DecodedCarsMazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota RAV4 is more fuel-efficient: 43 vs 26 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,050 a year less in fuel for the Toyota RAV4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Mazda CX-5 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Mazda CX-5 has had fewer recall campaigns (8 vs 50).
The two cars
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,852 lb.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 CX-5 and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 CX-5 and the 2019 RAV4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if…
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (8 vs 50 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (43 vs 26 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Mazda CX-5
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Toyota RAV4
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Mazda CX-5 specs →Full 2026 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →