2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE

$700 less vs 2 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $700 price gap, 187 vs 203 hp, 28 vs 30 MPG.

The short answer

The CX-50 2.5 S Select leads on $700 less. The RAV4 LE leads on 2 MPG better. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$700
Price Gap
16 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select
Starts at $30,500
VS
Higher price
2025 Toyota RAV4 LE
Starts at $31,200

Key Differences at a Glance

Horsepower
187 hp
vs
203 hp
Torque
185 lb-ft
vs
184 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
28 MPG combined
vs
30 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,741 lbs
vs
3,490 lbs
Fuel Tank
15.9 gal
vs
14.5 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$30,500CX-50 2.5 S Select
$31,200RAV4 LE
Horsepower
187 hpCX-50 2.5 S Select
203 hpRAV4 LE
Torque
185 lb-ftCX-50 2.5 S Select
184 lb-ftRAV4 LE
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-50 2.5 S Select
8-speed shiftable automaticRAV4 LE
City MPG
25CX-50 2.5 S Select
27RAV4 LE
Highway MPG
31CX-50 2.5 S Select
34RAV4 LE
Combined MPG
28CX-50 2.5 S Select
30RAV4 LE
Fuel Tank
15.9 galCX-50 2.5 S Select
14.5 galRAV4 LE
Curb Weight
3,741 lbsCX-50 2.5 S Select
3,490 lbsRAV4 LE
Wheelbase
110.8"CX-50 2.5 S Select
105.9"RAV4 LE
Length
185.8"CX-50 2.5 S Select
180.9"RAV4 LE
Width
75.6"CX-50 2.5 S Select
73.0"RAV4 LE
Height
63.5"CX-50 2.5 S Select
67.0"RAV4 LE
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCX-50 2.5 S Select
2yr/25kRAV4 LE

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select2025 Toyota RAV4 LE
Pricing
MSRP$30,500$31,200
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4
Horsepower187 hp203 hp
Torque185 lb-ft184 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2527
Highway MPG3134
Combined MPG2830
Fuel Tank15.9 gal14.5 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,741 lbs3,490 lbs
Wheelbase110.8"105.9"
Length185.8"180.9"
Width75.6"73.0"
Height63.5"67.0"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k2yr/25k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select and 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select starts at $30,500, $700 less than the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE at $31,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $12/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is the stronger pick when you want to keep $700 in your pocket and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE rates 30 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE produces 203 hp, 16 more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select at 187 hp. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select also leads in torque at 185 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select bigger than the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is 4.9″ longer at 185.8″ vs 180.9″. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select has a 4.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-50 trims, Toyota trims, Toyota RAV4 trims

Official sources

The CX-50–RAV4 Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the CX-50 and RAV4 compare. The $700 gap is about $12/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

Both run the same 2.5L I4 engine. The 16 hp difference (203 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE saves roughly $100/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $500. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 7.0 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select when you want to keep $700 in your pocket and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel. At $12/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or Toyota or any dealership.

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