Fun fact - the windows in the Mazda are acoustic glass (double pane)

I own a 2023 RAV4 XLE and the reason I bought it was that I wanted the touch screen and I liked how I adapted to driving it from my pickup truck.The RAV4 after owning it and going on long road trips is actually a loud tin can killing my ears with road noise!! Gas mileage is great, but now I have to try new tires just to quiet it !!!I drove the CX5 and found it much more comfortable with the cabin noise,and the ride was just a nice!!! Make sure you test drive these vehicles on the highway not around the corner!!!The Subaru outback was actually nicer to drive on the highway.If your driving alot of highway,i bought the loudest one!! LoL My loss,I know it's a Toyota,and it will last forever,but my ears won't!!!!

When i bought my mazda i looker at both rav4 and cx5. Toyota rav4 for the same price as the cx5 was so bare bones(didnt even have touch button start). So i went with the mazda since it gave me more features for the money. 4 years later dont regret it

Just purchased the 2023 RAV4 XLE Prime, thought that I really did my homework, but somehow I missed the many reported issues surrounding cracked windshields… Four days after my purchase, leaving the dealership, a pebble (or small rock)hit the windshield and cracked it. The crack traveled about 12 inches after the impact. So I goggled issues with RAV4 windshields and low and behold, the flood gates were opened. So consider this my pay it forward moment, your welcome!

Test drove a CX-5 and a Rav4 a few months ago, and definitely preferred the Mazda. Better handling and quieter ride. I wanted something a little sportier and more affordable so ended up going with a CX-30.

In the last 6 years I have gone from being a Toyota, Honda, Acura, Lexus fan boy to Mazda all the way. Since 2016 I have owned several Miatas, a Mazda6 Signature, a CX-9 GT and now have a ‘21 Miata RF Club BBR and a ‘22 CX-5 Signature. Mazda has found a way to give you Lexus like quality and better than Acura driving dynamics at Toyota/Honda pricing. Love our “beautiful” Mazdas….and also my burly ‘18 Tundra for towing our camper.

CX-5 is way much better value and better quality , driving dynamic , beautiful body style and interior .

I did this comparison and decided to get the Mazda CX5 Carbon Addition. Our family absolutely loves the CX5 and will strongly go to Mazda again in the future. Wonderful car!!

My sister has a RAV4 and she hates it. I have 2020 CX-5 and she loves driving my car over hers!!

The luxury in the CX-5 is by far the better look. I'm confident in saying 99% of all crossover SUV owners never go off road. They are grocery getters. Why go for a rugged look when you will never need to hit the woods. Go for the smooth, Kodo design of the CX-5

Thank you for making this comparison. I have been torn between these two and def going with Mazda.

Ive never seen a dual cargo cover/storage container like that. If that is a distributor/dealership install then may be the first one I'm actually impressed with.

I used to buy Toyotas. Had a Previa which was AMAZING and a few Corollas (SR5 Tercel was very fun to own). Sienna was nice. But then we bought Mazda when they were linked to Ford. Never had any issues. Went with Nissan for their Rogue and Murano. (still own those). But now own a Mazda 3 hatchback and a Mazda cx-9 grand touring. I love the 3 for it's looks and handling and all around feel. I've got 30 thousand miles on it and it has NO squeaks or rattles. The cx-9 was bought used (2020) and it is very luxurious. Sold on Mazdas

The reason I purchased a RAV4 over the Mazda CX-5 was that I don't have a Mazda dealer in my hometown, and I wanted Toyota's hybrid system. I got 50 mpg on my way to work this morning.

In 2022 I went with the Rav4 over the CX-5 because 1) My wife wanted a hybrid (which means I wanted a hybrid) 2) personal preference on styling - I prefer the strong lines as opposed to rounded edges and 3) storage space and 2nd row leg room. Been very happy with my choice, my sister just bought a CX-5 this weekend though despite my 'selling' her on the Rav4 :)

I just got a Cx5 Turbo and it’s a fantastic car. I didn’t seek higher MPG in this SUV. I sought driving dynamics, quietness, appearance in and out, and performance. For me, higher gas mileage and a few extra bucks in my pocket each month do not compensate the upsides that I’m getting with Mazda CX5.

