2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels. This design language was consistent with Mazda's aesthetic over the past decade, offering a subtle allure. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness not seen before, with pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vents, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The CX-50's exterior was further enhanced by a standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, quality materials, and polished metallic trim. The dashboard was anchored by vertical air vents, though the off-centre vent seemed like an afterthought. Despite this, the interior was well-crafted, offering a mix of analog and digital gauges. The CX-50's cabin was both stylish and functional, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more robust and blocky appearance, moving away from its previous softer styling. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, complemented by beveled and angled bodywork framing the headlights. This design was initially striking but became more common as other manufacturers adopted similar styles. The RAV4 Hybrid's angular theme extended to the interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts. The layout was typical for vehicles of its time, with an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash and physical buttons for primary controls. While the materials were average, with some hard plastics, the build quality was solid, and most surfaces were lightly padded. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped option. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was practical and functional, appealing to a broad audience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided a commendable balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel grade. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbo engine improved towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a broad power curve. Mazda's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, though differences were subtle. The CX-50's ride was firm, suitable for off-road adventures, and its ground clearance was nearly on par with Subaru's offerings.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 219 horsepower through a CVT. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The hybrid powertrain was efficient, with regenerative braking contributing to battery charging. The suspension provided a smooth ride over bumps and confident cornering, though it wasn't sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, appealing to most drivers. Its performance was competitive within the compact hybrid SUV class, offering a balanced blend of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for comfort, with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control added to the comfort. The front seats were supportive, though more side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seats were spacious, with nearly 90-degree opening doors for easy access. Storage was adequate, though some opportunities for additional bins were missed. The cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the seats folded, though it was narrow between the wheel wells.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers, with rear seats accommodating average-sized adults. While rear headroom was slightly more than competitors, legroom was a bit less, though not significantly. The rear seat cushions were low, affecting thigh support for taller passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 1,059 litres available, only slightly less than the non-hybrid version. The rear seatbacks folded flat, though reaching them could be challenging for shorter individuals. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons and voice recognition, which could be frustrating. However, the 2023 model introduced touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menus. Most trims had 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. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, offering enhanced sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight and crash test results. The NHTSA had not rated it at the time. Mazda provided a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 was standard, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety systems functioned reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control.