SUVs like the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 are versatile vessels. In one corner, they thrive as city dwellers, looping in and around tight turns and narrow alleys. In the other corner, these models take you beyond Covington, Hammond and Mandeville, LA, where the pavement turns to dirt.
No matter where your travels take you, you must choose only one model to be your on- and-off-road companion. Our team at Paretti Mazda of Covington has put together the following Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison to help you decide.
TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
DRIVER ATTENTION ALERT
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
If you feel called to explore Mother Nature’s playground, both the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 will help you tackle any obstacles in your path..
However, the Mazda makes its i-Activ AWD® (All-Wheel Drive) system standard, which means you’ll have solid footing no matter what the surface underneath.
On the other hand, Front-Wheel Drive comes standard on the RAV4, but you’ll have the option to choose an All-Wheel Drive model. However, if you don’t want to upgrade from the base model but want the stability of AWD, the Mazda CX-50 may be the better choice.
Both models also make your time out in nature a breeze with their drive mode select systems: Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) on the Mazda CX-50 and Multi-Terrain Select on the RAV4. However, the difference is that this feature comes standard on the Mazda CX-50 but is only available on the Toyota. So, you’ll always have strong off-roading capabilities in any Mazda trim you choose.
Traveling off-road paths and getting over shallow water crossings, tricky trails, or bumpy terrain are all things the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 do well. Can both models help keep you safe on your city travels as well? Absolutely!
Both the Mazda and the Toyota make their safety suites standard, so you’ll be protected in nearly any driving scenario. In fact, you’ll even find similar features on the Toyota to these systems on the Mazda CX-50:
However, the Mazda CX-50 offers a few additional standard features that will help keep you focused, alert, and aware. Those systems include:
The Toyota has an available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert; however, you’ll only find Driver Attention Alert on the Mazda. This helpful feature watches your driving behaviors, and when it notices drowsy or distracted driving, it will suggest you might want to take a break.
After a long day of hiking, biking, or rock climbing, you want an SUV that makes your ride home comfortable and convenient. Fortunately, both the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota RAV4 offer ergonomic controls and details that make toggling your infotainment a breeze.
For starters, you’ll find Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on either model as well as impressive touchscreen displays. However, the Mazda CX-50 makes an 8.8-inch full-color display standard, while the Toyota equips a 7-inch display. Even if you upgrade the displays on both models, the Mazda’s will still be larger with its available 10.25-inch screen compared to the Toyota’s available 9-inch display.
The best part? Both models include various infotainment controls right within your reach. Those controls include:
However, if you’re most comfortable using a dial to scan your contacts or select a new song to play, the Mazda CX-50 is equipped with the Multifunction Commander control. It’s situated right by your side so it’s always within easy reach. Unfortunately, the RAV4 goes without a similar controller.
Thanks to its off-road capabilities, standard safety, and ergonomic controls, we believe the 2023 Mazda CX-50 outcompetes the Toyota RAV4. Do you agree? If so, settle the debate by scheduling a test drive at Paretti Mazda of Covington near Covington, Hammond and Mandeville, LA now!
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