic gravel roads.

[@Scott-mu4xw]

I Owned a 2019 Rav4 Hybrid , it was a nice vehicle but was rather blah to drive, I went a different route and now own a 2022 Mazda 3 Turbo.

[@10tenman10]

The Mazda is likely as or more reliable

[@Realistick]

Could be, will need a little longer before I make that kind of prediction

[@thetechlibrarian]

I would have said absolutely yes if they didn’t implement cylinder deactivation because otherwise that motor has been proven over many years.

[@davidwayne9982]

Well- the RIDE mess you mentioned-- is because of the STUPID 20 inch wheels with very little rubber on them.. that's just STUPID on any vehicle.. GREAT REVIEW-- loved it- super good detail and comparision accuracy-- now I'm STILL confused as to which I'd want..

[@noodlehat3250]

Morrissey is doing auto reviews now?

[@vlj1133]

Unless you're primarily prioritizing style (both inside and out) or towing, the current Rav4 Hybrid is obviously the way to go. It's roomier, more reliable, has much better outward visibility, and no direct injection or a turbo. Much better resale value, as well. Then there's the enormous difference in fuel mileage. As a family hauler/daily driver, it's a no-brainer...provided you can get one, and without getting raped by dealer markups. The Mazda can be purchased immediately, no waiting, at a discount off of msrp. Obviously, that's a big thing in its favor. Watching this video, I found myself focusing more on the gorgeous neighborhoods than on the cars. Really nice houses on interesting roads. In Indiana? Who knew?

[@Realistick]

I think another key demographic for the mazda would be people who wanted an Acura or Lexus who wanted the look and handling of a luxury suv but can’t afford it. I think the RAV is better for more people but I think this is big enough for most small suv people and is more fun to drive so I definitely get the appeal. Personally, I’m still going CX-5 over all of these, but I don’t need a big backseat!

[@pobster88j94]

I have a Rav and you didn’t mention it’s a boring drive, there’s a lot of wind noise, the sound system (not jbl) is sub par, and to even get power seats it’s costly. They look cool, as I love the looks of the rav, but it’s not at all engaging to drive.

[@vlj1133]

@@pobster88j94 It's an affordable compact SUV. None of them are engaging to drive, including the CX-50 and CX-5. The Mazdas are simply less awful, but still awful. Among all the reasons for buying a family hauler SUV, driving engagement rightfully languishes near the very bottom. Barking up the wrong tree there.

[@zrunner240Z]

@@pobster88j94 good observation

[@spol1622]

Where do they sell CX50 below MSRP?

[@Gopinathk17]

This CX50 definitely cant compete with Rav4 hybrid..looking forward for Hybrid trim of CX50 going to be released by end of this year.

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

I don’t get why cars with $30k base price are still getting hubcaps and black plastic mirrors/door handles in 2023. As if spray painting was a cutting edge technology. It’s like if the iPhone 14 came with a black and white camera and you had to upgrade to the Pro for color. It’s sad that manufacturers have killed the affordable car in the States. Hopefully the upcoming recession will force them to capitulate and offer more down to earth products.

[@artcherries]

It is called inflation, 30k is the new 20k.

[@Realistick]

At least the CX30, CX-5 and CX-50 still offer a lot for 30k (or under in some cases), the biggest issue is that they aren’t building those trims. A recession may cause that to change but I think we may just see more base cars rather than properly lowering prices. As the other person said, inflation is a big factor too, hopefully people are getting raises to compensate!

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

@@artcherries very good point. But 10k in 2-3 years it’a crazy and some of the underlaying causes for those prices are beyond inflationary (read: market adjustments).

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

@@Realistick great point about Mazda offering a lot for reasonable prices. Their used prices are very enticing too.

[@daklight2792]

Funny. I would actually prefer simple wheels over stylish rims. I think black handles and mirrors look better than chrome or body color. But I don't want a power rear lift or a huge screen. I miss simple.

[@2bookoo4u]

Mazda didn't/doesn't price gouge their customers with "market adjustments" BS. They are reliable, but so is Mazda. Mazda maybe even more so. You get more for the money with Mazda and they are better looking.

[@aaronbaird9444]

The RAV4 is the minivan of today…the ultimate appliance. Aesthetics….what aesthetics? The Toyota with its lego block styling is trying too hard to be tough for mall cruiser…all for the benefit of paying $5k more than the vastly superior Mazda CX5. The CX50 is still superior than the RAV4, but costs more than the CX5

[@thetechlibrarian]

It’s interesting Toyota took/ secret partnership with Mazda a lot of inspiration for there dynamic force 4 cylinder from Mazdas skyactiv I even seen a rav 4 with a aftermarket exhaust and it sounded just

[@among_chaos76]

Could we get a comparison of either of these vs the Kia sportage

[@differencemaker242]

What does TRD stand for?

[@MrSquid-vy2ik]

Toyota racing department?

