2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. 2024 Mazda CX-50 - A Numbers Game

We put these two compact crossovers against each other and evaluate their strengths and which one we'd pick.
Even with the RAV4 being a hybrid and the CX-50 being the base GS-L model, they're more evenly matched than at first glance.
It all comes down to a numbers game. Do you prioritize the up front cost, fuel consumption, drive feel, quality of materials, or something else?

Which would you pick?

0:00 Intro & Mazda CX-50
4:54 Toyota RAV4
10:36 Pricing & Value
13:26 Our Choices

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#carreview #toyota #mazda

[Grayce]

I test drove a Rav 4 XLE, Mazda CX 50 GSL and Honda EXL hybrid. The comfort was superior in the Honda and the Mazda. The Rav 4 seats were not as comfortable. The interior materials were nicer in the Mazda and Honda. The Honda felt really big. I liked how the Mazda felt more like driving a car. I ended up going with the Mazda because it cost about $8000 less (out the door) than the Honda hybrid and it would take a long time for the gas savings to equal the extra costs. I did not even consider the Rav 4 hybrid because the reality is there can be up to a 2 year wait for one. The 2 Toyota dealers I went to added on a bunch of dealer-installed extras that they would not remove. And one of those dealers was not willing to actually sell a vehicle. They said they were only offering leases.

[acchar]

I picked a Mazda over the Toyota. I am not sure about the resale value on a hybrid. As the hybrid ages, educated dealers/buyers will factor in the cost of the battery replacement. Many will argue the battery will last. But if you keep your car for the long haul…that is an expense you need to factor in. If it was a gas Rav 4 hands down for resale. But if you care about driving dynamics Mazda will not disappoint. Either way both are good choices. Great comparison review🎉

[johnlaw]

CX50 for the normal aspirated engine and geared transmission.

[farzadwin]

CX - 50 for the sheer drive quality, better interiors luxury feel and that silent yet beast engine

[johnmartin]

It’s a fair comment about the e-cvt. Excessively loud and droney.

[Mrrr]

Thanks for not sugar coating the ecvt like everyone else does.

[johnsanford]

CX-50 for me. The hybrid cost savings will take 8 years to make up the diff because of my modest mileage these days.

[thedoor]

I reserved a 2024 Mazda CX-50 Premium last week and anxiously waiting for it to arrive at the dealership. I'm switching from a 2018 RAV4 Hybrid. The dealership gave me $18, 000 trade-in which is almost the amount I originally financed it for. I cant wait to get the upgraded features and I love how the Mazda drives.

[johnsanford]

One small factor where the RAV4 trounces the CX-50: the center console storage lid. Toyota's double sided opening should be used by everyone!

[benl]

Mazda every day due to transmission. RAV4 always looking for perfect spot with with instant power, feels like turbo lag

[leejunta]

There is a new option of Mazda CX 50 GT - a hybrid model, how does it compare to RAv4 Hybrid SE/XLE?

[CalgaryGuy]

Great review! It's a tough choice. Both will likely have good re-sale value so it comes down to what feels best for the individual driver and costs of ownership (maintenance, gas, insurance, etc).

[Thankyou_]

Nice review ❤ !!!
We are looking at the two best options for compact SUV!
Beautiful vehicles from Toyota and Mazda. Reliability, solid performance and simple to maintain is paramount with these vehicles.

Honda, Nissan, Ford and GM…learn from Toyota and Mazda.
Honda needs to fix their Turbo engines, Nissan needs to fix their CVT transmission, Ford needs to fix their Ecoboost engines and GM just needs an entire new vehicle, what they have now is absolute garbage with small Turbo engines.

[seanh]

great video!! would pick the rav4 because it is made in Canada :-)

[MalcolmPerson]

Waiting for the Mazda CX-50 hybrid due out this year. If it uses the toyota e-CVT from the RAV4 it should be the perfect combination!

[paulholterhaus]

My mistake here...Thought You were comparing Hybred with You

[pootinplays]

im not a fan of rubber coated buttons and knobs they always start to wear weird or eventually get gummy

[uttamgala]

I like the Mazda more as a car, but if we're talking about numbers, you also have to consider resale value, which the Toyota has absolutely zero competition on.

[benl]

putting things in a different perspective. What if economy wasnt a factor which car would you choose. next question RAV4 boring to drive Mazda zoom zoom

[NOFBDYBS]

Only you can't find a Toyota on the lot unless it's one of their POS trucks. Literally ZERO avaliablity on a Rav4 or Camry due to Toyota's artificial shortage. Mazda all the way.