2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle yet impactful exterior update with new LED headlights and taillights, which offered a more distinctive illumination. This change aimed to address the common issue of owners driving without their regular lights on. The model also featured redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a new rear liftgate, complemented by fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim stood out with body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious appeal, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The 2022 model introduced new seats, enhancing comfort and offering a sportier driving position.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retained its bold, blocky design introduced in 2019, featuring a trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's truck line. This design choice, once unique, had become more common among competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The RAV4's interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and beveled cutouts, providing visual interest. While the materials were average for its class, the build quality was solid, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped option. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was functional, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised 6-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All models came standard with all-wheel drive, and fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, further improving the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an additional electric motor for AWD, allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds. The hybrid powertrain was quicker than the standard RAV4 and competitive within the compact hybrid SUV class. The RAV4 Hybrid's brakes operated smoothly, transitioning seamlessly between regenerative and physical braking. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, with confident cornering. While not sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were satisfactory for most drivers, offering a calm and effortless driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a rarity among competitors. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, as the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive compared to mainstream crossovers.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered spacious front seats and adequate rear seating for average-sized adults. While rear headroom was slightly more than competitors, legroom was a bit less, though the differences were minor. The rear seat cushions were low, potentially causing discomfort for taller passengers on long trips. Cargo capacity was 1,059 litres, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4 and competitive with other hybrids like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. The RAV4 excelled in interior storage, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, offering decent audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also available.

In 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals achieved.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Canadian models also had blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited trim added parking sensors, automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.