CX-5 Premium $33k including destination. Comparable RAV4 is $38k for a similarly equipped vehicle. Mazda has much sharper handling compared to the RAV4. The Toyota is the ultimate appliance....the minivan of today. Depreciation is equal. Aesthetics is HANDS-DOWN a winner for Mazda. RAV4 is just plain ugly. The best value is Mazda, and the best thing is they are available, unlike Toyota which has very limited stock.

My old car died 2 month ago. So I need to have a new car immediately. I purchased Mazda Cx-5 Premium under MSRP with 0.9% APR finance for 3 years (I only put small amount down payment, and put the rest of my money in a CD account with 4.5% APY). However, I need to wait for a Rav4 for at least 1 -2 months and pay MSRP plus markup and some dealer add-ons. Mazda feels more luxurious at lower price.

I do like the Mazda (we have a cx-9 and it’s fun to drive). I know both are reliable like you mention but for the work I do as a courier (DoorDash, Uber, Amazon Flex). I do a little off-roading and can end up anywhere sometimes so I would choose the RAV4. But if I didn’t do courier work then I would choose the Mazda because it does look nicer inside and out and I won’t have to worry as much about getting scratches from going off the road or the little dings on the interior from putting random stuff inside.

I bought a new cx-5 over a month ago and I was comparing it to a CRV and found that the CRV was nice but really expensive! If you compare trim to trim with awd the Honda was about $4000-$6000 more than the cx-5 and the cx-5 had more standard items and a much fancier interior.

I’ve been looking for a comparison between these two. Thanks for making this video. Whatever I end up choosing, it’ll be be so much better than my Nissan.

I looked at both the RAV4 and the CX-5 and chose the CX-5 for the same price, but I got the 2024 preferred model of CX-5, hands above the Toyota, for styling, intertior, drivability, in my opinion!! My Mazda should be delivered today!!

Just bought the CX-5 Turbo Signature. It's an amazing car. It was much quieter and peppier than the Rav 4 - and the Rav 4 had a 6 month wait to get. I didn't like that the Rav 4 really didn't have a high-end model with all the bells and whistles - which the CX-5 had. The Rav 4 you had to buy a bunch of bundles to get what the CX-5 Turbo Signature had.

100% Mazda. Not even a second thought.

I test drove both vehicles and purchased the Mazda CX-5 turbo, because of its Outstanding performance. Fun to drive and superb quality.

Agree with you, just bought the wife a 2023 CX5. We looked at all of the compact SUV's that don't use the CVT trans. The RAV4 and the CX5 are the two best IMO. We chose the CX5 for all of the reasons you mentioned. Price was also a factor. There are numerous CX5's available, on the lot. Not so with the RAV4. The Mazda dealers are much more willing to discount in my area. MSRP on ours was about $33,100. We paid about $33,400 out the door.

where did you find a rav 4. i qm on day 106 waiting for the rav 4 xle premium that i ordered

Hi ben very good comparison between the Toyota Rav4 natural aspirated engine and the mazda cx5 natural aspirated engine as a professional in the car business would you choose the mazda cx5 turbo or the cx5 natural aspirated engine please respond I am looking forward thanks be safe.

Bought a RAV4 because I liked that it’s more truck and utilitarian looking than other crossovers. Also, lots of after market options (suspension, lift, bolt on extra storage…) for the RAV4 unlike other crossovers.

Ben, nice comparison. Well done. Any chance of comparing the CX-30, Corolla Cross, and maybe the Crosstrek?

I own a 2023 RAV4 XLE Premium and I did consider the CX5. Overall I just really liked the styling/look of the RAV4 (especially at the trim level I got). It came with a 10inch touch screen, which I prefer over the dial system in Mazda. But in my opinion both cars are great and you can’t go wrong with either one. It’s just personal preference. Now, if I was buying at the trim level shown in this video I absolutely would have gone with the Mazda, for the more luxurious interior.

