2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers
Two of the most important compact crossovers sold in the United States have now been fully revealed in the space of a month or two. It started with the sixth-generation RAV4, which was shown in May, while this week, Mazda lifted the covers off its third-generation CX-5.
Although we don't know all the specifications of these models yet, the manufacturers have shared enough for us to pick out five distinct differences between them. They may compete in the same segment, but they're not for exactly the same type of buyer.
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The Toyota RAV4 has always been a slightly more rugged alternative to the classy, polished CX-5, and that hasn't changed when assessing the designs of these all-new generations of each.
Where the new RAV4 relies on squared-off lines and angular body creases, the CX-5 prefers curvier proportions inspired by Mazda's Kodo design philosophy. Toyota has perhaps made more of a leap with the new RAV4: From its wraparound lights to distinct trim levels, such as the adventure-focused Woodland, there appears to be more variety in the RAV4's visual presentation.
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Inside, it's a similar story. The RAV4 has a sportier look, especially on GR Sport models with their red trim. The new CX-5 features a more serene environment, glossier surfaces, and a less cluttered look.
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Both models have taken steps forward in terms of infotainment tech. In the Toyota, a 10.5-inch touchscreen is standard, making way for a 12.9-inch unit on upper trims. However, Toyota has retained many large, legible buttons for things like the driving mode and climate control temperature.
Mazda's new CX-5 features an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest one ever equipped to a Mazda model, and easily trumps the size of the one in the Toyota. It's not known what size the standard touchscreen will be in the CX-5. What surprises us most for a brand like Mazda that has resisted touchscreens in the past is that the new CX-5 largely does away with physical controls - below the massive touchscreen, all you'll find are three buttons: One for the hazards and two for the defrosting functions. Even the old rotary controller is gone.
Based on the respective layouts, the CX-5 has a classier cabin but the RAV4's one appears easier to operate.
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To complement their new display screens, both models have taken a leap forward in terms of software. The new RAV4 debuts Toyota's new Arene software development platform, which enables both new infotainment functions and driver-assistant features.
Toyota touts improvements like a better voice assistant, a convenient home button (whether operating the system natively or with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and updates to the driver-assist features within the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite.
Mazda's new infotainment system in the CX-5 gets standard Google built-in, so Google-based apps are easily integrated. The setup includes Google Gemini, a smart AI assistant, and a range of apps from the Google Play Store.
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Under the hood, there are quite a few differences. The new RAV4 now relies on hybrid power exclusively, with the base model being a conventional hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 226 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive and 236 hp with optional all-wheel drive.
Mazda's base engine may come as a disappointment to some. It sticks with a non-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, so the base RAV4 should be easily quicker. The Mazda does get standard AWD, though, and a six-speed automatic.
Moving up the trim structure, Toyota's weapon is a plug-in hybrid RAV4 with AWD and a stunning output of 320 hp. Besides the fact that it'll be one of the quickest Toyotas, it promises an all-electric range of 50 miles.
Mazda has confirmed that it will launch a hybrid option for the CX-5 in 2027, but it's not expected to be a plug-in system. Although no technical details have been supplied, Drive reports that this new hybrid will have performance that's equal to or better than the CX-5's current turbo, which makes 256 hp.
As things stand now, the RAV4 looks like a better performer, although the CX-5 has historically been more enjoyable to drive. We'll have to wait to get behind the wheel of both to see if that's still true.
The RAV4 has always offered something for adventure-minded drivers, and that's still the case with the 2026 model. The new RAV4 Woodland will come with both hybrid powertrains, and although not a true off-roader, its higher ride height and all-terrain tires will make it a bit more capable over rough surfaces. This variant will also have a unique design, with a raised front-end and Rigid Industries LED lighting. Off-road trims of everyday crossovers have become popular, so this is a smart move by Toyota - Honda's popular TrailSport models and Subaru's Wilderness crossovers are other examples.
Over at Mazda, no trim structure has been shared yet, but there was also no mention at all of any off-road pretensions. Mazda has left the mild off-roader stuff to the CX-50, saying it believes fully that these two compact crossovers can co-exist in the same segment.
While many modern crossovers can be hard to tell apart, we appreciate that the new Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are not easily confused. As it did before, the Toyota digs deeper into hybridization, off-roading, and performance with its new PHEV.
Mazda already sells the CX-50, so the new CX-5 is positioned as a more luxurious, high-tech, and refined vehicle. We expect its upper trims to be packed with features and impressive materials. The only question mark that remains with the Mazda is in the powertrain department - it will be at a distinct disadvantage compared to the Toyota until Mazda launches its new hybrid.
The new RAV4 is scheduled to arrive first, later this year. In early 2026, it will be joined by the new CX-5.
2026 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences Between The New Compact Crossovers first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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