Mazda CX-5 80·Toyota RAV4 77on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota RAV4 about $5,676 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,676 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
The Toyota RAV4 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 versus 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Metric
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
MotiveGrid Score
80
77
Cost of Ownership
84
91
Powertrain
62
74
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
51
49
Safety
100
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,467
$37,791
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,146
$9,251
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,829
$8,980
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$10,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,512
$4,800
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$935
Starting Price
$29,990
$31,900
Horsepower
187 hp
219 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
43 mpg
Cargo volume
33.7 cu ft
37.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
1,750 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$31,900
MSRP
$31,900
Mo · 5yr
$630
$37,791 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-5 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
Toyota RAV4
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-5
84
RAV4
91
Winner: RAV4
$5,676 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-5
62
RAV4
74
Winner: RAV4
+12 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-5
32
RAV4
43
Winner: RAV4
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-5
51
RAV4
49
Winner: CX-5
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota RAV4 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,676 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-5 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota RAV4
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota RAV4
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-5
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Toyota RAV4
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota RAV4
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
Toyota RAV4
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$630
$37,791 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$630/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota RAV4 recoups its $1,910 price premium in 2.2 years ($860/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota RAV4 comes out about $5,676 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