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Totally Regret Driving

[@MrMylil]

I bought a new 2024 CX50 and the door has a sticker saying Mazda Toyota assembly.

[@JCVACCARO]

BMW is a throw away vehicle. Absolute money pit. R.I.P Accord 2.0 turbo

[@koolperson2]

too much back and forth hard to keep track of witch car your talking about.

[@XAVargasX0206]

My thoughts as well

[@RealKevGotEm]

Mazda is the premium brand of Toyota and Lexus is the luxury line. It’s such a weird way for this to happen.

[@saltyt.1886]

For the price of a loaded CX-50, IMHO the Subaru Outback Touring XT would be the one to get. Super comfy, super capable and pretty dang quick too! (0-60 in 5.8 seconds!!) Seems like a no-brainer for my money. 🤓🧐

[@gmacari416]

CVT - is a big red mark for Subaru.

[@pobster88j94]

There’s the stigma of being a butch lesbian though.

[@zrunner240Z]

@@pobster88j94 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@overundersidewaysdown]

Subaru not even in the ballpark looks wise.

[@10tenman10]

I looked at the Mazda CX50 and Subaru Outback Limited. Very comparable but the Mazda seemed a bit more upscale

[@dlandzna]

Hi. Nice video. But ur Comparison is scrambled. Stick to the vehicles ur comparing together. Go straight to the topic. 👍

[@pobster88j94]

You make a review vid. I’ll wait and tell you what I think.

[@dp-fq7xp]

I think his point is to drop the 45000 dollar cars and not mix them with the 32000 dollar cars... pick the base , or the high end models and compare them instead of jumping all over the place..... I think thats all he meant...@@pobster88j94

[@pobster88j94]

I have a rav. It looks amazing as mine is blacked out. However, I’d love something more fun to drive that’s peppier. Which is the most fun to drive?

[@MulhamAlyosif]

Mazda all day, You will even hear it from Rav 4 owners and only people complain here about mazda are toyota sales haha

[@dioralcide8490]

CX50 is gorgeous, but having a shit ton of cladding doesn’t mean it’s rugged and off roadworthy and infotainment system needs a massive upgrade/redesign. RAV interior is just garbage period.

[@rmduwk]

Honda CR-V: 😢

[@indaydongtv5139]

Rav4 more raged.i'll go for rav4.

[@AppleMini570]

When rav4 gonna upgrade their cheap looking interior? It boring .

[@RealKevGotEm]

You pay all that extra money for a hair trim in a Toyota and you only get faux leather 😂😂😂 what a joke

[@Doc1855]

Personally I believe that the Subaru Forester Wins over the RAV4 and the CX-50

[@Realistick]

I’d agree for the average consumer, if I can get a CR-V, I will try to bring all of them together for a comparison!

[@Doc1855]

@@Realistick That’d be great ! I’ve heard that in 2025 the Forester will be redesigned and offer the RAV4 hybrid system. If that’s the case I’ll sell my Forester Touring and buy a new Forester Touring hybrid.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Forester has nothing on Mazdas interior, turbo engine and driving dynamics. It is more practical and better AWD though. For my money, I'd go with CX50. Now if Subaru gave Forester an XT trim then I might reconsider.

[@bobschleicher]

The RAV4 has an 8 speed automatic transmission not a dreaded CVT.

[@bobschleicher]

@@sidehide1 Thanks! Good to know! I’ve heard so many bad things about the Subaru (Nissan) and Nissan cvts.

[@Wall.Street.AV.]

Mazda will never be a match for toyota when it comes to reliability!!!

[@gailenrique2804]

In terms of maintenance costs, Mazda is low compared to some others.

[@imdone1967]

Toyota fan boi alert....

[@christopherpaluck737]

The RAV 4 is fugly.

[@znarbarzan7683]

Cx-50 terrible, don’t buy it

[@owascoshaw]

Why?

[@dp-fq7xp]

Thats not much info , unless you work for toyota LOL

[@indaydongtv5139]

Mazda like a sedan i dont like mazda on my opinion

[@rickjay637]

I like the cx-50 but I wish it was higher like the RAV-4. Hopefully they make a new model that is similar or give us a CX-70.

[@tonygarcia5729]

I bought two Mazda cx5 2016 and 2019,the quality of materials are much more superior than the rav4

[@rickjay637]

Rav-4 interior looks hideous wat is up with that ugly screen that looks like that 90s red square with the two knobs that lets u make like shapes.

[@gailenrique2804]

You mean the etch-a--sketch??? 😊 Toyota and Honda seem to follow that route...though at one point, Honda took out the knobs and used capacitive buttons for controls and people weren't happy at all. So, back to the drawing board and comes one knob. Toyota redesigned Hondas idea with a knob and slightly bigger screen.

[@emmexfyv]

The Mazda screen is a dumb low rectangle though- I don't care if they quote it as 50 inches as long as it's like 4 inches HIGH it ends up a tiny display!