MAZDA CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4

Weekend Adventures Made Easy

Sleek outfits and a well-organized planner may play a role in the work week. Come five o’clock on Friday, you’re all about well-worn hiking boots and slow mornings. With a mindful cargo haul and all-terrain capabilities, the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 reflect your sense of adventure. All-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities deliver confidence when excursions take you off paved roads.

The Mazda CX-5 and the RAV4 each have this feature, but it’s Mazda that recognizes AWD as essential.

Not only does the Mazda CX-5 come standard with AWD, which is optional on the RAV4, but i-Activ® AWD also enhances confidence by monitoring road conditions and driving patterns to tailor and deliver the rear-wheel torque needed for every situation.

Engineered to Carry On

An all-terrain drivetrain is only part of what is needed to match your adventurous spirit. Exceptional handling and on-the-fly modifications are essential when you leave congested suburban areas in your rearview mirror. Thankfully, the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 have the standard and available systems needed to make unplugged weekends feel effortless, including:

• Hill Launch Assist
• Rear Power Liftgate
• Selectable drive modes

While the Mazda CX-5 and the RAV4 may appear equally prepared for anything, it’s the Mazda-exclusive Skyactiv®-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus that offers more stability on winding back roads. This intuitive system enhances cornering control by constantly adjusting torque and shift points based on real-time driving feedback. The RAV4 has an Active Cornering Assist system, but it may not feel as intuitive as the iconic system in the Mazda CX-5.

Always Ready to Impress

The Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 are visual treats. Each vehicle is designed with streamlined proportions that help offer stability and comfort across even the most unforgiving surfaces. Each is easy on the eye, but it’s how they’re styled that differs.

The RAV4 features a more utilitarian build, with squared-off wheel arches and an angular hood design; even its colors border on moody and thematic.

The Mazda CX-5 infuses its style with the beloved KODO: “Soul of Motion” design philosophy. At the heart of this concept is a constant state of motion. Every contour placement and paint color is designed to give the Mazda CX-5 a sense of motion, even when stationary. Especially with the Navy Blue Mica exterior color, the Mazda CX-5 shimmers like a serene river in the summer sun.

A Private Sanctuary on Wheels

You work hard. The Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4 reward your dedication to success with cabins that prioritize your well-being. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, the available heated front and rear seats help soothe sore muscles of all riders. That said, the Mazda CX-5 offers more finely tuned comfort with three levels of heating and cooling, a feature not offered to the RAV4.

The Mazda CX-5 continues to showcase the importance of tending to every detail, especially when it comes to personalized comfort. The brand-exclusive Driver Personalization System adds next-generation capabilities, including:

• Facial recognition capability
• Automatic mirror and seat position adjustment
• Suggest ideal seat position based on height

The Toyota RAV4 skips the ability to create specific driver profiles.

Technology That Streamlines Commutes

Do you feel like life pulls you in endless directions? Then you’ll love driving the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4. These SUVs help keep you connected, informed, and entertained while reducing visual clutter. The addition of Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ allows you to sync your smartphone so you can access your calendar, downloaded podcasts, compatible traffic apps, and more. This way, you’ll always be prepared for what comes next.

For those who seek revolutionary technology, Google built-in is a must. Powered by Gemini artificial intelligence (AI), this advanced voice command system recognizes natural speech patterns and responds instantly.

What makes this system, exclusive to the Mazda CX-5, even more advanced is its ability to learn your preferences over time to offer more finely tuned responses. For example, you could ask for a traffic report for your evening commute, request a song based on your listening preferences, and much more. The RAV4 includes an Intelligent Assistant, but without Gemini AI, its capabilities are restricted.

Maintain Your Forward Momentum

A dynamic life like yours doesn’t allow for hesitation. When you drive the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4, you can always maintain your forward momentum with their built-in driver-assist features. Working alongside your safe driving skills, these SUVs equip advanced monitoring features that scan surroundings and alert you to easy-to-miss hazards.

When certain conditions are met, the Mazda CX-5 and the RAV4 may enable braking or steering support to keep you on the path. While you’ll find similar driver-assist features with these vehicles, only the Mazda CX-5 includes these standard features:

• Vehicle Exit Warning
• Turning Across Path Alert and Brake
• Reverse with Pedestrian Detection

These added features deliver a greater sense of confidence with the Mazda CX-5—an invaluable feature, especially with loved ones on board.