2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
Shopping for a compact SUV in Oxnard, Ventura, or the surrounding Southern California area? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Toyota RAV4 are two options worth comparing. Both seat five, offer premium technology and everyday versatility, but approach performance and efficiency differently. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 features a gasoline-powered engine with standard all-wheel drive, while the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. 
At Oxnard Mazda, we’ve put together this side-by-side comparison of specifications, fuel economy, towing capability, cargo space, technology, and warranty coverage to help you decide which SUV better fits your driving needs.
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV all-wheel drive as standard on every trim, while the 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the configuration.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a longer wheelbase than the 2026 Toyota RAV4, measuring 110.8 inches compared with 105.9 inches.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is longer overall than the 2026 Toyota RAV4, measuring 184.6 inches compared with 181.0 inches.
- The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers higher EPA-estimated city, highway, and combined fuel economy than the gasoline-powered 2026 Mazda CX-5.
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $29,990 – $38,990 | $31,900 – $43,300 |
| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lb (2.5 S through 2.5 S Premium Plus, SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cylinder, i-ACTIV AWD) | Up to 3,500 lb (select Hybrid AWD and Plug-in Hybrid AWD configurations); lower ratings apply to other trims |
| Cargo volume behind the second row | 33.7 cu ft | 37.8 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo volume | 66.5 cu ft | 69.8 cu ft (rear seat down) |
| Horsepower | 187 hp (2.5 S, 2.5L 4-cylinder, i-ACTIV AWD) | 226 hp (Hybrid FWD); 236 hp (Hybrid AWD); up to 324 hp (Plug-in Hybrid AWD) |
| Standard engine | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | 2.5L inline 4-cylinder with Gen 5 hybrid system (A25A-FXS) |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (standard on all trims) | FWD or Electronic On-Demand AWD (Hybrid); AWD standard on Plug-in Hybrid |
| All-wheel drive | Standard | Available (Electronic On-Demand AWD on Hybrid LE, XLE Premium, SE; standard on Woodland, XSE, Limited and all PHEV) |
| Hybrid powertrain | Not offered for 2026 (Mazda Hybrid powertrain confirmed to launch in 2027) | Standard (lineup is 100% electrified: Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid) |
| EPA city fuel economy | 24 mpg | 45 mpg (Hybrid LE/SE AWD; varies by trim and drivetrain) |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 26 mpg | 42 mpg (Hybrid LE/SE AWD; varies by trim and drivetrain) |
| EPA highway fuel economy | 30 mpg | 39 mpg (Hybrid LE/SE AWD; varies by trim and drivetrain) |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 105.9 in |
| Overall length | 184.6 in | 181.0 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in | 8.1 in |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Not standard on 2.5 S (wired Apple CarPlay); wireless available from 2.5 S Select | Standard |
| Premium audio system | Bose 12-speaker surround sound (2.5 S Premium) | 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio (Limited) |
| Head-up display | Available (Active Driving Display on 2.5 S Preferred and above; not on 2.5 S) | Available |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 2 years / unlimited miles (ToyotaCare) |
Specifications and EPA-estimated fuel economy vary by trim, drivetrain, and powertrain. Starting MSRP excludes applicable taxes, registration, and other charges. Confirm current pricing and vehicle specifications with the manufacturer or dealership.
All-Wheel Drive: A Standard Feature on Every Mazda CX-5
One key difference between these compact SUVs is how they offer all-wheel drive. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every trim, paired with its SKYACTIV-G 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers front-wheel drive or Electronic On-Demand all-wheel drive depending on the hybrid configuration, with all-wheel drive standard on select trims and plug-in hybrid models. For drivers who want all-wheel drive without moving to a particular trim level, the Mazda CX-5 makes that choice straightforward.
Fuel Economy and Horsepower: Different Powertrain Approaches
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a 2.5L gasoline engine producing 187 horsepower. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers an electrified powertrain lineup, with its conventional hybrid producing 226 horsepower in front-wheel drive or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive. A separate plug-in hybrid powertrain offers up to 324 horsepower.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also delivers higher EPA-estimated fuel economy than the gasoline-powered Mazda CX-5. The Mazda is rated at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid configuration shown in this comparison is rated at 45 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. Actual mileage depends on driving conditions, vehicle configuration, and other factors.
Exterior Dimensions: Mazda CX-5 Wheelbase and Length
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a 110.8-inch wheelbase and measures 184.6 inches in overall length. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has a 105.9-inch wheelbase and measures 181.0 inches long. Both SUVs accommodate five passengers. These measurements give shoppers a useful starting point when comparing exterior dimensions, parking requirements, and overall vehicle proportions.
Towing Capacity and Cargo Space: Where the Toyota RAV4 Leads
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers a higher maximum towing capacity, reaching up to 3,500 pounds on select all-wheel-drive hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Not every Toyota RAV4 configuration has the same towing rating, so shoppers should confirm the trim’s specifications.
The Toyota RAV4 also offers more cargo space in the configurations represented here, with 37.8 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Mazda CX-5 provides 33.7 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. For shoppers who frequently transport luggage, recreational equipment, or bulky items, these differences may influence their decision.
Technology, Safety and Warranty Coverage
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers wireless Apple CarPlay beginning with the 2.5 S Select trim, while the base 2.5 S includes wired Apple CarPlay. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard on the 2026 Toyota RAV4. Both SUVs offer available premium audio systems and head-up displays, and both include standard blind-spot monitoring.
The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 also share the same basic and powertrain warranty terms: 3 years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles for powertrain coverage. Their roadside assistance programs differ: Mazda offers 3 years or 36,000 miles, while ToyotaCare provides 2 years with unlimited miles.
Why Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is worth considering for shoppers who want standard all-wheel drive, a gasoline engine, and a longer wheelbase. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers different advantages, including hybrid fuel efficiency, higher maximum towing capacity, and more cargo space.
- Standard all-wheel drive: Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim includes i-ACTIV AWD, no optional drivetrain upgrade required.
- Longer wheelbase: The Mazda CX-5 measures 110.8 inches between the axles, compared with 105.9 inches for the Toyota RAV4.
- Longer overall length: The Mazda CX-5 measures 184.6 inches, compared with 181.0 inches for the Toyota RAV4.
Ultimately, the right SUV depends on how you drive and which features matter most. Oxnard Mazda can help you explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s available trims, equipment, and current inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 come standard with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every trim. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on its hybrid configuration, with all-wheel drive standard on select trims and plug-in hybrid models.
Which gets better gas mileage, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 or 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers higher EPA-estimated city, highway, and combined fuel economy than the gasoline-powered 2026 Mazda CX-5. The RAV4 lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while the 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a 2.5L gasoline engine. Fuel economy varies by configuration.
Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds on select all-wheel-drive hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Towing ratings vary by trim and equipment.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 bigger than the Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a longer wheelbase and overall length than the 2026 Toyota RAV4. However, the RAV4 offers more cargo volume in the configurations compared here. Both SUVs seat five passengers.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Wireless Apple CarPlay is available on the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select trim and above. The base 2.5 S trim includes wired Apple CarPlay. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard on the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
How do the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 warranties compare?
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Toyota RAV4 include a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Their roadside assistance programs have different time and mileage limits.
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Oxnard Mazda. Visit us at 1601 Ventura Boulevard in Oxnard, CA, or explore our website to learn more about available Mazda CX-5 trims, features, current inventory, and pricing.
