2025 Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 – Which SUV Is Right for You?

Australia’s love affair with mid-size SUVs continues strong in 2025, and two of the top contenders remain the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4. Both are wildly popular, offer sleek styling, safety, hybrid options, and are tailored to suit Aussie conditions. But if you’re in the market for a capable, family-friendly SUV that balances performance, features, and value, which one should you choose?

In this detailed comparison, we’ll dissect the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 across key areas including price, performance, features, technology, safety, interior space, towing capacity, fuel economy, and ownership costs. Let’s find out which one earns its place in your garage.

1. Overview: Two Mid-Size SUV Titans

Mazda CX-5 2025

The CX-5 has long been praised for its stylish looks and upmarket feel. In 2025, it continues with minor styling tweaks and enhanced driver assistance tech. While not a full redesign, it's refined and practical.

Toyota RAV4 2025

The RAV4 continues to ride high on the hybrid trend. Known for bulletproof reliability and fuel savings, the 2025 RAV4 offers mild updates in tech and safety but sticks to the formula that made it a bestseller.

2. Pricing & Trim Comparison (Australia)

Mazda CX-5 2025 Pricing (Driveaway Estimates)

• Maxx (FWD Petrol): From $36,000
• Maxx Sport (AWD Petrol): From $41,000
• Touring Active (AWD Petrol): From $45,000
• GT SP (AWD Turbo Petrol): From $52,000
• Akera (AWD Turbo Petrol): From $56,000

Toyota RAV4 2025 Pricing (Driveaway Estimates)

• GX 2WD Hybrid: From $42,000
• GXL AWD Hybrid: From $47,000
• XSE AWD Hybrid: From $50,000
• Cruiser AWD Hybrid: From $53,000
• Edge AWD Hybrid: From $56,000

Verdict: The CX-5 has a lower starting price and more turbocharged options. The RAV4 offers better hybrid availability across its range but sits at a slightly higher price point overall.

3. Engine Options & Performance

Mazda CX-5

• 2.0L Petrol (114kW/200Nm) – FWD
• 2.5L Petrol (140kW/252Nm) – AWD
• 2.5L Turbo Petrol (170kW/420Nm) – AWD

Driving Feel: Sportier, more engaging. The turbo version is punchy, offering strong overtaking power.

Toyota RAV4

• 2.5L Hybrid (160kW combined) – 2WD or AWD

Driving Feel: Smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient. Not sporty, but effortless and competent.

Verdict: CX-5 wins on driving fun (especially the turbo), while the RAV4 focuses on comfort and economy.

4. Fuel Economy & Hybrid Efficiency

Mazda CX-5 Fuel Consumption

• 2.0L Petrol: 6.9L/100km
• 2.5L Petrol: 7.4L/100km
• 2.5L Turbo: 8.2L/100km

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Fuel Consumption

• Hybrid 2WD: 4.7L/100km
• Hybrid AWD: 5.0L/100km

Verdict: The RAV4 crushes the CX-5 in fuel efficiency thanks to its full hybrid system — ideal for urban Aussie commuters or eco-conscious families.

5. Interior Quality & Comfort

Mazda CX-5 Interior

• Premium finishes even on mid-tier trims
• Driver-focused layout
• 10.25-inch infotainment (non-touchscreen)
• Soft-touch dash, available leather, heated/ventilated seats

Toyota RAV4 Interior

• Functional, robust layout
• Touchscreen infotainment (8 to 10.5 inches depending on trim)
• Smart storage, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Softer seats, more family-oriented

Verdict: CX-5 is more luxurious and driver-oriented. RAV4 leans family-friendly and practical.

6. Boot Space & Practicality

• Mazda CX-5: 438L boot capacity
• Toyota RAV4: 580L boot capacity

Rear Seat Room:

• RAV4 wins with more legroom and a flatter floor.

Verdict: The RAV4 is the better choice for families needing boot space or long rear journeys.

7. Infotainment & Technology

Verdict: RAV4 wins with more modern tech and user-friendly interface.

8. Safety & Driver Assistance

Mazda CX-5 Safety Features

• AEB with pedestrian & cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• 5-star ANCAP

Toyota RAV4 Safety Features

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
• Intersection AEB, lane trace assist
• Adaptive cruise control (all trims)
• Road sign recognition
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 5-star ANCAP

Verdict: Both are excellent on safety, but RAV4 offers slightly more advanced tech across all variants.

9. Towing Capacity

• Mazda CX-5: Up to 1,800 kg (braked)
• Toyota RAV4: Up to 1,500 kg (braked)

Verdict: If you’re towing trailers, small boats or campers, CX-5 offers a better rating.

10. Ownership Costs & Warranty

Mazda

• 5-year/unlimited km warranty
• Servicing every 12 months/10,000km
• Approx. $2,000 over 5 years

Toyota

• 5-year/unlimited km warranty
• Hybrid battery warranty: up to 10 years
• Servicing every 12 months/15,000km
• Approx. $1,500 over 5 years

Verdict: Toyota wins on lower service costs and hybrid battery coverage.

11. Resale Value & Reliability

Both vehicles are known for strong resale, but:

• Toyota RAV4 holds value better due to strong hybrid demand
• Mazda CX-5 still does well, especially turbo variants

Verdict: RAV4 edges ahead for long-term value and reliability perception.

12. Final Verdict – Which SUV Should You Buy?

If you prioritise performance, premium interior and a sportier drive – go for the Mazda CX-5.
If your focus is fuel efficiency, family practicality, lower running costs, and hybrid efficiency – choose the Toyota RAV4.

13. Alternatives Worth Considering in 2025

• Subaru Forester Hybrid – AWD & safety-focused
• Kia Sportage Hybrid – Bold design, strong warranty
• Hyundai Tucson – Premium feel and tech-rich
• Honda CR-V e:HEV – Spacious and efficient
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – Plug-in hybrid with 7 seats

14. Conclusion

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are excellent choices, tailored for different lifestyles. The CX-5 appeals to drivers who enjoy refined performance and luxury touches, while the RAV4 offers better practicality, hybrid efficiency, and long-term savings.

Before you decide, take both for a test drive and weigh your daily driving habits, family needs, and ownership preferences. Either way, you’ll drive away with one of the best mid-size SUVs in Australia.