2021 CX-5 vs 2021 RAV4

2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 | San Juan Capistrano, CA

Like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is a household name. It’s been around for over two decades. As a result, it’s a vehicle everyone knows the name of. And a vehicle that other companies to have to prove themselves against.

Today, we’re comparing two of the most popular crossovers on the market: the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Take a look below to see which is better for your needs.
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2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve

vs

2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

$35,285

MSRP

$35,780
2.5L turbo 4-cyl

Engine

2.5L 4-cyl

250 hp / 320 lb-ft

Horsepower / Torque

203 hp / 184 lb-ft

6-speed auto

Transmission

 8-speed auto
AWD

Drivetrain

 AWD
23/27/24

Fuel Economy

 25/32/28

New Midsize Crossover in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Standard Tech

Connectivity is a big focus for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Every 2021 CX-5, regardless of trim, has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Mazda Connected Services capability. Naturally, higher trims add premium features. For instance, the Grand Touring Reserve trim has a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a moonroof, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and more. In comparison, the standard 2021 RAV4 just doesn’t deliver. It has a clunky Entune-powered 7-inch touchscreen and a single USB port.

2021 CX-5 cockpit showcase
2021 CX-5 shifter showcase

Powertrain Options

Depending on the trim, the 2021 CX-5 has different engine. The Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Carbon Edition have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature have a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing the numbers listed in the table above. The 2021 RAV4 comes with a single, non-turbo 2.5L four-cylinder option. It’s passable and will get you where you need to go, but it lags behind in responsiveness and acceleration when compared to the base CX-5 engine.

2021 CX-5 rear exterior view

For more details on the 2021 Mazda CX-5, give Capistrano Mazda a call.

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