Compare the2026 Toyota Rav4VS 2026 Mazda CX-30

The Rav4 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Rav4 AWD’s standard Downhill Assist Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-30 doesn’t offer Downhill Assist Control.

Both the Rav4 and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-30.

There are over 2 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 25 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Toyota higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The Rav4 has more powerful engines than the CX-30:

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-30:

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE/XSE can travel with zero emissions for 52 miles. The CX-30 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Rav4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Rav4’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-30 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Rav4 has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (14.5 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Rav4 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Rav4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-30 are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Rav4 has larger tires than the CX-30 (235/65R17 vs. 215/65R16).

The Rav4 XSE’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Rav4 LE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S. The Rav4 XSE’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

For superior ride and handling, the Toyota Rav4 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Rav4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Rav4 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Rav4’s wheelbase is 1.5 inches longer than on the CX-30 (105.9 inches vs. 104.4 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 Woodland has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-30 (8.5 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Rav4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Rav4 has 4.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-30 (98.9 vs. 94.1).

The Rav4 has .7 inches more front hip room, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and 2.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Rav4’s rear seats recline. The CX-30’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-30 with its rear seat up (37.8 vs. 20.2 cubic feet). The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (70.4 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4. The CX-30 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Rav4 XSE/Limited’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Rav4 has a 1750 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Rav4 uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-30 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the CX-30 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Rav4’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-30 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

Both the Rav4 and the CX-30 offer available heated front seats. The Rav4 Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CX-30.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Rav4 XSE/Limited keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The CX-30 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Rav4 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Rav4’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus.

The Toyota Rav4 stands out above the Mazda CX-30 by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Rav4 Woodland has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Rav4 (except LE/SE/XLE)’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Rav4 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Mazda CX-30 by almost five to one during 2024.