Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

For what seems like forever, Toyota has owned the compact hybrid SUV market with the RAV4 Hybrid. Almost 40 MPG, comfortable seating for four, and a fun-to-drive 219 HP RAV 4 for its 32-40K. With the Toyota RAV4’s recent facelift, this little powerhouse seems unstoppable, offering more power, around 236 HP in the AWD version and around 42 MPG, and buyers can choose from a plug-in PHEV 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 Hyundai Tucson. But the Toyota RAV4’s reliability and fuel economy are hard to beat.

However, in 2024 At the end of 2016, Mazda, also a Japanese brand with a penchant for high-quality 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 similar in size. So the question is: How are they different, and does the Toyota RAV4’s redesigned design make it superior to the Mazda’s new design with premium features?

This story is 100% human researched and written based on real first person knowledge, extensive experience and knowledge in the field of cars and trucks.

Mazda CX-50: Toyota RAV4’s sister from another gentleman

In the late 1990s (!) Toyota was on to something when they started mass producing the Prius and selling it around the world. As we’ve seen over the past few years, hybrid technology has become a favorite among car buyers who want better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Mazda got in a bit late, but it did so in spades, teaming up with Toyota, arguably the best hybrid brand in the space, to add its hybrid system to the Mazda CX-50 to create the brand’s first hybrid SUV.

The result? Two very differently equipped compact SUVs that do the same thing: excellent fuel economy in a fun-to-drive SUV. To see how the two compare, we’ve looked at some key details and compared the top trims with some surprising and potentially decision-making differences.

WATCH: 2026 The Toyota RAV4 is all-new: choose Core, Rugged or Sport and Hybrid or PHEV!

Same engine, same MPG, different battery

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-50 are powered by the same 4-cylinder engine, aided by a large battery and electric motors. Toyota’s battery is the same lithium-ion battery the company has traditionally used in hybrids, although Mazda’s battery is typically a cheaper nickel-metal hydride.

The Mazedea CX-50 generates 219 hp, compared to 226 hp in the front-wheel drive RAV4 and 236 hp in the AWD version, which is not a huge difference. The PHEV version produces 324 hp, which can feel significantly more powerful. Both the RAV4 and CX-50 have multiple drive modes, including a trail mode to optimize AWD functionality.

Both have AWD and are estimated to get around 40 MPG, which is slightly better than their competitors, which average around 38 MPG.

READ MORE: Green and spacious: The best 7-seat hybrid SUVs, from luxury to affordable

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: More options

Toyota likes to offer choice. Lots and lots of choices. in 2025 There are seven trims to choose from in the model, and three for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid trim line. Prices for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid start at $31,900 and will go on sale in 2025. above $40,205, but 2-26 pricing has not yet been announced.

in 2026 Toyota has customized the trim series with three choices, but additional: Core, which has 3 trim options from basic to luxury and is hybrid only; The Sport offers 3 versions from the base to the performance-tuned GR and offers hybrid and PHEV options; The Woodland edition offers hybrid or PHEV and features such as all-terrain tires and towbars.

Mazda’s three CX-50 hybrid trims range from $33,790 to $40,050 and offer limited options; the strategy is to define each finish based on its properties.

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Mazda CX-50: luxury comes standard

Each of the Mazda CX-50’s three trims comes with a specific group of features designed to focus 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 leather seats. By comparison, buyers must step up to the mid-trim XLE Premium ($36,300) to get leather seats.

RELATED: 2025 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester hybrid are winners – but one is the champion!

When technology matters, Toyota wins – especially in 2026

This is where Toyota really shines: a new multimedia system with built-in Hey Toyota voice assistance, a large 10-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13-inch touchscreen on upper trims, a digital driver display and a well-equipped suite of Toyota TSS 4.0 safety features, including emergency cruise control, emergency cruise control.

The Mazda’s system screen is smaller and, although now touch-controlled, is located quite far from the driver and is more easily controlled by a dial on the center console between the front seats. The user experience design remains the same as we’ve seen from Mazda for some time; good but not great. Buyers who use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will find it very capable, and the system allows you to use these phone apps wirelessly.

READ MORE: 6 things that will make 2026 The Mazda CX-5 is the best ever

When luxury matters, Mazda wins

It’s pretty clear the minute you set foot in the CX-50: it looks and feels more luxurious than the Toyota — despite the design tweaks and extra features for 2026. in the model as well as additions such as a panoramic sunroof and a screen on the Core Limited model.

Mazda’s interior design feels refined, with the top-of-the-range Premium Plus model featuring a head-up display, panoramic sunroof and a sporty center console with gear shifter, auto hold button and drive mode selector. Here you’ll find leather seats, leather door panels and a leather-wrapped dashboard with stitched trim for a bespoke feel. It’s really elegant.

The Mazda CX-50 simply feels like the choice of materials provides refinement, sensuality and a quiet ride; The entry-level model uses faux leather and leather is standard on the upper, while the entry-level RAV4 gets cloth and the top-of-the-line Limited gets leather.

RELATED: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited: The car I wish we bought

Mazda wins for passengers and Toyota wins for cargo space

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is slightly longer than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid by about 5 inches, and that extra space translates into more passenger space, but not more cargo room. In total, the CX-50 Hybrid has 81.5 inches of front and rear legroom, compared to 78.8 inches in the RAV4 Hybrid, a subtle difference that may not matter to most buyers, but those with children in car seats should measure carefully to make sure they have enough room.

Where buyers may wish for more space is in the cargo area. in 2025 The RAV4 hybrid has
37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the 2026 model expands that only slightly, with the CX-50 having about 6 fewer cubic feet at 31.4 cubic feet. Again, buyers should consider this if this is a concern; small differences in cargo and passenger space can come from things like wheel wells, underfloor storage, and movable front seats, and ultimately may not matter.

READ MORE: 2025 The Mazda CX-30 Turbo is business on the outside, comfort on the inside

What you get in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited.

The top-of-the-range Hybrid Limited trim of the RAV4 lineup shares many of the same features as the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid:

• 10-inch or 13-inch multimedia touch screen with voice support

• Standard 18-inch wheels and a 20-inch option are available on the Limited

• Unique, modern honeycomb grille, the color of which matches the body color; The Limited adds satin chrome accents

• Standard 4-cylinder hybrid engine – Toyota does not offer a PHEV in the Core version.

• 7.5″ ground clearance allows for easy ingress and egress, as well as getting things in and out

• 3500 lbs towing capacity

• Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 advanced safety features

• The Limited Edition is really nicely equipped with a slim and elegant shifter, heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof and a flip-up screen.

What you get in the Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus.

Mazda’s package adds some great standard features and eliminates the need to add extra options. Here’s how the Premium Plus model rocks:

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Soul Red Crystal paint $595

• Total cost: $40,645 before destination

As with anything, which one is better depends on your perspective. The Toyota 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 might be the best option 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 get one of the best engine options on the road, and the car surrounding it is simply a matter of choice.