I drove a RAV4 hybrid for two years and tor the most part, I really liked it. When it came time to get a new a car, I looked to get another RAV 4 hybrid but there was hardly any inventory and the price was much higher than two years ago. Anyway after looking at several other vehicles I ended up getting a CX-50 Turbo. I like the Mazda better except for the gas mileage, but since I paid about $8k less for the Mazda that will buy a lot of extra gas.

Bought a 23 cx5 sport and love it, but then I saw a commercial for the 2024 Cadillac xt4. Although it doesn’t have some of the features the cx5 has like HUD and ventilated seats, it is a beautiful car. The FWD model was cheaper than the cx5 sport version when I bought it. I’d like to see people’s opinions between these two cars. Cx5 sport definitely drives fast and handles really well but the xt4 comes with turbo as well and looks like a 80k dollar vehicle but was approximately 500$ cheaper.

Got a CX-5 in April and love it. Where I got it from (the country) they only had the 165HP engine available for the Homura (it might be called Sport black in other countries) but it's enough and the driving dynamics are great and it's got enough storage and it's just stunning. Not to mention it offers high-end materials compared to any other SUV in its price range

Ok. Im subscribed, now. I heard your intro of the 2 Aingains. Makes sense. Will be back.❤

Have you done a comparison between the Cx5 and the Tucson or the Santa Fe?

I’d get the Mazda every time. Another aspect is you can actually go to a Mazda dealer and they will have a selection of CX5s on the lot. I don’t know what the deal is with Toyota, but they basically have no cars in stock. Odds are, you’ll pay more and have to wait for a RAV4.

So enough power with the non-turbo CX-5? We are buying on this week.

That's why I chose 2024 Mazda3 Turbo AWD sedan over base Audi A3, Mercedes A class, or whatever mainstream CRV, Rav-4 SUV you can think of..

The Mazda CX-5 is beautiful. Is the zipper storage case removable from the CX-5? Love those cool dash gauges. No Toyota RAV4 for me. Interesting comparison of the two vehicles.

@3:34 the rear pax charging ports are in the handrest cover ... Interesting.

Prior to retiring I sold both Honda's & Toyota's & I've owned both since 1986. I recently shopped for a 2021 used vehicle & tested CR-V, Rav4 & CX-5 with similar mileages & features. Bought the CX-5 due to it's better handling, quality interior, comfort, quietness, styling & drive train performance. Also it's Eternal Blue Mica color gets lots of compliments. I'd never driven a Mazda prior to this purchase & I'm very impressed with it's overall quality.

Dealership...closest Mazda dealership is 3 hours away. Toyota is 7 minutes. Totally agree with your assessment. Would have gotten the CX-5 if it wasn't for the dealership issue. Bought my son a Mazda 6 (used) for college in new mexico. Its a great car too and there is a dealership in his college town. Nice video. Cheers!!

I just bought a mazda CX-5. Love the car! Some much for the money.

What is the cargo size difference in the 2??

i m with you, i own cx5, drove rav4 as rental, sit on crv since lots of friends own them. cx5 is comparable to luxury suv like x1, Q3 in every way. Now some said their paint not as good but i don't have problem with it. No its not perfect but a lot is my personal preference, here they are, i like to see 8" wide wheels instead of 7.5"; lower the car by 1/2"; change the power allocation curve to a bit more for the 1st n 2nd gears. The car (turbo) lots of power but only kicks in from 3rd onward. slightly a bit softer suspension, some say they did this chg in 2023 already.

I like the Mazda so much better. I’m a big guy and 6’1 and the Rav has absolutely no head room and has a significant slant roofline that is severe and I just hate what they’ve done to it. Me personally I’ll go between the new Mazda or Nissan Rouge. jmo.

Does anyone know if either one is better off road? I don't do much but there's a few places I like to go where 4 wheel drive is required. Which one would be the better choice for that situation?

What were the trim levels for the CX-5 and Rav4 that you tested?

