The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 both have strong reputations for reliability, but they earn that reputation in different ways. The RAV4 has embraced hybrid power almost entirely, while the CX-5 has stuck with conventional petrol and diesel engines for longer, only recently adding mild-hybrid assistance. That difference shapes almost everything else in this comparison, from running costs to how each car actually feels on the road.

If reliability and low running costs are your priority, both belong on your shortlist. Here's how they actually differ.

Reliability track record

Both cars have consistently scored well in owner satisfaction surveys and reliability studies. The RAV4's hybrid system benefits from Toyota's decades of hybrid development, and mechanical issues remain rare even on high-mileage examples. The CX-5's conventional Skyactiv petrol and diesel engines are similarly well-regarded, known for being straightforward, well-engineered units without excessive reliance on complex emissions equipment that can cause problems on some rivals.

Where the RAV4 pulls ahead is hybrid-specific reliability data. Toyota's hybrid batteries have an exceptional track record well beyond 150,000 miles, and that's a genuine data advantage the CX-5's simpler mechanical layout doesn't need to compete with, since it isn't carrying a hybrid system to begin with in most versions.

Driving experience and running costs

The CX-5 is the more rewarding car to actually drive. Mazda has long prioritised steering feel and body control over outright comfort, and the CX-5 rewards a keener driver with sharper responses than most rivals in this class, the RAV4 included. It's not a hot hatch in an SUV body, but it feels more alive on a country road.

The RAV4 counters with significantly better fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, typically returning up to 49mpg combined against the CX-5's 45mpg from its most efficient conventional engine. Over a typical ownership period, that gap adds up, though the CX-5's lower purchase price partially offsets it.

The verdict

If you want the most engaging drive and a lower purchase price, and don't need hybrid efficiency, the CX-5 is a genuinely excellent, underrated choice. If fuel economy and Toyota's exceptional long-term hybrid reliability matter more, the RAV4 justifies its higher asking price.

Both are worth checking against a full service history before you buy, and if you're trading in your current car as part of the purchase, our guide on how dealer part-exchange valuations work will help you negotiate a fairer overall deal.