RAV4 or CX-5 – choose the best crossover

In recent years, compact crossovers have become one of the most sought after class of cars. These are cars with a claim to “off-road”, but in general, designed for the most comfortable movement around the city. The market for such cars today includes dozens of different models. Almost every manufacturer operating in the current market has a compact crossover in its lineup. In this article, I want to dwell on the brightest representatives of this class from Japan: Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Let's try to figure out which of these two crossovers is preferable to choose in 2020, both in the cabin and in the secondary market.

I immediately excluded the Honda CR-V from the comparison. In my opinion, this machine is the undisputed leader in its class. Its main disadvantage is its very high price.

Mazda or Toyota?

Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 have both common features and directly opposite ones. For example, both cars have a fairly stiff suspension. But if the RAV4 justifies this with fairly good handling, then the Mazda CX-5 is far from shining in this regard.

On the other hand, if Toyota remains true to itself to the end, and is distinguished by the maximum archaic nature of all technical solutions under the hood (the good old time-tested aspirated and CVTs), then Mazda has taken the path of introducing its innovative Skyactiv concept. For this reason, under the hood of the CX-5 you will find engines with a breathtaking compression ratio of 14 times for civil engineering!

Thanks to this, the crossover from Mazda has extremely low fuel consumption, but at the same time makes very high demands on its quality. Filling gasoline below 98 is not recommended, as this may threaten detonation.

On the other hand, the primitive design of the RAV4 makes this car truly reliable. This car can be safely put on a par with the Corolla and Camry in terms of their “indestructibility”. At the same time, if we evaluate the appearance, then the Mazda CX-5 is much more interesting here.

Another disadvantage of the RAV4 is the higher cost than the competitor. However, not everything is so clear-cut here. Although the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper, it loses its price much faster when reselling. If you take the Toyota RAV4, then this car is amazingly liquid! And you can safely sell it for the same amount for which you bought it after a couple of years of use (we are talking about the secondary market).

On the move, we also find that the Mazda CX-5 is much more interesting. The car is more dynamic, which looks fantastic with such low fuel consumption. However, the noise isolation specifically fails: in this respect, the RAV4 looks more attractive.

Thus, let's look at the disadvantages and advantages of each of the car:

“Cons” Toyota RAV4:

• High price;
• Primitive technical knots;
• Inconspicuous appearance;
• High fuel consumption;
• Lack of dynamics.

“Pros” Toyota RAV4:

High liquidity;

Reliability;

Good handling.

“Cons” Mazda CX-5:

• Loss of resale value;
• Poor sound insulation;
• Poor handling;
• Strict requirements for the quality of fuel and engine oil.

Pros Mazda CX-5:

• Bright appearance;
• Dynamism;
• Profitability;
• lower cost.

Thus, identifying a specific leader is quite difficult. Both machines have their strengths and weaknesses. In my opinion, the choice between these two cars rather depends on your personal preferences and tastes. If you need emotions from a car in the first place, your choice is the Mazda CX-5. If you want a workhorse that you can rely on at any time, the RAV4 is perfect for you.