Today we have a battle between rugged adventuring SUVs. The new Mazda CX-50 is stepping up to the plate against the tried and true Toyota RAV4. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is Mazda’s first rugged option, so let’s see if it can tackle the champ. 

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4 

You can get started with the 2023 Mazda CX-50 for about $26,800. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 starts at around $26,525. These are the MSRPs, so the prices don’t include destination fees or dealership markups. 

Both options feature a competitive price, but the Mazda CX-50 features standard all-wheel drive. It costs about $975 to add AWD to the Toyota RAV4. Also, the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road model increases the price to about $36,465. 

The Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV4 are both spacious SUVs with seating for up to five, but they offer different features to meet various needs. For example, the RAV4 is offered with a hybrid and plug-hybrid powertrain. 

Does the CX-50 or RAV4 have more power? 

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

According to Edmunds, the CX-50 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds with the turbo engine. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs. 

With the 2022 Toyota RAV4, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.1 seconds. 

The Mazda CX-50 provides a more engaging and sportier experience and even includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to up the fun. However, the CX-50 may have a bumpier ride and more interior noise than the RAV4. 

While the CX-50 has an impressive Off-Road mode, the RAV4 has modes for Snow, Mude, and Sand. Plus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road includes downhill descent control. But as critics test the CX-50 on off-roading courses, they have been very impressed by the amount of grip and control that the CX-50 has to offer. Both SUVs have an 8.6-inch ground clearance. 

Does the Mazda CX-50 or Toyota RAV4 provide more value? 

The base levels of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 consist of near-luxury quality, while the base models of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 are described as spartan. The RAV4 may use more hard plastics than the CX-50. 

An 8.8-inch touchscreen is standard in the CX-50, but you can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. You can opt for a wireless phone charging pad. 

The RAV4 comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but without wireless capability. Higher trim levels offer a wireless phone charging pad. 

Both models have standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

While the Toyota RAV4 may have more off-roading modes than the expensive TRD model, the Mazda CX-50 includes more value. It has more standard features and off-roading capabilities for less.