Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, following its 2019 redesign, embraced a bolder and more angular styling direction, casting off its former softer crossover design. Its trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, imbued it with a muscular presence, paired with sharply defined bodywork that framed the headlights effectively. While initially striking, this change had become somewhat mainstream by 2023, mirrored by competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-50. Inside, the angular theme persisted, emphasizing a multi-tiered dashboard with bevels and cutouts that lent character to an otherwise straightforward layout. The central infotainment screen and a suite of physical buttons and knobs provided typical functionality. Material quality was par for the course, with hard plastics prominent but softened by light padding on frequent contact points. The base and Woodland trims, however, opted for a low-cost urethane steering wheel, a noticeable touchpoint that detracted from the driving experience. Fortunately, higher trims upgraded to leather-wrapped wheels. On the road, the RAV4’s construction felt solid, free from rattles or squeaks even over rough surfaces.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a rugged yet modern counterpoint, designed as a bolder alternative to the CX-5. Lower, wider, and longer than its sibling, the CX-50 showcased broad proportions highlighted by square wheel arches and faux air vents. Its design was fresher, contrasting with the relatively unchanged CX-5, whose current format dated back to 2017. Available in numerous trims, the CX-50 offered a variety of exterior enhancements, especially in the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, which featured all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel design. This edition’s earthy color palette, including Polymetal Gray Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint, complemented the Terracotta leather upholstery, creating an appealing rugged aesthetic. Inside, the infotainment screen sat atop a shelf-like structure, reminiscent of BMW designs, and overall material quality impressed for a non-luxury vehicle. However, Mazda’s aspirations to move upmarket were not fully realized, with some trim levels still lagging in refinement aspects like manually-adjustable front seats.

Powering the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in tandem with an electric motor-generator. Coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels and a second electric motor on the rear axle, it delivered a total of 219 horsepower. This setup propelled the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. This performance made it roughly half a second faster than the standard RAV4 but slower than the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime, which achieved the same sprint in an impressive 5.5 seconds. Compared to its peers, the Kia Sportage hybrid was slightly quicker, while the Honda CR-V Hybrid clocked in at around 8 seconds. The braking system in the RAV4 was designed seamlessly to transition between regenerative and physical braking. Suspension-wise, it struck a balance between comfort and cornering confidence, though it was neither sporty nor particularly standout.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, in contrast, offered a choice between a naturally aspirated or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (on 93-octane gasoline). Running on regular 87-octane fuel dropped this to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with driving modes for various conditions, with turbo models also boasting a tow mode and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds compared to the standard 2,000 pounds. Unlike the CX-5, which upheld Mazda’s sportier “Zoom Zoom” driving ethos, the CX-50 was more in line with typical segment norms, serving as a competent daily driver without evoking enthusiasm for the drive. The Meridian Edition’s all-terrain tires added some noise and detracted from handling on regular roads but would have provided an advantage in more challenging conditions had they been encountered.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in providing ample space for passengers, especially in the front. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults, with marginally more headroom than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, though slightly less legroom. Practically, these differences were minor. However, tall passengers might find the low set rear seat cushions less supportive during long trips. Cargo capacity was impressive at 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, almost on par with its non-hybrid counterpart and competitive with the CR-V and Sportage. Storage options inside the RAV4 included a dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a substantial center armrest bin, though the lack of an available wireless charging pad limited convenience slightly.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a slightly different take on interior space. It provided similar passenger room to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both the front and back. Compared to rivals like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester, the CX-50 generally trailed in headroom but was competitive in legroom, offering two inches more than the RAV4 in the rear. Cargo-wise, it offered 31.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5 but more than the Forester with seats up. The cargo area access was facilitated by an available power liftgate, but the interior lacked some rugged functionality despite its outward appearance. Storage for personal items was sensible, even if the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller took up significant console space.

In 2023, the RAV4 Hybrid received a new infotainment system that marked a significant improvement. The system featured contemporary graphics and an intuitive menu setup, with the screen positioned atop the dashboard to minimize distraction. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch screen, with higher trims upgrading to a 10.5-inch display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although wireless charging was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates, and connectivity options included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle control. The higher trims also boasted a fully digital instrument panel and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which diverged from the common touchscreen interface in favor of a rotary controller and buttons located on the center console. While the system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto required a wired connection despite ample USB ports. Higher trims added features like wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Mazda’s unique interface required some acclimatization but offered physical feedback, making it user-friendly without visual distraction. However, tech enthusiasts might find the system basic and the graphics plain.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted strong safety credentials, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, who named it a Top Safety Pick. Standard across all trims was the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, inclusive of forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 also earned high safety marks, being named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, scoring “Good” in all crash tests, though it got mixed results for its headlights and varied performance in front-crash prevention tests. NHTSA ratings were incomplete but promising. Standard safety features for the CX-50 included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor, with optional rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.