For what seems like forever, Toyota has owned the compact hybrid SUV market with the RAV4 hybrid. Getting nearly 40 MPG, with comfortable seating for 4 and a fun-to-drive 219 HP, the RAV 4 delivers a lot for its $32K-$40K price tag. With a recent redesign of the Toyota RAV4, this little powerhouse seems unstoppable: It delivers more power, about 236 HP in the AWD version, and about 42 MPG, and buyers can choose from a PHEV plug-in version for all-electric driving and even better fuel economy.
Yes, there are alternatives to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, namely hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson. But the reliability and fuel economy in the Toyota RAV4 are hard to beat.
However, late in 2024 Mazda, also a Japanese brand with a penchant for premium details, introduced a hybrid version of the Mazda CX-50 compact SUV using Toyota's hybrid technology and engine. Both are similarly priced, have all wheel drive on demand and are similarly sized. So it raises the question: How are they different, and does the Toyota RAV4's redesign make it superior to the Mazda, a new design with premium features?
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Mazda CX-50: The Toyota RAV4's Sister From Another Mister
Toyota was on to something in the late 1990s (!) when they began to mass-produce the Prius and sell it around the world. As we've seen in the last few years, hybrid technology has become a darling for car buyers who want better fuel economy and low emissions.
Mazda jumped in a bit late, but did it with panache, partnering with Toyota, inarguably the top hybrid brand in the space, adding its hybrid system to the Mazda CX-50 to create the brand's first hybrid SUV.
The result? Two very differently outfitted compact SUVs that do thing the same: great fuel economy in a fun to drive SUV. To see how the two compare, we looked at some basic details and compared the top trims, with some surprising, and possibly decision-making, differences.
Same Engine, Same MPG, Different Battery
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-50 are powered by the same 4-cylinder engine assisted by a large battery and electric motors. The Toyota's battery is the same lithium ion battery the company has traditionally used in hybrids, though the Mazda's battery is a typically less-expensive nickel-metal hydride.
The Mazedea CX-50 generates 219 HP while the front wheel drive RAV4 delivers 226 HP and the AWD version puts out 236 HP, not a huge difference overall. The PHEV version produces 324 HP, which can feel significantly more powerful. Both the RAV4 and CX-50 have multiple drive modes including trail mode for optimal AWD function.
Both have AWD and are estimated to get around 40 MPG, a tiny bit better than their competitors which tend to average about 38 MPG.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: More Choices Across the Board
Toyota loves to offer choices. Lots and lots of choices. In the 2025 model here are seven trims to choose from, versus three in the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid trim line. Prices for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid start at $31,900 and top out at $40,205 for 2025, though pricing still has yet to be announced for 2-26.
For 2026 Toyota has tailored the trim lineup with three choices but additional options: Core, which has 3 trim options from basic to luxe and is hybrid-only; Sport offers 3 versions from basic to the performance-tuned GR and offers hybrid and PHEV options; and the Woodland edition offers hybrid or PHEV and is equipped with trail-ready features like all terrain tires and tow hooks.
Mazda's three CX-50 Hybrid trims range from $33,790 to $40,050 and offer limited options; the strategy is to define each trim by its features.
Mazda CX-50: Luxury Is Standard
Within each of the three Mazda CX-50 trims there are a set group of features, all with the idea of focusing more on luxury and experience than price and customization. Even at the entry level Mazda offers keyless entry, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and leatherette seating. As a comparison, buyers have to move up to the middle-of-the-trim XLE Premium ($36,300) to get leatherette seating
When Tech Matters More, Toyota Wins -- Especially in 2026
This is where Toyota really shines: The new multimedia system with built-in "Hey Toyota" voice-assistance, a large 10'' touch screen in lower trim models and 13'' touch screen in top trims, a digital driver's display and a nicely-equipped Toyota TSS 4.0 suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane trace assistance, road sign assistance and automatic emergency braking.
The Mazda system's screen is smaller and while now it's touch-controlled, it sits pretty far from the driver and is easier to control via a dial on the center console between the front seats. The user experience design remains what we've seen Mazda for a while now; good but not great. Buyers who use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will find it very capable, and the system does allow wireless use of those phone apps.
When Luxury Matters, Mazda is Wins
This is pretty clear the minute you set foot in the CX-50: it looks and feels more luxe than the Toyota -- despite the design upgrades and added features in the 2026 model and additions like a panoramic sunroof and head up display in the Core Limited model.
Mazda's interior design feels refined and in the top Premium Plus model it features a head up display, a panoramic sunroof and a sporty center console with a shifter, auto hold button and drive mode selector. You'll find leather seats, leather door panels and a leather-trimmed dashboard with drop-stitch trim for a tailored feel. It truly is elegant.
Simply the choice of materials in the Mazda CX-50 feel lends to the refined, feel and a quiet ride; leatherette is used in the entry-level model and leather is standard in the top trim, whereas the entry RAV4 features cloth and the top-tier Limited features leatherette.
Mazda Wins on Passenger Space, But Toyota Wins on Cargo Space
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a tad longer than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, about 5'', and that extra room is translated into more passenger space though not more cargo space. In total, the CX-50 Hybrid has 81.5'' of front and rear seat legroom, while the RAV4 Hybrid has 78.8'', a subtle difference that may not matter to most buyers, however those with kids in car seats should measure carefully to ensure they have enough space.
Where buyers may wish for more space is in the cargo area. The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid has
37.5 cubic feet of cargo space and the 2026 model expands on that just a tad, while the CX-50 has about 6 fewer cubic feet at 31.4 cubic feet. Again, this is something buyers should consider if it's a concern; the small differences in cargo and passenger space can be due to things like wheel wells, under floor storage and movable front seats and ultimately may not matter.
What You Get in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
The top Hybrid Limited trim in the RAV4 lineup features many of the same features as the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid:
What You Get in the Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus
Mazda's packaging adds some nice features as standard and eliminates the need to add options. Here's how the Premium Plus model shakes out:
As with anything, which one is better depends on your perspective. Toyota's RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition could be the best choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and on light trails. The CX-50 Hybrid Preferred may be the ultimate for those who need a good hybrid for long commutes but don't want to splurge on leather and a sunroof.
Either way, you can't go wrong; you'll get one of the best engine options on the road and the car that surrounds it is simply all about choice.