Contents of the material
Appearance
Exterior can rightly be called the most subjective parameter when comparing two potentially equal opponents. In both cases, the design was performed at the highest professional level.
Japanese automakers adhere to their philosophy when creating their appearance. Mazda looks quite brutal, but at the same time sophisticated and elegant. Toyota’s appearance seems more futuristic due to its narrow optics.
But in the case of the CX-5 and RAV4, the rear end was not implemented in the best way. It is somewhat discordant against the background of the lighter and neater front parts of the two crossovers. When choosing between Mazda CX5 or Toyota RAV4, you should hardly rely solely on external characteristics. Here you should put a conventional equal sign.
If you dig deeper, Mazda has one problem related specifically to its appearance. There are serious similarities with the younger and older brothers of the CX line, as well as the use of similar design solutions, as is the case with Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Against this background, the RAV4 looks preferable, since this crossover cannot be accused of being similar to other representatives of the automaker’s line. RAV4 is more distinctive and unique.
A comparison based on dry numbers, reflecting the overall dimensions of each crossover, will be much more objective. The second generation CX-5 has the following dimensions:
- length 4555 mm;
- wheelbase 2700 mm;
- width 1840 mm;
- height 1670 mm;
- ground clearance (ground clearance) 215 mm.
Toyota still fits into the European compact class, although it is extremely close to the mid-size segment.
This is manifested in the following numbers:
- length 4605 mm;
- height 1670 mm;
- width 1845 mm;
- wheelbase 2660 mm;
- ground clearance 197 mm.
Despite the greater length of Toyota, Mazda has superiority in wheelbase. Now it’s interesting to look at how each company managed to use the existing dimensions to implement the interior and luggage compartment.
Security and Manageability
The safety of both crossovers turned out to be at the highest level and exemplary for many competitors. If you want to compare the Mazda CX5 and Toyota RAV4 crossovers with each other, trying to find the safest car, this is unlikely to be possible. They are too equal to each other.
As for handling on asphalt, Mazda has the upper hand. The car is surprisingly light, obedient, dynamic and sometimes airy. Toyota is more clumsy, strict and straightforward. Mazda corners perfectly, practically does not fall over, and firmly holds onto the asphalt. Here the RAV4 looks somewhat more modest and simpler.
If you like a more dynamic ride, then choose the CX5. A complete feeling of drive, even with the base engine. With a small difference in power, the base engine on the RAV4 cannot provide the same dynamics.
In off-road conditions, the all-wheel drive Toyota behaves much more confidently. Having driven into the sand, Mazda’s all-wheel drive will immediately turn into front-wheel drive. The car is clearly not designed for such conditions. But the RAV4 should not be deliberately sent for testing in sand, swamp or gravel. You can get stuck or at least damage the body.
Since we are talking about urban crossovers, it is not entirely correct to compare cars based on off-road characteristics. If you plan to go to the countryside or occasionally go fishing, give preference to the RAV4. The CX-5 is especially suitable for a city dweller and a drive enthusiast.
What are motors capable of?
To start the updated RAV4, you just need to press a button. Despite this plus, the car feels very uncomfortable at idle on a cool winter day, but after some time the rhythm returns to normal, and the car begins to operate normally. The Toyota Rav4 uses 150 horsepower to drive. It is worth noting that this is enough for a comfortable ride, both around the city and beyond. There is a very high-quality six-speed automatic transmission, which allows its owner to easily overtake cars in front. Moreover, it is now possible to switch to manual control and change gears using the selector. For domestic roads in the winter season, this is simply an ideal option.
If you choose the RAV4 car version with a 2.5 liter engine, then in this case you may lose the steering wheel paddles.
Options, prices
Mazda CX-5 with a 2.5 liter engine is available in two trim levels: Active and Supreme. The minimum cost of a car in the initial version is 1 million 938 thousand rubles.
Toyota RAV4, equipped with a 2.5-liter power unit, comes in Comfort Plus, 25th Anniversary, Adventure, Prestige, and Prestige Safety versions. The cost of the basic option is 2 million 32 thousand.
conclusions
Toyota RAV4 — This is a very comfortable car, which is a pleasure to travel in. However, this is all its advantages over Mazda CX-5 and end. The latter is more dynamic, better handling and stylish, and at the same time it costs less, which allows the CX-5 to win in this comparison.
Performance indicators
| Fuel brand | AI-95 | AI-95 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 180 | 195 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, s | 9.4 | 9 |
| Mixed flow | 8.6 | 7.4 |
Engine
| engine’s type | petrol | petrol |
| Engine volume, cm³ | 2494 | 2488 |
| Boost type | No | No |
| Maximum power, hp | 180 | 194 |
| Maximum torque, N*m | 233 | 257 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Engine power system | distributed injection | direct injection |
| Cylinder arrangement | Row | Row |
Suspension and brakes
| Front suspension type | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Rear suspension type | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Front brakes | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Rear brakes | disk | disk |