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Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX

Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:06 pm
Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
868 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:06 pm
Wifey (no pics) has decided she needs a compact SUV. If this vehicle holds up, it could also end up being the first car for kid #1.

I’m a Toyota fan and am partial to the RAV4. I’ve also heard good things about the Mazdas.

My mechanic told me to stay away from Kia because their transmissions are crap.

ETA: Also have always heard good things about Honda CRVs.

I’d appreciate any votes for or against these as well as suggestions for any other vehicles we should consider.

Thanks OT!
This post was edited on 1/2/25 at 8:04 pm
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
130587 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:10 pm to
Toyota by a lot
Posted by armsdealer
Member since Feb 2016
12018 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:12 pm to
Rav4 feels cheap and dated. My wife looked at the CX5 and CX50 and both were worlds better and cheaper than the Rav4. She ended up with an outback, which is also worlds better than the Rav4. Honestly, ever car in that class we drove outclassed the Toyota.

Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
868 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:17 pm to
quote:

Honestly, ever car in that class we drove outclassed the Toyota


Huh. Interesting. Thanks!
Posted by SwampGar
Texas
Member since Jan 2020
1406 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:17 pm to
Toyota
Posted by parrothead
big salty ham
Member since Mar 2010
4914 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:18 pm to
RAV-4 or Acura RDX is where I would lean here. Would probably try and swing for a fully loaded 1-2 year old Acura is possible.
Posted by SwampGar
Texas
Member since Jan 2020
1406 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:19 pm to
If considering those two, why not a CRV? Just curious. I am a Toyota or Honda individual.
Posted by SouthPlains
Member since Jul 2023
972 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:19 pm to
Wife has a RAV4 hybrid. It rides like a tin can, is loud as frick, and is getting cramped now with a growing toddler.

However, it is much roomier than the CX-30 and CX-5. The MX-3 hasn’t been in production since the 90s. It also gets about 500 miles per tank which is pretty awesome.

You can’t go wrong either way. Mazda’s offerings are much nicer in terms of luxury, but the Toyota will have much room and likely have cheaper maintenance costs over its lifespan.
Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
868 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:20 pm to
Good point. Just added CRV to my original post for that reason. My in laws have one that’s ancient and they love it.
Posted by Hogbit
Benton, AR
Member since Aug 2019
3091 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:21 pm to
Is the mazda made in japan?
Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
868 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:21 pm to
Appreciate the detailed feedback!
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
130587 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:21 pm to
quote:

considering those two, why not a CRV? Just curious. I am a Toyota or Honda individual.


We have the CR-V touring and it rides really nice for a small suv. We considered it vs the rav4 and chose the Honda. Don't regret it.
Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
868 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:22 pm to
quote:

Is the mazda made in japan?


Looks like some are made in Japan and others in Mexico. Not sure.
Posted by Jmcc64
alabama
Member since Apr 2021
1327 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:23 pm to
MX-3?? or CX-30?

As a new owner of a CX-30, I'd say, really, really drive it alot. It's kinda loud and I hate the transmission; it tries to get into 6th gear much too quickly. Sight lines leave a lot to be desired. (I much prefer my dear departed '10 Mazda 3 hatch.)
Also Feels Too small for someone over 5'10 but my 5'-3 wife has trouble seeing out over the dash (she drives an '09 Highlander). She might rather look at the CX-5. It's more upright/boxy looking. My daughter has a '14 Rav4 and we've been pleased with it. The electrical system is kinda been acting up lately though.
This post was edited on 1/2/25 at 7:27 pm
Posted by SwampGar
Texas
Member since Jan 2020
1406 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:30 pm to
quote:

We have the CR-V touring and it rides really nice for a small suv. We considered it vs the rav4 and chose the Honda. Don't regret it.


Last I read, the CRV edges out the RAV4 in current reviews. The interior's are more modern and appealing, while also lasting a long time as far as condition goes.
Posted by Asleepinthecove
Lafayette
Member since Jan 2023
1655 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:34 pm to
Rav for sure but there will be a new body style coming out at the end of 2025. If you can wait until then, it might be a better looking vehicle with upgraded tech.
Posted by NBR_Exile
Houston via Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2012
1351 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:34 pm to
Most will say go Toyota or Honda. I have a '17 Mazda 6 and it has outside of normal maintenance it is a dream. I would consider Mazda but would probably go with a midsize SUV, like a CX5 or CX50.
Posted by Arkapigdiesel
Faulkner County
Member since Jun 2009
14837 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:34 pm to
quote:

Honestly, ever car in that class we drove outclassed the Toyota.
Posted by Gifman
Member since Jan 2021
15012 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:38 pm to
Are you trying to pickup other gay men?
Posted by barbapapa
Member since Mar 2018
3705 posts
Posted on 1/2/25 at 7:38 pm to
Honda CRV
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