How Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Compare to the Toyota RAV4?

September 29th, 2021 by

Compact crossover SUVs are taking the market by storm and buyers have a variety of choices. But with a bevy of options, it can also make the decision quite difficult.

Luckily for consumers, the top choices for this year’s class of compact SUVs can be narrowed down to the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4.

In a CX-5 versus RAV4 comparison, which vehicle reigns supreme?

Consumers interested in determining which is the best compact SUV for 2021 should know how these vehicles compare in the key areas of:

  • Trims and specs
  • Engineering
  • Safety
  • Body and styling

Soul Red Crystal Metallic-colored 2021 Mazda CX-5 sport trim level driving on a black asphalt road, with brown mountains in background

CX-5 vs. RAV4: Trims & Specs

Neither the CX-5 nor the RAV4 are modest when it comes to providing options.

For Mazda, the best the manufacturer has to offer the 2021 CX-5 is spread across seven high-end trim levels:

From a distribution angle, the bells and whistles included in each of the seven trim levels means the entry level models can compete with the advanced counterparts.

Distinguishing the Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trim levels from the rest of the options is under the hood.

These three trim levels come equipped with the option to upgrade the standard engine to the more powerful, fuel-efficient Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine.

But that doesn’t mean a CX-5 without a turbo engine is anything less than stellar.

The standard features found in every CX-5 trim level are anything but basic. Each of the seven trim levels boast an array of advanced utilities and accessories, including:

  • Touchscreen Infotainment Screen: This 10.25-inch, full-color monitor lets the driver get the most out of the vehicle’s Mazda Connectâ„¢ infotainment system.
  • LED Lighting: LED headlights are brighter and use less energy than halogen lights.
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers: Using sensors to automatically adjust the wiping speed in inclement weather, the driver retains optimal visibility while remaining focused on the road.
  • Smartphone Integration: The CX-5 is compatible with Apple CarPlayâ„¢ and Android Autoâ„¢ allowing the driver to stay connected to what’s important.
  • Remote Keyless Entry System: This convenient system unlocks the doors automatically when the key fob is within 20 feet of the vehicle.
  • Select i-Activsense® Safety Features: Driver-assistive safety enhancements, like blind-spot monitoring, help the driver remain aware and alert on the road.

With all this outfitting each trim level, consumers can enjoy driving a 2021 CX-5 at every level. But how does the Toyota RAV4 hold up?

To start, the RAV4 comes in only six trim levels:

  • LE
  • XLE
  • XLE Premium
  • Adventure
  • TRD Off-Road
  • Limited

And while each trim level comes with a hybrid alternative, these variants are pricey. With no premium engine option for the higher RAV4 trim levels or hybrids, there’s not much to upgrade to.

So, although Toyota offers a hybrid engine option, the model still pales in comparison to Mazda. The new CX-5 is proof that Mazda can successfully balance quantity with quality.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Engineering

To be considered the best in sport-utility compact SUVs, a crossover must be engineered to deliver a powerful, precise, and an exuberant driving experience.

Power & Acceleration

Mazda includes an optional turbocharged engine upgrade available to three of its seven trim levels, while the RAV4 only offers a single engine or hybrid option.

On regular (87 octane) fuel, a turbocharged Mazda CX-5 reaches a horsepower of 227 and 310 pound-foot (lb-ft) of torque. When using premium (93 octane) fuel, the power increases to an incredible 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

With such powerful forces at play, a turbocharged Mazda CX-5 can accelerate to 60 miles-per-hour (mph) in a mere 6.5 seconds, beating out the RAV4, which takes 8.0 seconds to reach the same speed.

Driving Performance

But the 2021 CX-5 isn’t just faster compared to the RAV4 — it’s more efficient.

The torque of the Mazda crossover SUV combined with its G-Vectoring Control Plus system creates a smoother, more comfortable ride across all terrains.

Tailoring the acceleration, braking force, and creating stability for the CX-5 is the G-Vectoring Control Plus system.

Together with the six-speed automatic transmission, the G-Vectoring Control Plus system also works to produce seamless changes in power and speed.

As a result, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 can brave corners, curves, snowy roads, and accelerate with expert precision.

Overall, Mazda’s expert engineering and turbocharged engine allows the CX-5 to deliver a faster, smoother, and more stable driving performance.

Capable of reaching fierce speeds in seconds while still remaining fluid and fun to drive, it’s no wonder why the Mazda CX-5 surpasses the Toyota RAV4 in terms of engineering, acceleration, and power.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Safety & Security

Mazda prides itself on the brand’s innovative safety technology known as i-Activsense®.

Each trim level of the new CX-5 is equipped with the i-Activsense® suite of safety technology that helps to ensure a safe driving experience, no matter the length of the journey.

