The competition among Japanese crossovers will always be heated and uncompromising. Today we will find out which car - the Mazda CX 5 or the Toyota Rav 4 - is more suitable for the buyer.
The two cars continue to have an irreconcilable battle for customers' hearts. However, the nature of this rivalry has undergone some changes. While Toyota continues to focus on comfort, presentability and undeniable reliability, the priorities of the creators of the CX 5, which attracted with dynamism, mischief and a sporty driving style, have changed since 2017. We bring you a comparison of the 2016 Rev 4 in body and the updated Mazda CX5.
Exterior RAV4
A completely redesigned version of the Rav4 was released back in 2013, and it was restyled in 2016. The design of the model is already a bit boring. It's even better for the car at the moment, though. When the redesigned body was first released, it caused a lot of discussion. Some people welcomed it, while others accused the engineers of giving the car a feminine look.
After the restyling, many of the exterior flaws were ironed out, and after a while the ambiguous feeling of seeing the crossover on the road began to disappear. However, objective claims to the exterior remain. In particular, the fifth door looks too flat and unsightly. It obviously does not fit in the general and already accustomed appearance.
Otherwise, the exterior of the car is not bad. Looking at it, you won't find grace and elegant lines, it won't make you feel enthusiastic. Everything is simple, but with taste. Attractive, but it doesn't excite the blood. In a word, it's all done "Toyotag-style".
The design of the Toyota Rav 4 isn't worth dwelling on for long. There isn't a driver on earth who doesn't know this car. And as for the competitor, it needs a closer look!
CX5
The new Mazda CX 5 is very similar to the 2015 version, both visually and in numbers. The wheelbase remains the same. The width and height are also unchanged, while the length has only increased by 1 cm, which can be explained by the increased protrusion of the front bumper and radiator grille. Incidentally, the front pillars have been shifted 30 mm towards the centre, extending the bonnet and giving the car an extra touch of aggression.
If you look at the car from afar, you won't notice a significant difference in the bodywork details. But when you get closer, you realise just how seriously the design has been redesigned. The car has new LED headlights front and rear. The important detail - LEDs are now available in all configurations of the 2017 CX5. The price depends on the number of LED elements in the optics.
The bumpers have been redesigned. The redesigned headlamp trim looks elegant, with its lines continuing smoothly into the relief of the headlamps. By the way, it has been stripped of its horizontal chrome inserts and is now made in the form of a grid.
The side doors are simpler and devoid of embossed stampings. But this update has had no adverse effect on the look - and that's nice. As engineers have explained, this door design will improve noise insulation. But we'll talk about interior noise later.
The headlights are now narrower and more tapered. There are new side mirrors. In short, there are fewer lines on the body and those that remain are sharper. It's as if the engineers did away with the unnecessary relief and made what's left more pronounced. This makes the body more elegant, harmonious and aggressive.
A special thank you to Mazda's creators for having the patience to complete the car's body as a whole. Looking at the car, there is no sense of imbalance as in the new Pajdero Sport, for example, where the inspiration ran out after the design of the 'muzzle'.
For looks, the score definitely goes to the 2017 Mazda CX 5. While the Rav4 isn't a hopelessly ugly car - it's also attractive. But the rival is a full head or even two higher.
Interior CX5
The interior of the new СХ5 is very similar to the previous generation model. Even the ergonomics are similar. The control buttons are in the same place as inside the 2016 CX 5. However, the dashboard looks different. It has become a bit convex, and this is not a minus at all. It looks quite presentable! And the front panel materials look better and more presentable than in the Rav 4.
Whereas earlier Mazda seats were a bit saggy and had very 'absorbent' side support, which made voluminous drivers uncomfortable, the new seats are comfortable and very similar to the 2016 Rav 4.
While the stitching and quality of the leather remains the same, the seat padding has changed, making the seats moderately stiff and eliminating the uncomfortable side support that squeezed large drivers' ribs.
RAV4
As for the Rafik, its interior is hard to compete with the Mazda. The materials are a little out of harmony, and in places even look cheap. For a crossover of this level it is not cool.
