2022 RAV4 hybrid v CX-5 turbo (inc. 0-100) comparison. Can Toyota trump the Mazda?

Should you wait 18 months for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid, or should you buy the Mazda CX-5 instead (Mazda has more stock of CX-5 available earlier). Paul Maric compares the RAV4 against the CX-5 to see which is best. The RAV4 we have here is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD and the Mazda is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo AWD.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 00:54
Interior 03:37
Infotainment 05:15
Practicality 07:39
Boot Space 12:14
Driving 14:27
0 - 100 km/h 21:34
Verdict 21:46

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#toyota #mazda #rav4 #cx5 #rav4hybrid #comparison

[Cold_Hearted_World]

Looked at both, bought the CX5 Akera turbo. Mazda has never let me down with reliability and quality.

[xmerxmer]

Tried them both, bought CX5. It just gives a better quality feel all around. ...and everyone loves it :)

[d.k.]

It's a close call. I think I will stick to my 1985 corolla.

[BrahamaDev]

Like u n many others said, space is a little minus point, but everything else in CX5 is super, especially low road noise driving and meatier driving. Also, dynamic cruise control along with blind spot monitoring are superb features that not just add safety but also adds comfort and confidence.
I did test drive a base version of RAV4, and I didn't enjoy it as much. Moreover, RAV4 interior feels little plasticy and cheaper compared to rich interior of CX5.

[syayue]

The CX 5 turbo engine is such a treat that I bought two cars, 2022 and 2021. The sportiness of the total package and the pricing was a winner when compared to the European equivalents. Great review Paul.

[raybourne]

Never regretted buying our cx5 Akera… what’s not mentioned is the towing capacity between the two… Akera is 2tns, the sound / infotainment system is much better in the Mazda, the heads up display and that Turbo motor … Mazda is the better buy

[undinesweeney]

I'm picking up the Akera Turbo in a few weeks. Paul your reviews have really bought back the excitement of the new car. My husband has the Rav4 and the styling doesn't do a thing for me. Wheras personally the Mazda really catches my eye. Thanks again for awesome reviews

[michaelwhitaker]

Mazda is superior in my opinion, which is why I bought one. I didn't go for the turbo though. The non turbo is still surprisingly good. I just didn't feel the turbo was worth $6000 to $8000 more, depending on the model. The model I went with was the Carbon Edition. For the price in comparison to the Rav4, the CX-5 was a no brainer. If I was more into off road, I would have chosen a Subaru.

[KnowTheNewOfficial]

Mazda Always Trump Without Any Hesitation, No Need To Compare With Anything 👉💯

[truhunk]

I bought a used 2019 CX5 turbo and I really like it. That turbo punch is great. Even without the turbo, I would still like it.

[louisbarningham]

The CX-5 is stunning and feels way more premium and that turbo provides a great punch when needed... we were looking for a family SUV and decided on the mazda and its been great. Every time i get in it i smile.

[buggersofoz]

Haha, great summary that was exactly my dillema 2 years ago (almost to the day). You could hardly even find a Rav4 available for a test drive in Sydney and Hybrid Cruiser demos were advertised for $52k! I needed the car asap, so just walked in to a Mazda dealership on Easter Monday and drove out in a CX5 turbo Akera spec for $45k (demo, 4 months old, 3k km on the odo). They chucked in 5 years of free maintenance too! For me it was a no brainer as soon as I hit the gas and I've never looked back :) the suspension could have been just slightly softer, but the space is adequate, quality feel is still there, nothing to complain about.

[waggles]

We have bought the 2022 Mazda CX-5 GT Sp 2.5 ltr engine and in every respect (except the space), we chose the CX-5 over the Rav4. The space wasn't a big deal for us, as we lovvved the comfort and feel of the luxury features the Mazda had on offer, over the bigger boot size of the Rav 4 ... like the "heads-up" feature in the windscreen and the power seats in both the driver and passenger seats.

Plus, we're older now, in our retirement years, so kids weren't an issue. But I can see that space would be a major consideration for younger adults with 2 to 4 kids to consider. We chose the Soul Red Crystal with the Black wheels, and black accents on the trim and the black interior. Not all that worried that the info screen wasn't touch screen, the Bose sound system more than made up for this as it's a "to die for" ... AMAZING sound system!

Overall, we are thrilled with our choice and it's a delight to drive.

[chrishopkins]

Both good SUVs, but it always pays to drive it first to see if it suits you and your needs - test drive it on a fwy/your normal driving roads . I went in convinced I would get a Rav4, walked away with a new 2021 Mazda cx5 GT. Love it and havent regretted it. Deciding factors: my partner is tall and the passenger seat in a rav doesnt have height adjustment (we both drive it), info unit just way smoother (the rav4 we test droves system kept freezing), length of time for delivery was 6-9 months. Cx5 was 3 and a half. Just wish the cx5 had a hybrid engine option!

[mikexia]

Amazing review Paul. Love it!
I would like to have better driving experience for my daily car but not spending too much on fuel. That is why I bought CX5 Akera diesel and no complain about it for the 3 months ownership so far. It works exactly as I expected.

[kirillivanilov]

I’ve been owing Mazda CX-5 2018 2, 5 AWD Akera (top of the range) for almost 3 years. And I am using rav4 hybrid at work 2 - 3 days per week. My opinion.

Mazda:

Pros:
Great sporty stile/looks great (inside and out). Cristal red colour looks amazing!
Quality of all materials and noise insulation
HUD.
Feels luxury
Rear doors open wide (almost 90 degrees)
Heated rear seats

Cons:
Too tough/feels all bumps and stones on the road.
Auto transmission is too slow and changes gears at the most inappropriate time.
Real fuel consumption is about 10 - 10, 5 l/100 km
Small boot and rear seat row (comparing with many other similar SUV’s)
Piano black plastic is terrible!
Buttons stuck next to the transmission. It was replaced by the warranty but even new buttons get stuck

Toyota:

Pros:
Fuel economy
Big boot and second seat row
Smooth and comfortable drive
eCVT

Cons:
Noisy on high speed
Dated interior design, cheap plastic, fake stitches…
Mazda CX-5 does look better outside and inside
No HUD
Back door opens/closes very slow (over 12 sec) with annoying beeping

Overall, both cars have different feelings. As someone said, cx5 is like a car, while rav4 is like a truck. However, space, fuel and eCVT are more important for me. That’s why I already ordered rav4 hybrid AWD Cruiser. Hopefully I will get it next year. I was driving Outlander for 10 years and I really like CVT. That’s why I regretted a little bit when I purchased cx5 3 years ago. Outlander was much smoother and had more space. This is what I hope to see in my new rav4 :)

[michaelgoh]

Great objective review Paul.
Though the CX5 is probably at the end of its life cycle, I prefer its sporty drive and the more youthful stance.
My pick on the CX5 range would be the GT Sport 2.5T, in polymetal grey trim.

[garren]

Most definitely the CX5
Winner hands down
Bet the Mazda CX-5 D would still out class the rav

[jieyan]

Also with the wait list on RAV4 the pricing also sucks …with cx5 you can definitely get a much bigger discount

[EnShinNoi]

Toyota is undervaluing the importance of a HUD. Mazda include it in their base models.