2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front fascia and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's performance didn't quite match its looks, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle actually delivered. The upper trims featured faux skid plates, and the off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks. Our test vehicle was the U.S. specification TRD Off-Road trim, which was discontinued in Canada after 2022. In Canada, the Limited trim topped the lineup, priced at $47,815 for the gas version and $50,015 for the hybrid. The Trail trim, priced at $43,615, was the closest off-road equivalent. The RAV4's interior was utilitarian, with easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas, reflecting its focus on practicality. Higher budgets allowed for more upscale interior options, including contrast-colour choices on select trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics left something to be desired, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90's sophisticated look and feel set it apart from most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required high revs to access maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, and an eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power from the gas engine. The RAV4 featured Multi-Terrain Select with Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt driving modes, and ground clearance varied from 20.6 to 21.6 centimetres. The gas RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the LE model slightly lower at 7.9 L/100 km. Our test vehicle averaged 10.6 L/100 km on the evaluation route, which included light off-roading.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for better dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard output engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The PHEV offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. While the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour until warmed up.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, bins, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and standard heated front seats in Canada. Ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats were exclusive to the Limited trim. The RAV4 could comfortably accommodate four adults, with a roomy 1,059-litre cargo area that expanded to 1,977 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in Signature trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The CX-90 offered a panoramic sunroof and elevated seating positions for second-row passengers, but the long rear doors could make loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's cargo space was 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened. Storage space was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Service Connect and Safety Connect were included free for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription and added cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had an active Drive Connect plan, and the digital voice assistant performed well, except for a few issues. A JBL premium audio system was available, but the test vehicle did not have it.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, but the automaker planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. While TSS 2.5 was adequate, it had some limitations, such as excessive beeping when lane-centring assist turned off and on. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Mazda provided a long list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.