The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are both strong contenders in the compact hybrid SUV market. The CX-50 Hybrid, a new offering from Mazda, borrows the hybrid powertrain from the RAV4 Hybrid, but with a distinct spin that promises a more upscale experience. The question is: Does paying a little extra for the Mazda make sense, or is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the better value? Let’s break down how these two compact SUVs compare in terms of powertrain, features, and interior space.

Powertrain: Same Heart, Different Bodies

While Mazda and Toyota are often rivals in the car industry, for 2025, they’ve teamed up under the hood of the CX-50 Hybrid. The powertrain in both the CX-50 Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid is identical: a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine, producing 219 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Additionally, both SUVs feature an electric motor that powers the rear axle, providing standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Despite sharing the same engine and drivetrain, there’s a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid outperforms the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid in this category, achieving an EPA rating of 41/38/40 mpg (city/highway/combined), compared to the CX-50 Hybrid’s 39/37/38 mpg. This difference likely stems from the CX-50’s heavier build, which adds 200 to 300 pounds over the RAV4. Still, the Mazda’s fuel economy is far from bad and is still competitive within its class.

Price and Equipment: Pay More, Get More

Starting at around $35,000, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is priced about $2,000 higher than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. However, for that extra money, the CX-50 Hybrid comes with a host of additional standard features that might make it worth the premium.

Mazda equips the CX-50 Hybrid with more luxury touches, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen (compared to the Toyota’s 8.0-inch screen). Standard safety features are also plentiful, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

One notable bit of tech on the Mazda is the G-Vectoring Control Plus, a system that subtly reduces engine output when the driver initiates a turn, shifting additional load to the front tires for improved traction. This feature is standard on the CX-50 Hybrid, contributing to a more engaging driving experience. While the RAV4 Hybrid offers a great drive as well, it lacks this specific Mazda technology.

Luxury vs. Utility

Both SUVs come with high-end features such as premium audio systems (the Mazda gets a 12-speaker Bose system while the Toyota has an 11-speaker JBL system), and both offer options like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. However, if you’re after genuine leather upholstery, the CX-50 is your only choice. Toyota sticks to synthetic leather for the RAV4 Hybrid.

However, Mazda has chosen to limit some of the premium features available on other versions of the CX-50 when it comes to the hybrid model. For instance, while you can get a 360-degree camera system and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking on the RAV4 Hybrid, these aren’t available on the Mazda.

If off-road capability is a priority, Toyota offers the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, which features off-road-oriented suspension, all-terrain tires, and other upgrades. The CX-50 Hybrid doesn’t offer a similar off-road-focused version, although its rugged design and AWD system make it a capable vehicle for light trails.

Interior Space: More Room vs. More Features

When it comes to interior space, both SUVs offer ample room, but there are some differences worth noting. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid excels in front-seat space, providing more comfort for taller drivers and passengers. However, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provides more rear-seat room, which is a consideration for families or anyone who regularly has back-seat passengers. Interestingly, while the non-hybrid CX-50 offers more rear-seat legroom, the hybrid version loses 2.2 cubic feet of cargo space, reducing its capacity to 29.2 cubic feet. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, sacrifices no cargo space for the hybrid powertrain and offers a generous 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 8.3 cubic feet more than the CX-50 Hybrid.

Which One Should You Choose?

In the end, choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes down to your priorities. If you’re looking for a more premium-feeling interior, with additional standard features like leather upholstery and Mazda’s unique driving dynamics, the CX-50 Hybrid might be the right choice for you — even if it costs a little more. On the other hand, if you’re seeking the best fuel economy, more rear-seat space, and the option for off-road capability, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid could be a better fit.

Both vehicles share the same reliable hybrid powertrain, so you’ll get similar performance and efficiency regardless of which one you choose. The decision really comes down to what features matter most to you: premium luxury and tech in the Mazda, or more utility and off-road capability in the Toyota.