2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
When shopping for a versatile, premium compact SUV in the highly competitive market near Riverside, CA, both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Toyota RAV4 stand out as top contenders. However, at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, our focus is on providing drivers with a vehicle that exceeds expectations in performance, luxury, and innovation. The 2025 Mazda CX-5, expertly crafted and equipped with driver-centered technology, offers distinct advantages that set it apart from the Toyota RAV4. Standard i-Activ AWD® across all CX-5 trims, the availability of a powerful turbocharged engine, and thoughtful interior customization set the tone for a refined driving experience. Meanwhile, the RAV4, while popular, retains a more conventional approach to features and drivability. For those seeking a crossover that perfectly balances sophisticated design, cutting-edge tech, and dynamic handling, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers impressive capability and undeniable style—making it the superior choice for discerning drivers near Riverside, Chino, and Ontario.
Feature | 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Toyota RAV4 |
---|---|---|
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Yes | No |
Available Turbocharged Engine | Yes | No |
360° View Monitor | Available | Available |
Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats | Available | No |
Head-Up Display | Available | Available |
Remote Engine Start | Yes | Available |
10.25-Inch Center Display | Yes | Available |
Adaptive Front-Lighting System | Available | No |
Traffic Sign Recognition | Available | No |
Cylinder Deactivation Technology | Available | No |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Riverside, CA
Mazda’s attention to exterior styling shines in the 2025 CX-5. The latest model continues the brand’s tradition of blending athletic proportions with refined details—from the signature front grille design to the smooth, flowing silhouette and eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels available on higher trims. Distinctive paint colors and silver accenting create a sophisticated presence that stands out even among a crowded parking lot. The available Adaptive Front-Lighting System not only adds to the model's premium persona but also increases nighttime driving confidence, a feature not offered by the RAV4. While the Toyota RAV4 presents a robust and practical design in line with its adventurous branding, it leans toward a more conventional SUV aesthetic that lacks the sculpted finesse and visual drama of its Mazda rival. Available roof rails, high-strength construction, and thought-out aerodynamics contribute to both curb appeal and real-world versatility, making the CX-5 a perfect fit for style-conscious drivers from Riverside to Chino and Ontario. Our customers at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona regularly remark on the head-turning design and modern visual appeal of the 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Interior - 2025 Mazda CX-5 near Riverside, CA
Get behind the wheel of the 2025 Mazda CX-5, and you immediately notice a sense of meticulous craftsmanship, echoing Mazda's Kodo: "Soul of Motion" design philosophy. The interior is designed to envelop the driver and passengers in a harmonious blend of sophistication and practicality. Available Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats and genuine layered wood accents lend an upscale, inviting ambiance rarely found in this segment. The spacious cabin is ergonomically constructed, offering exceptional seat comfort for both front and rear occupants, while features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated front seats, and an available 10.25-inch center display with intuitive Mazda Connect™ ensure every journey is pleasant and connected. Unlike the RAV4, which features SofTex®-trimmed seating as its highest upholstery option and a more utilitarian dashboard design, the CX-5 takes luxury several steps further with its high-grade materials and subtle design details. The rear cargo hold is also thoughtfully shaped to accommodate varying storage needs, and with up to 59.3 cubic feet of expanded cargo space, the CX-5 is ready for trips both around town and across the state. At CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, we invite shoppers near Riverside, CA to experience the elegant, driver-focused interior that makes the 2025 Mazda CX-5 the clear choice over the 2025 Toyota RAV4.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 Mechanical Specs
Underneath the sculpted bodywork of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 lies a chassis engineered for sporty dynamics and genuine on-road engagement. Every CX-5 features Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® as standard equipment, a rarity among compact SUVs, providing consistent grip and confidence on wet or uneven terrain without compromising driving excitement. The advanced G-Vectoring Control Plus system subtly manages torque and braking inputs, enhancing vehicle stability in corners and delivering a smoother, more controlled ride compared to the RAV4’s more traditional AWD setup, which is only available on select trims. The Mi-Drive driving mode selector in the CX-5 allows seamless transitions between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, adapting instantly to the driver's needs and environmental conditions. Toyota’s RAV4, while competent, relies on a Multi-Terrain Select system available only in higher trims and does not match the CX-5’s standard mechanical harmony or consistent all-weather capability. Designed for a discerning, engaged driver, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is perfectly tuned for urban environments and weekend escapes alike, an edge that is clear on the winding roads near Riverside, CA and beyond.

Powertrain - Mazda Dealership near Riverside, CA
The versatility and capability of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 are highlighted by its robust powertrain choices, meeting both the needs of the daily commuter and the enthusiast. Standard throughout the lineup is the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing a smooth 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking elevated performance, the available Dynamic Pressure Turbo version of the same engine delivers a stirring 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, giving the CX-5 a dynamic boost unavailable in the naturally aspirated engine of the 2025 Toyota RAV4. While the RAV4’s 2.5-liter inline-four generates a respectable 203 horsepower, it lacks a turbocharged upgrade and the linear, responsive acceleration that defines the Mazda driving experience. Additionally, the CX-5’s cylinder deactivation technology further refines its power delivery and efficiency in everyday driving. Paired with a sophisticated, six-speed automatic transmission designed for precise shifts, the CX-5’s powertrain is both eager and refined, striking an ideal balance that sets it apart—a fact that impresses drivers arriving at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona from both Chino and Ontario.
Safety - Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
A commitment to driver safety is fundamental for Mazda, and the 2025 CX-5 exemplifies this with a comprehensive standard and available suite of advanced safety features. Every CX-5 benefits from the i-Activsense® safety technologies, which include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Driver Attention Alert. Advanced options like the 360° View Monitor, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Traffic Sign Recognition, and parking sensors give drivers a holistic awareness of their surroundings that’s especially useful in busy environments near Riverside, CA. In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 is well-equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ but lacks some specific features such as adaptive front lighting and the same breadth of premium interior alerts on select trims. The CX-5’s structure is also engineered for enhanced occupant protection, contributing to its continued top safety ratings from independent organizations. Drivers who visit CardinaleWay Mazda Corona regularly cite their confidence in the active safety features of the Mazda CX-5, a key reason why this crossover is the preferred choice for families and safety-minded professionals alike in Riverside and surrounding cities.
Request more 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 near Riverside, CA information
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 redefines what a compact crossover should offer, blending athletic handling, standard all-wheel drive, and luxurious appointments in a way the 2025 Toyota RAV4 simply does not match. From its elegant, driver-focused interior to its responsive turbocharged engine options and a wealth of advanced safety innovations, the CX-5 is a compelling choice for discerning drivers seeking more from their vehicle. With its standard i-Activ AWD®, elevated material quality, and a host of intuitive technologies, we at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona are proud to recommend the Mazda CX-5 to those near Riverside, CA. We invite you to visit our showroom and discover why drivers from Chino, Ontario, and beyond increasingly choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 when comparing it head-to-head with competitors like the Toyota RAV4.