If you’ve been car shopping at any Toyota dealership lately, you’ll know that if you’re trying to lease or finance a new RAV4 you may be waiting for months. While the Toyota RAV4 is out of stock at many locations, a similar compact crossover SUV is in stock now with a large inventory to choose from.
The Mazda CX-50 is a luxury SUV that’s equipped with the same powertrain as the Toyota RAV4, so you can expect a very similar performance from the Mazda SUV!
Both brands also offer a hybrid SUV model. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid are similar as well, making the Mazda hybrid SUV a good choice for Richmond and Ashland drivers.
Read on to find out if a new Mazda CX-50 or Mazda CX-50 Hybrid from Whitten Brothers Automotive could be your next compact crossover SUV purchase.
The Mazda CX-50 price starts at $30,500 MSRP for the base trim. There are seven available trim levels for this Mazda SUV. The Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,850 MSRP and is available in four trim levels.
While the Toyota SUV has a slightly lower starting price, there is not a huge difference. Keep in mind that the RAV4’s starting price is based on the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) model. If you opt for the base trim with all-wheel drive (AWD), the price is $30,250 MSRP.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid price starts at $33,970 MSRP for the base trim. There are three available trim levels for this Mazda SUV.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,900 MSRP and is available in seven trim levels.
| Mazda CX-50 | Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 219 total hp | 203 hp | 219 net combined hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| EPA-Estimated Gas Mileage | 25 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway | 39 mpg/city and 37 mpg/highway | 27 mpg/city and 35 mpg/highway | 41 mpg/city and 38 mpg/highway |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | Electronic AWD (e-AWD) | FWD | Electronic On-Demand AWD |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gallons | 14.5 gallons | 14.5 gallons | 14.5 gallons |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 1,500 pounds | 1,500 pounds | 1,750 pounds |
As we noted, the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 have the same powertrain so you can expect a similar driving experience with both compact crossover SUVs.
The Mazda CX-50 has standard AWD while the RAV4 has standard FWD, so the Mazda SUV provides more standard traction and power as needed. Gas mileage is comparable, keeping in mind that the estimates are based on the different drivetrains. The Mazda SUV has a greater towing capacity.
The Mazda CX-50 is the only SUV to feature SKYACTIV® technology, which helps to maximize performance without sacrificing efficiency.
The hybrid SUV models of the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 also have the same powertrain, so they also provide a similar driving experience around Richmond or Ashland.
As hybrid vehicles, each SUV has a has engine as well as an electric motor that helps maximize fuel and gas mileage.
If you test drive both SUVs, you may notice the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a stiffer ride quality while the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has more responsive steering.
| Mazda CX-50 | Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 inches | 186.1 inches | 180.9 inches | 180.9 inches |
| Width | 75.6 inches | 72.9 inches | 73 inches | 73 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 64.9 inches | 67 inches | 67 inches |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.8 inches | 105.9 inches | 105.9 inches |
Both SUVs have an attractive exterior, but there are some differences that may affect your decision. The Mazda CX-50 exterior has a longer wheelbase that offers a more comfortable and stable ride. The Mazda CX-50 is also wider than the Toyota RAV4, which results in better handling.
| Mazda CX-50 | Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | 100.3 cubic feet | 97 cubic feet | 98.9 cubic feet | 98.9 cubic feet |
| Front Head Room | 39.1 inches | 39.1 inches | 39.5 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches | 41 inches | 41 inches |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 inches | 52.1 inches | 47.7 inches | 47.7 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 39.8 inches | 37.8 inches | 37.8 inches | 37.8 inches |
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-50 interior seat up to five. Though these are compact crossover SUVs, they’re still spacious and comfy inside. The Mazda SUV provides more interior space as well as more hip room and legroom in the front and back rows.
With all seats up, the Mazda CX-50 has cubic feet of cargo space and the Toyota RAV4 has cubic feet. The max cargo volume is the available storage space with the second-row seats folded.
As a luxury SUV, the interior of the Mazda CX-50 provides more upscale options including leatherette or leather seats. The RAV4 has SofTex® or fabric seats. Heated seats are standard on the Mazda SUV on all but the base trim. Higher trims add ventilation as well. The Toyota SUV doesn’t offer standard heated and ventilated front seats until the highest trim.
For Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and more, the CX-50 features the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system with a 10.25-inch full-color display. The RAV4 has Toyota Audio Multimedia with a standard 8-inch display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Learn more about the interior, exterior, and performance features of the Mazda CX-50 and the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid with our helpful video tours.
Now that you know how the Mazda CX-50 compares to the Toyota RAV4, it’s time to visit Whitten Brothers Mazda in Richmond. We invite you to take the gas or hybrid model of this Mazda SUV for a test drive. Once you’ve experienced the performance, exterior, and interior features for yourself, we think you’ll agree that this is the right compact crossover SUV for you!
Whitten Brothers Mazda, a top Mazda dealership in Richmond, VA, has a great selection of Mazda CX-50 SUVs and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid SUVs in stock and ready to lease or finance. We offer a secure online application to get pre-approved for financing, and we accept trade-in vehicles. Contact us to learn more or schedule time with one of our knowledgeable Sales Associates.
