2026 RAV4 vs CX-5
The RAV4 and the CX-5 compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Toyota and Mazda each making its case. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast. Read on for the spec-by-spec breakdown.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech RAV4 wins
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 has 20 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the RAV4 leads with 207 hp to 187 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The RAV4 has a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen
The RAV4 clearly leads on largest touchscreen, and 12.9 in versus 10.3 in is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 leads
The CX-5 keeps it close on engine & performance, yet the RAV4 holds a small lead. Point to the RAV4 for 20 hp more power. The RAV4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Net result: the RAV4 leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
RAV4: 207 hp CX-5: 187 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The RAV4 and the CX-5 match each other closely in this area. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
RAV4 leads
On safety & tech, the difference is modest, and it favors the RAV4. The RAV4 adds a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. On safety & tech alone, the RAV4 gets the nod.
Largest touchscreen
RAV4: 12.9 in CX-5: 10.3 in The RAV4’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 hybrid | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 207 hp (winner) | 187 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | eCVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 30.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.9 in (winner) | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | RAV4 | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 106.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RAV4 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (207 hp vs 187 hp)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (12.9 in vs 10.3 in)
- you’re comfortable with how Toyota does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RAV4 or the CX-5?
On the specs compared here, the RAV4 makes more sense for most buyers; the CX-5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The RAV4 from Toyota and the CX-5 from Mazda go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. For me, the deciding factor is that only the RAV4 gives you 20 hp more power. I’d also count a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen in the RAV4’s favor.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the RAV4, the second means the CX-5.
My pick: the RAV4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.