Toyota's ergonomics have long been 'legendary'. Buttons of heating of seats and adjustment of a sports mode have been lowered under a convex part of the central console, that creates serious difficulties while driving. Firstly, it is necessary to reach them, and secondly, they are simply not visible in darkness. You have to memorise their location and touch them.
Generally speaking, the buttons in the Rav 4 are ridiculous: they are taken as if from different cars, and even from different generations. However, the driver's seat is comfortable. The steering wheel can be adjusted in various directions and within a wide range, providing the most comfortable seating position.
For the Toyota Rav4, the controls are large and clearly visible. This applies to both the centre console buttons and the dashboard. The numbers are large and bright.
The significant downside, which has become the 'thing' of all Toyota models, has been the display.
Yes, it is more functional than the 2013 version before the restyling. However, it is seriously retarded - it reacts with a delay, and the screen clearly shows the system's 'stuttering'. And the graphics are no longer at the same level as in 2017.
Mazda again
The Mazda CX 5 offers a far more modern touchscreen display. Its graphics are better, the resolution is greater and the functionality is higher. One drawback: the screen is excellent and adjusts comfortably, but they put it in the wrong place. It protrudes from the top of the console, as if it was velcroed like a normal tablet. It's not harmonious!
The rest of the Mazda's design is superb - it looks rich, stylish and modern. In addition to the sensor, the multimedia system can also be controlled from behind the gear lever. It is convenient, because the driver will not have to reach for the screen while driving.
Mazda has another nice addition that makes the car modern and technologically advanced. Depending on the configuration, the manufacturer offers 2 types of dashboard display. The first type is retractable. It has a small size and rises above the dashboard. The second one is a projection of the data on the windshield. It not only displays information about the vehicle's dynamics, but also about lane keeping.
Rear row of seats
Let's move on to the second row. Here Toyota wins hands down. In terms of comfort on the back seat it is difficult to find worthy competition to Rafik. Rav 4 has a big and comfortable sofa without pronounced relief, on which three medium-sized or two large-sized passengers will be comfortable
The almost total absence of a centre tunnel under the legs is very pleasing. By default, there is heating on the underside of the sofa and backrests, something the Mazda didn't have until 2017. And there is enormous legroom for rear passengers in the Rav 4. What's more, the backrest reclines back considerably.
There is less space in Mazda СХ 5. Though the sofa is not inferior to the competitor in comfort, the new crossover can't boast about the angle of inclination of a back. It is visible on paper, but in fact the amplitude of inclination is so insignificant, that you may not notice it.
A tunnel under the legs is present. But the armrest is pleasant, it has heating buttons for seats and two USB inputs for charging devices.
Options
Options are definitely not an extremity of the СХ 5. Meanwhile, while the Rav 4 has long been spoiling its customers with a rich winter package, the heated steering wheel and second row didn't appear in the Mazda until 2017. The same goes for the electric fifth door. The CX 5 doesn't have adaptive cruise control to automatically slow down or pick up speed, and the multimedia system doesn't sync with iOS and Android. There is a lane-keeping system, but it doesn't work well. Even the top-of-the-range option only has one camera built in.
The 2017 Toyota Rav4 has a clearly functioning all-around vision system, 4 cameras, as well as blind spot monitoring and lane control systems. "The Rafik is equipped with adaptive cruise control, which works in a timely manner. None of this is available in the new Mazda.
In the CX 5's defence of its automatic light setting system. The car has no low beam or high beam. The LEDs are directed by a computer, analysing the time of day and the presence of oncoming cars. Heating filaments are integrated into the windscreen, but they are only in places where snow accumulates.
The boot
Now the boot. It is immediately striking that in the Rav 4 it opens a little higher, although you can adjust the opening height in both models. The boot volume of the new CX 5 has remained the same, so Toyota wins again in this indicator, bypassing another competitor - 577 litres against 442 litres.
If you fold down the rear seats - in the Mazda they can be lowered directly from the boot - the situation doesn't change. The Toyota still has more!