I chose a '23 CX-5 over a RAV4 for the same reasons you mentioned. It just looks and feels more upscale. Also it's made in Japan, as a Japanese vehicle should be. 6 speed transmission is more reliable. And I have an iPhone, so I don't need a $2,000 touchscreen/fingerprint magnet attached to my dash when I can do the same thing with a $20 mount and my phone. The Command control for the Mazda screen is far superior. Very easy to access and I don't need to be distracted by trying to touch a tiny icon on a screen while dodging potholes.

I'm a proud owner of 2024 CX 5. I don't regret my choice. It's a very comfortable and luxurious vehicle👌💯Well done Mazda🎉

What’s up with the 160mph top speed? Why they gotta lie? Crowds the odometer

Better to take a Cx5 6 manual or automatic transmission ?

Will you be comparing the 2024 versions?

The CX5 is for people who love driving, the RAV 4 is for my old father, it's not the same SUV. Both better than a CVT SUV like CRV, Rogue (XTrail) and Subaru.

Totally agree!

If I wanted to purchase an Acura instead of Honda, are repairs and maintenance more expensive for Acura?

Great video! Here in Sweden Mazda comes with a 10-year warranty. Toyota only 3 years. Have owned Mazdas for 15 years now and love them. Took a Toyota Rav for a test drive a few months ago and was very disappointed. It felt cheap and the ride sucked (very bumpy and loud).

I got a question that is important to me and it is which of these 2 has a smoother and softer suspension ?? Can someone answer my question?

CX-5 beautiful elegant styling. Rav 4 boring generic almost crude looking styling

They works hand to hand they even have a factory together. Mazda uses toyota parts so does toyota and lexus uses mazda parts. Mazda have come a very long way and they are such good vehicules now. I’m really impressed.

The Hybrid model is hard to beat imo…also drives better than gas model. And depreciation over 3-5 years means Rav over cx5. If you can find one at msrp…Mazda has tons of pros too but gas mileage makes it a hard sell for me long term.

I just bought a Rav4. Decent gas mileage because of it being hybrid, decent features, and its just something that will last me. The mazda is nice, but the biggest downside is lack of a hybrid variant. If they were to come out with a hybrid version I might've reconsidered

There are no RAV4’s on any dealers lots here in NJ. Plenty of Mazdas.

I am on my 5th Mazda; 2nd Cx-5 (had a Tribute before that). I would stay with Mazda indefinitely BUT...Toyota has better resell and next vehicle, I really want a hybrid. Mazda is only just beginning to tap that market with the CX-90. I sooo wish Mazda would up their hybrid game...

Im stuck making a choice between a Tucson & CX5. The CX5 drives better with smoother acceleration, but its boot space & back seat legroom need to be better. Plus its slightly more epxensive than the top trim Tucson. (About $3000)

I was thinking about Cx5 but only downside is the MPG having no full hybrid option. Any thoughts?

I bought a rav4. hybrid two years ago , I own 2 Hyundais before, and I did not know nothing about Mazda, my Rav 4 got stolen and I ended up with a 2018 Mazda 6 Gt. WOWWWWW, it is so luxurious,,, next VUS if I buy one will be a CX5 MAZDA, if I had known about Mazda

Rav 4 has more room and comes in a hybrid. Where the cx 5 excels is if you get the base model or just the GS no one can touch it at that price point.Also the Mazda has almost Lexus quality but cheaper than the Rav 4

The Mazda 6 speed transmission has an innovative new design regarding the torque converter for better performance and has proven reliable. Toyota has been having some trouble with their 8 speed auto tranny.

My son has a Mazda 6 and if the Cx5 drives anything like the 6 I'm definitely getting it over the Rav 4.

Can you please compare a better RAV4 trim??? It’s literally coming now with full digital gauge cluster and 10 inch new multimedia. These trims are incomparable

CX5 wins by a large margin

The only Rav 4 I have any experience with is a buddy’s 2021 and it rides rough and has a lot of rattles. BTW, the 2024 Mazda now has a touch screen.

I bought a RAV4 Trail for the 3500 lb towing capacity.

Having a hard time choosing between these two.

