Although the Toyota RAV4 is one of the oldest names in crossovers, the Mazda CX-5 is a competitor with a lot to offer. Leaving aside brand-specific preferences, these are two well-matched crossovers and a driver would be glad to own either one. But, we at Colonial Toyota in Milford, Connecticut think a few factors put the Toyota RAV4 higher on the pedestal.
While the 2021 Mazda CX-5 certainly has a lot of graceful personality because of its sleek, unique design, the Toyota RAV4 has plenty of more subtle advantages on its side. The two-tone color options on the RAV4 allow owners to express themselves far more openly, and the fascia of the Toyota option conveys a more adventurous sense of capability. Still, the looks of these two crossovers mean nothing compared to numbers and facts. The chart below pits both models against each other head-to-head. Similar trims are being compared.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD |
Versus | 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Auto AWD |
11-Speaker JBL® Sound System | Sound System | 10-Speaker Bose® System |
Optional | Wireless Phone Charging Pad | Not Available |
203 | Horsepower | 187 |
37.5 Cubic Feet | Cargo Capacity | 30.9 Cubic Feet |
Sometimes, when comparing two vehicles directly, it is easy to identify how one vehicle fits a niche better than another, and give that vehicle a better review. In this case, however, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 wins out in three important categories, entertainment, engine horsepower, and cargo space. The extra nearly 7 cubic feet of cargo space should not be dismissed as a minor advantage, as cargo capacity is becoming more and more of a concern for crossover drivers. The greater horsepower in the RAV4 even results in more than 50 extra lbs. of payload capacity, making it easier to haul whatever goes into the extra cargo space.