Comparison
2026 Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota RAV4
Standard AWD and real ground clearance against the hybrid-only RAV4.
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29,900 | $31,900 |
| Base trim | 2.5 S Select AWD | LE FWD (hybrid) |
| Power | 187 hp, 2.5L 4-cyl | 226 hp, 2.5L hybrid |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | FWD (AWD extra cost) |
| EPA mpg (city / hwy / combined) | 24 / 30 / 26 | 47 / 40 / 43 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo (behind rows / max) | 31 / 56 cu ft | 38 / 70 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 9 in | 8 in |
Source: Cars.com research specs (base trims shown, MSRP before destination), checked October 2026. Prices exclude tax, tag and fees and change often; Kirk confirms current pricing in writing.
Who should buy which
The short answer
You want AWD and extra clearance for lake roads and Clarks Hill boat ramps, at the lower starting price.
Fuel economy is everything. The hybrid RAV4's mileage is hard to beat.
Kirk's take
“The 2026 RAV4 is hybrid-only and its mileage is excellent; I won't pretend otherwise. The CX-50 starts about $2,000 lower with AWD already included, sits higher, and drives like a sport wagon. If you want hybrid mileage in a Mazda, ask me about the CX-50 Hybrid too.”
Kirk Epps, General Manager, Gerald Jones Mazda
Common questions
Is the 2026 Toyota RAV4 only available as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2026 RAV4 is sold as a hybrid only. The base LE is front-wheel drive.
Which is cheaper, the CX-50 or the RAV4?
Per Cars.com, the CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD starts at $29,900 and the RAV4 LE FWD at $31,900, both before destination.
Does the CX-50 have more ground clearance than the RAV4?
Cars.com lists 9 inches for the CX-50 2.5 S and 8 inches for the RAV4 LE.
Sources & resources
Check it yourself
Every number above comes from these. Safety ratings and recalls change, so look up the exact model year you're considering.
- Mazda CX-50 official sitemazdausa.com
- Toyota RAV4 official sitetoyota.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-50 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- EPA fuel economy, compare both side by sidefueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
- IIHS crash test ratingsiihs.org
- NHTSA recall lookup by VINnhtsa.gov
Photos are real-world examples from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each image, and may show a different model year or trim than the table. Brand names belong to their owners; kirkepps.com isn't affiliated with Honda, Toyota or Lexus.
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