Noise isolation
And now about the main innovation of Mazda. Do you remember what was annoying in previous versions of the СХ 5, and in the whole lineup of Mazda? Noise isolation. One gets the impression that the primary task of engineers in creation of the new model was the solution of this very problem. They even sacrificed character of the automobile for comfort. Probably, marketers have started to reconsider their group of buyers.
Noise isolation is really excellent. It has been improved by redesigning the body parts and inserting soundproofing materials wherever possible. Even the boot is now lined with this material; there's hardly any uncovered plastic. The engineers managed to achieve their goal, but they had to make some serious compromises.
Driving performance
Both cars were blamed for excessive rigidity before the new version was released, so engineers from both companies did a fair amount of work on the bugs. At the same time, no one has lost sharpness of steering.
There are noticeable changes in the Mazda CX 5's behaviour. Acceleration dynamics has fallen, and along with it the feeling of mischief of its driver has disappeared. Yes, the suspension has become more energetic, and passengers feel even more comfortable than in the Rav 4.
But Mazda had lost its former character. It was appreciated for the fact that it gave a blast of emotion. However, the explosive dynamism of the engine has been "calmed down" not to make it too noisy and not to cross efforts of engineers who have introduced kilos of noise isolation. Against a background of the above stated 9 seconds up to 100 km/h seem to be a fiction.
Engine compression is largely provided by the gearbox. The steering wheel, though, remains as crisp and responsive as the competition. The system G-Vectoring Control is built in the СХ 5, which competently distributes loading on wheels. Thus, when entering a turn the computer increases pressure upon the front axle that the entrance into a corner was exact and not greased. Toyota has no such system.
But our cars position themselves as crossovers, therefore it is important to check their driving characteristics. If you compare the cars off-road, the conclusion is obvious! Toyota and only Toyota!
The CX 5 is simply not suited to cross-country driving. It has no drive setting or clutch interlocking. Everything is adjusted electronically. As soon as you put a load on the suspension, a warning message appears on the display to warn you that the unit has overheated.
Continued use could lead to breakdowns. That's a bit weak for a crossover. Meanwhile, the Rav 4 can almost overcome any pavement with ease. Conclusion: for asphalt - Mazda, and for everything else - Toyota.
Packages and prices
The 2017 Toyota Rav 4 offers customers three engine types:
A 2.0-litre (146bhp) petrol engine;
2.2 litre diesel (150 hp);
2.5 litre petrol engine (180 hp).
All versions with the second and third kind of motor are fitted with a 6AT gearbox. However, the 2-litre unit is available with a 6-speed manual or a variator. By the way, this modification also gives the customer a choice of wheelbase: 4×2 or 4×4. Diesel and petrol Rav4 2.5L are available only with all-wheel drive. Prices start from $21 380 and reach 30 370 dollars depending on the configuration.
Mazda has only 2 types of engines: 2.0 liters with 150 hp and 2.5 with 194 hp. At the same time, the two-litre engines come with both a 6-speed manual and an automatic. The version with 6AT is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The manual transmission is available with front-wheel drive only. As for the CX5 2.5 litre, this modification can be purchased exclusively with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Cost of the base complete set begins from 21300 USD, and the maximum – from $27 290. Considering that the Toyota has many 'working' features that the competitor does not have, the price difference is well justified.
So which is better?
Now let's try to answer the main question - which is better: the Rav 4 or the CX 5? Toyota is pretty predictable. It is reliable, simple and functional. And its unassembled interior design can be forgiven due to the big set of options, spaciousness and comfort. If you're for practicality, and you don't need those elegant lines, then the choice falls to Toyota.
It's not so clear-cut with the Mazda. It has definitely lost its gruffness, and has become similar to Rav 4, apparently aiming at the same buyers. The CX 5 has become more comfortable, softer and more elegant! It is pleasant to sit in it, and one wants to admire its appearance without a break. If you don't care about spaciousness in the back row, you fell in love with its look, or you are a fan of this brand or model, no one will judge you. There's a lot to love about Mazda, despite the change in character dynamics. And whether buyers will embrace its change of direction, time will tell.
Choose your cars carefully and drive only good ones.
