2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4: which one will you drive home?

For over 25 years, the Toyota RAV4 has been delighting drivers looking for a versatile and fuel-efficient SUV with proven reliability. No wonder it has been the best-selling SUV in Quebec for many years! And despite the arrival on the market of many new models, the RAV4 has managed to keep the competition in the rear-view mirror, including Mazda's CX-5, which first appeared in 2012.

But what are the strong points of the Toyota SUV compared to the Mazda model? Your Toyota dealer in Longueuil tells you more about it in this CX-5 vs. RAV4 comparison!

What’s on Offer

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is available in 10 versions - 6 gas and 4 hybrids - priced between $30,429 and $45,089, depending on the version selected. What’s more, a plug-in hybrid version is also available: it’s the 2021 RAV4 Prime. On the other hand, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is only available in 6 trim levels, and all of them use gasoline engines.

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Exterior Features

The silhouette of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is more robust than ever, especially if you choose the Trail version, which offers larger fender flares and an exclusive grille. Depending on the version and options you choose, your RAV4 can be fitted with wheels up to 19 inches and equipped with LED parabolic headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights, among other features. What's more, the RAV4 boasts a generous wheelbase of 2690 mm as well as a ground clearance varying between 212 and 217 mm for gas models and 206 mm for hybrid versions. This is a clear advantage over the 2021 CX-5, which has a ground clearance of 190 mm.

Performance

Under its hood, the 2021 RAV4 hides a powerful 4-cylinder 2.5 L engine with 203 horsepower. The engine of this Toyota SUV is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models are equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.5 L engine coupled to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, for a combined output of 219 horsepower. Meanwhile, the RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid adds a 6.6 kW battery to its hybrid powertrain, for a net output of 302 horsepower, making the most powerful RAV4 ever. You'll also have the choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions.

As for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, the engines available range from 187 to 250 horsepower, which also offer the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. And as mentioned earlier, no hybrid or plug-in versions are offered, a major disadvantage when comparing the Mazda CX-5 to the Toyota RAV4!

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In terms of towing capacity, the RAV4 can tow between 1500 and 3500 pounds depending on the version chosen. That’s enough to tow a light trailer, for example.

Our CX-5 vs. RAV4 comparison also highlights the fuel efficiency of the Toyota SUV, which surpasses that of the Mazda SUV. The RAV4 delivers the following city/highway fuel consumption ratings:

• Gasoline: between 8.5/6.8 and 9.4/7.1 L/100 km
• Hybrid: 5.8/6.3 L/100 km
• RAV4 Prime: 5.7/6.4 L/100 km (up to 68 km autonomy in all-electric mode)

In the case of the CX-5, these ratings range from 9.3 to 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 to 8.7 L/100 km on the highway, depending on the model selected.

Interior Features

This CX-5 vs. RAV4 comparison also shows us that when it comes to cargo volume, the Toyota SUV comes out on top once again with a cargo capacity of 1059 L behind the second row of seats, compared to 875 L for the Mazda. What’s more, when the rear seats are folded, RAV4 offers 1977 liters of space while the CX-5 can only offer 1687 liters of space.

The 2021 RAV4 can be equipped with numerous features and technologies such as heated seats, 2-zone climate control, a 7 or 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and more.

Last but not least, let’s talk safety features: the RAV4 prioritizes your safety with features such as the Pre-Collision Safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Clearance Sonar, Lane Keep Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, to name a few.

To learn more about our 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Mazda CX-5 comparison or to book a road test of the RAV4, come see us at Longueuil Toyota today! We are located not far from Brossard and Boucherville, on the South Shore of Montreal.

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