This suite of advanced safety technology includes:

  • Blind Spot Monitoring: Drivers receive visual and audible signals when an object is in their blind spot, which is quite beneficial while backing out of a tight space.
  • Lane Departure Warning System: In addition to alerting the driver, this system also uses Lane-keep Assist to automatically steer the vehicle back in the lane should it veer off course.
  • Engine-Immobilizer Anti-Theft System: To keep the vehicle from getting stolen, this security device prevents the engine from starting or running unless the correct key or fob is used.
  • Smart City Brake Support: Helpful in urban areas or in traffic, Smart City Brake Support will apply the brakes and reduce the engine’s power if it detects a possible collision threat.

Mazda drivers will find that blind-spot monitoring and anti-theft engine immobilizing capabilities are included in each of the 2021 CX-5 trim levels.

Those who opt for the 2021 RAV4, however, will discover that these features are either unavailable or cost extra.

CX-5 vs. RAV4: Body & Styling

In looks, there is no contest. The CX-5’s sleek, glossy body easily outshines the RAV4’s bulkier, more utilitarian design.

Exterior

Most compact SUVs struggle to merge style, comfort, and quality into a sporty design, but Mazda has done this with ease.

To emphasize the model’s svelte figure, its trim levels are available in a wealth of shades — except for the Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo, which only come in Polymetal Gray Metallic.

Regardless of the trim level or color that’s chosen, it’s sure to feature a breathtaking metallic sheen — which is achieved by the brand’s unique three-layer finishing technique, known as Takuminuri.

This painting method produces a shinier, more vibrant exterior color, putting Mazda’s competition to shame.

At DePaula Mazda, the CX-5 is available in the following hues:

In an attempt to one-up the Mazda CX-5, Toyota has made the RAV4 available in nine different colors with a total of eight two-tone color variations:

  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • Lunar Rock
  • Blue Flame
  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Super White
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Blueprint
  • Silver Sky Metallic
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic and Ice Edge Roof Two-Tone
  • Lunar Rock and Ice Edge Roof Two Tone
  • Midnight Black Metallic and Ice Edge Roof Two-Tone
  • Blue Flame and Ice Edge Roof Two Tone
  • Blizzard Pearl and Midnight Black Metallic Roof Two-Tone
  • Silver Sky Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic Roof Two-Tone
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic Roof Two-Tone
  • Blueprint and Midnight Black Metallic Roof Two-Tone

Yet, despite offering more choices than the CX-5, this bevy of shades does little to improve the RAV4’s clunky exterior.

Interior

In addition to performance and stability, a spacious cabin is a must-have for any crossover SUV. And the Mazda CX-5 does not disappoint.

Matching its stylish exterior is a high-end interior that drivers and passengers alike will enjoy.

Its cargo area offers nearly 31 cubic feet (cu ft) for storage and expands to nearly 60 cu ft with the rear seats folded down.

Combined with nearly 40 inches of rear legroom, the CX-5 can seat five comfortably for any journey.

Starting at the Sport and Touring base trim levels, which are upholstered in black cloth and either black or silk beige leatherette, the cabin’s quality only gets more upscale in the higher trim levels.

Consumers choosing a Carbon trim level will have the choice between black or red leather, while the Grand Touring comes in either black- or parchment-colored leather.

The Signature trim level sports an interior of ultra-fine Caturra Brown Nappa leather.

In examining the Toyota RAV4, it beats out the CX-5 in terms of sheer space, but its interior design, utilities, and accessories are lackluster.

With a cargo volume of close to 38 cu ft that increases to almost 70 cu ft when the back row seats are folded, the Toyota RAV4 has more than enough storage room.

But all that space is underwhelming as the vehicle’s standard infotainment display is limited to a measly seven-inch touchscreen and none of the RAV4 trim levels or hybrids offer leather-trimmed seats.

Consumers who are looking for comfort and luxury will no doubt favor the 2021 CX-5.

Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Which Crossover SUV is Better?

When comparing the new Mazda CX-5 versus the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda model comes out as the superior crossover SUV for 2021.

The driving performance and luxurious body of the Mazda crossover SUV alone sets it above what Toyota has to offer.

Ultimately though, safety and engineering are what propels the CX-5 to the top of its class.

Explore the 2021 Model Lineup at DePaula Mazda

Keeping up with everything the Mazda lineup has to offer can be overwhelming for consumers. But DePaula Mazda streamlines the process so you’re able to find the perfect model.

Our staff has the industry insights to help you feel comfortable in the decision you’re about to make.

For more information about our inventory or financing options, contact us today.

Posted in DePaula Mazda Dealership, Mazda Models, Vehicle Comparison