2023 Mazda CX-50 Vs 2022 Toyota RAV4, Which is Right for You?

As one of Mazda’s latest vehicles, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 serves as a highly capable SUV. The crossover compact SUV offers consumers a more rugged version of the CX-5 with greater ground clearance and increased performance. Mazda’s vision for the CX-50 was to offer versatility while retaining the elegant Mazda design. The compact SUV competes with other SUVs in its segment like the Forester and Toyota RAV4. While these vehicles also offer high capability and versatility, we thought we’d take a look at them and see how they compare to the CX-50, specifically the RAV4. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has been a popular compact SUV that offers impressive fuel economy. We’ll see how it stacks overall against the 2023 Mazda CX-50.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that’s capable of 203 horsepower and 184lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RAV4 is also offered with a hybrid setup that offers increased efficiency. With the 2.5L, the compact SUV gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. With the hybrid system, fuel efficiency increases to a combined 40 mpg. 

Inside the 2022 Toyota RAV4, owners will note a spacious and comfortable interior cabin. The RAV4 offers premium materials like faux leather and a stitched dashboard. The compact SUV offers good legroom and has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room. An 8-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment system and it offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For safety, the RAV4 offers a blind spot monitoring system, front and rear parking assist, and advanced features like enhanced vehicle stability control.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes equipped with either a 2.5L inline-four or a turbocharged 2.5L engine. The inline-four offers 187 horsepower and 186lb-ft of torque while the turbocharged engine offers 227 horsepower and 310lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The CX-50 features 8.6-inches of ground clearance as well as a lower and wider body. This, together with a sport and off-road mode, helps provide drivers with impressive handling both in the city and on trails. The compact SUV also offers 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. For fuel economy, it gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Inside the 2023 CX-50, owners will find a spacious interior cabin that is accentuated by Mazda’s unique KODO design. The compact SUV comes standard with cloth seats, but higher trims offer upscale half leatherette and half cloth material. Due to its wagon body style, the CX-50 offers ample legroom and headroom. It also has 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room. A 10.25-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment system and it comes compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for safety, the crossover SUV features forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. There are also lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Verdict

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 and 2022 Toyota RAV4 are both two affordable and highly capable SUVs. When it comes down to it, however, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 takes the gold. The crossover SUV features more versatility with its off-road equipment and towing capacity. The Mazda CX-50 also offers increased performance with its turbocharged engine. While the Toyota RAV4 offers slightly more cargo space and features a hybrid setup, the Mazda CX-50 provides a more comfortable driving experience. At an MSRP of $26,800 (plus destination fee), the 2023 Mazda CX-50 proves to be the optimal choice compared to the 2022 Toyota RAV4. 

Come Test Drive a Brand-New Mazda at Kenny Ross! 

If you’re in the market for a Mazda CX-50, look no further than Kenny Ross Mazda. We can help you find the best vehicle for your needs. At Kenny Ross, we’re more than happy to help our customers find what they are looking for. Check out our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles. We can offer suggestions like auto financing to help make paying for a vehicle easier.

If you’re in need of service, schedule an appointment with our expert technicians. They will provide you with everything you need to feel safe and secure on the road. Stop by today and see what we can do for you right now.

Photo Credit: Mazda/Toyota