The 2017 Mazda CX-5 and 2017 Toyota RAV4 are two of the best SUVs in the auto industry at present that are bound to clash sooner or later. Given this fact and the fact that both are very promising vehicles, many of us buyers can find ourselves having a difficult time deciding which one to buy. With that being said, which one would be better for your garage?
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Toyota RAV4: The Powertrains
Needless to say, one of the first things we check out when looking to purchase a vehicle is how powerful it is and whether we get choices when it comes to engines. According to Consumer Reports, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous model that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic and optional manual transmission that sends the power through a standard front wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. In addition, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is also expected to be fitted with a diesel-engine upon its launch. Details however regarding its specifications have not yet been revealed.
In comparison, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 only offers two powertrain options. One is in the form of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and similar to the 2017 Mazda CX-5, it also delivers the power through a standard FWD and optional AWD drivetrain setting. The other option is a hybrid that cranks out 194 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and similar configurations in drivetrain.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Toyota RAV4: Fuel Economy
Despite the all-time low prices of gasoline in the U.S market, any buyer would still want a vehicle that performs well in the aspect of fuel economy because we all know that things are bound to change sometime. According to report from US News, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 has a rating of 23 and 29 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway for the FWD setting and these numbers drop by one point each in the AWD configuration.
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 on the other hand has a fuel economy rating of 26/33/29 miles per gallon in the city, on the highway and combined respectively for the FWD configuration. Similar to the 2017 Toyota RAV4, the numbers also decrease a bit in the AWD setting.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Toyota RAV4: Price, Availability And Verdict
Reports state that price for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 has not yet been revealed but it is expected to arrive sometime in March or April this year. The 2017 RAV4 on the other hand is already available in the market with a starting price of $24,910 and tops out at $34,840. As far as which one is best for your garage is concerned, it is probably best to wait for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 to hit the market. After all, deciding based on how you feel behind the wheel is better than deciding from what you read alone. Besides, with many other aspects that have not yet been tackled, this battle is far from over.
