Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5: Spec Battle

The CX-5 starts $4,370 cheaper at $40,190 vs $44,560 for the RAV4 GXL Hybrid. But the RAV4's hybrid powertrain saves ~$627/year in fuel. Over 5 years, the RAV4 recoups the higher purchase price through fuel savings and better resale value.

5-Year Cost of Ownership

The RAV4 is ~$2,635 cheaper over 5 years despite the higher purchase price, thanks to fuel savings and stronger resale.

The CX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2025. The current RAV4 is listed by ANCAP as unrated: the previous generation's 5-star result was from 2019 and expired at the end of 2025, and an expired rating does not carry across to the new car. So there is no published crash score for the RAV4 to compare against. Both come standard with AEB, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The RAV4 has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with intersection turn assist and emergency steering assist. The CX-5 has i-Activsense with front cross traffic alert. Both are thorough active safety packages, but only the Mazda has an ANCAP result behind it.

This is where the CX-5 shines. The Mazda's interior quality is noticeably better. Softer materials, tighter panel gaps, and a more cohesive design. The 10.25-inch screen with Mazda Connect is clean and responsive.

The RAV4 GXL Hybrid gets a 10.5-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital key, and a power tailgate. The CX-5 Touring adds leather-like upholstery, heated front seats, and a head-up display.

Standard on both:

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Reversing camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear USB ports
• LED headlights
• Push-button start

RAV4 GXL advantages:

• Wireless CarPlay/AA
• Bigger boot (542L vs 438L)
• Digital key
• Power tailgate

CX-5 Touring advantages:

• Better interior materials
• Head-up display
• Heated front seats
• Higher towing capacity (2,000kg vs 1,500kg)
• Better driving dynamics

The RAV4 uses a 2.5L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor for a combined 163kW. The hybrid system switches seamlessly between electric-only, petrol-only, and combined modes. In city driving, it runs on electric power up to ~50km/h.

The CX-5 runs a 2.5L Skyactiv-G naturally-aspirated petrol engine making 140kW and 252Nm. No turbo, no hybrid. Just a refined, naturally-aspirated engine with direct injection. It revs smoothly and responds predictably.

The RAV4 is quicker (8.1s vs 9.2s to 100) thanks to the electric motor's instant torque off the line. The CX-5 feels more linear and connected. The 6-speed auto shifts predictably while the CVT can feel vague under hard acceleration.

The CX-5's cabin is a class above. Soft-touch dashboard materials, piano black accents, and tight panel gaps give it a near-premium feel. The driving position is lower and sportier.

The RAV4 is more utilitarian inside. Harder plastics, wider gaps, but more storage compartments and a larger centre console. The higher seating position gives better visibility.

Dimensions Compared

They're virtually the same size externally. The RAV4 wins decisively on boot space. 542L vs 438L is a 104L difference that you'll notice when loading a pram, suitcases, or shopping. The CX-5 has a longer wheelbase which helps rear legroom slightly.

This is where the RAV4 Hybrid pulls ahead. The fuel savings compound over time, and Toyota's resale dominance means less depreciation loss.

The RAV4 saves $397/year in total running costs, which works out to about $1,985 over 5 years. Most of that comes from fuel, with the hybrid saving around $627/year (or $3,135 over 5 years) over the CX-5's 2.5L petrol. Combined with stronger resale ($27,000 vs $22,000 at 5 years), the RAV4 Hybrid's net 5-year cost of ownership is approximately $2,635 lower than the CX-5 Petrol, despite costing $4,500 more upfront. The resale advantage is what flips the numbers.

Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to adjust these numbers for your actual driving distance and fuel prices.