I didn't buy any of those 2 cars yet but i was hesitant against the mazda because it doesn't have dual injection like the Toyota. What i have learned now is that it seems the carbon build-up is a non issue with mazda engines so i would go for the cx5 now myself. I just need to convince the finance department (wife) 😂

Have a 2014 mazds6. Great car. Test drive cx5 and Rav 4. Got the Rav 4. Just felt it handled well, was a little peppier and had a little more room. All subjective. Also the 5’s interior hadn’t changed much compared to the 2014 Mazda 6. Mpg was rated a little higher on the Rav 4. Got exactly what I wanted on the Toyota and a little discount from msrp. Either is great. Good luck to all!

I prefer function over form and longer track record. I like the boxier look, too. I also dont care about whistles and bells, so if i had both in front of me ready to drive away for similar price, Rav4. If availability is an issue, and dealer add-ons, i would go for the CX-5.

I would go for the RAV4 for reliability, better mileage, resale value and roomier interior.

That cookie cutter Toyota Interior & Dash are an insult to buyers who are shopping in the same class.

We did the same test drive in December 2023. For the wife. She loved the Mazda interior, not the Toyota. She liked the way the Mazda drove and felt, not the Toyota. Since the cars are both very reliable it was a tie. Although the Mazda is a little smaller it fits a family of 4 fine. Yes, it lacks a touchscreen but in 2024 Apple Carplay/Android Auto is now a touchscreen. The Toyota was loud on the highway, the Mazda was not. The Toyota has a hybrid model the Mazda did not. In the end, my wife wanted the Mazda not the Toyota. So we now own a 2023 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus.

I own Toyota for me and Mazda for my wife. I perform Toyota because it's Lexus like drive experience: soft suspension, light steering wheel, also i own hybrid with CVT, so it's super smooth to drive . After driving CVT I just can't drive smth else. Also interior more practical. I don't like so much luxury things... Just one thing is make me crazy is road noise, even after full car sound insulation...

Mazda has been better than Toyota… for a while.

Bought a Mazda but having a second thought because 1: RAV4 a more comfortable drive, Mazda steering too heavy and stiff suspension (considering driving on a daily basis, Mazda takes more efforts to arrive there) 2: RAV4 a lot roomier, back seats and cargo space

Id take a cx5 i like the look better then the rav4. I had a mazda 3 back in the day and loved it

Love the Mazda but the problem is there is no hybrid instead they wasted their money and the customers future money developing the turbo.

Bought a RAV4 XLE FWD. RAV4 has more power, therefore quicker, more cargo space and has a touch screen . Mazda is quieter, but is it at 70 mph on the freeway. The difference is negligible. I live in the South and did not want leather, cloth is only offered on the base CX-5 which does not come with BSM. The Mazda is better driving, but this was not important to me. RAV4 XLE FWD gets much better mpg too.

Going with Mazda

rav 4 has better trunk space however , in a lot of other formats cx5 seems a better car. Rav4 seems to also give better mpg but id gladly trade for the more fun to drive 2.5L turbo charged mazda

Mazda way better Toyota reliability is a myth now 2023 had tons issues.

CX-5 sport mode: Honestly, you only need in extreme merging science. The in house transmissions.... Oh i bet that's it!🎉❤

My wife currently has a 2016 Mazda CX-5 but she’s looking at the RAV4 due to it having a hybrid option while the Mazda does not offer one in the CX-5

Is the Rav 4 more spacious inside?

I wouldn't get a cx5 cus awd. I don't want awd.

What rav4 model are you comparing?

I'm looking to purchase a new suv. Will probably be the CX-5. Have spoken to current owners of the Mazda and they love them. Toyotas are definitely reliable, but that seems to be over hyped. Love our current 2016 CRV. It's our 5th Honda but like Toyota, they are over priced. The Rav4 equally equipped, is 4K more than the CX5. Last but not least, I do not like the angry clown face front end of the Rav4. Hoping to soon have a new CX-5 parked next to my beautiful red 1990 Miata.

"The RAV4 looks more agressive". I don't think so, it looks grumpy and ugly.

We've been buying Toyota and Honda vehicles since the 80 's. When you spend close to nil on repairs, going to another brand is off the table. Mileage currently between our four vehicles approaching 750k.

There are so many different reasons to do your best.