Sometimes, there’s just no substitute for the original. While crossover SUVs have become a dominant force in today’s auto market, they all owe a debt of gratitude to the Toyota RAV4. Introduced in 1994, the RAV4 essentially created the modern crossover segment by combining the best aspects of traditional car and SUV design, creating a compelling option that quickly became Toyota’s best-selling model. The RAV4 has enjoyed plenty of innovation in the years since, and 2026 marks a milestone as Toyota formally ditches the gas engine for a new hybrid setup with the debut of the sixth-generation model.

Toyota isn’t the only automaker that’s set to welcome a new compact crossover in 2026. Mazda has unveiled the new third-generation CX-5 for the new model year, which provides a great opportunity to compare the two crossovers. The CX-5 might not boast the same longevity or popularity as the RAV4, but its attractive styling and tech-forward cabin make the Mazda worthy of a closer look. Let’s see how the two SUVs stack up in terms of performance, efficiency, and infotainment tech, and learn why so many drivers have turned to us at Marietta Toyota to find a Toyota RAV4 for sale near Roswell.

A New Twist on Performance

2026 sees a significant change under the RAV4’s hood as Toyota ditches the purely gas-powered model in favor of two electrifying hybrid options. Toyota has been a leader in hybrid tech dating back to the original Prius in 2001, and is maintaining that reputation by offering standard hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains for its most popular model. It’s a bold move to say the least, but Toyota hasn’t become the country’s best-selling brand by playing it safe.

Buyers have grown a lot more comfortable with the hybrid approach over the last decade as the technology continues to mature. While PHEV models do require a little more upkeep in terms of charging, there’s no arguing with the sort of performance they can provide. The plug-in RAV4 employs the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the base model, but adds a larger battery and more powerful electric motors to produce a whopping 320 hp that’ll have you cruising through Roswell in record time.

A new GR Sport trim offers a performance-focused option for thrill-seeking drivers, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, sticky summer tires, and an enhanced power steering system. Still, even the RAV4’s base engine can outshine the CX-5 in terms of raw power. Toyota’s standard setup for 2026 offers 226 hp in front-wheel drive or 236 hp in the all-wheel drive version.

The 2026 CX-5 is actually built around a remarkably similar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but the lack of hybrid tech really hurts the crossover in the performance department, with Mazda’s compact delivering just 187 hp. It’s nice to see that all-wheel drive is included as a standard feature, but the ability to leverage all four wheels doesn’t really make up for the considerable discrepancy in power.

The good news is that Mazda is set to introduce a new hybrid engine for the redesigned CX-5. The bad news is that the electrically-assisted model won’t make its debut until 2027, which leaves the compact crossover risking irrelevance in a market that’s quickly adopting hybrid technology.

Interestingly, Mazda’s other compact SUV, the CX-50, already offers a hybrid model, utilizing a powertrain borrowed from Toyota. The 2027 CX-5 Hybrid will see Mazda ditch the borrowed engine for its own in-house design, which will likely consist of a four-cylinder paired with two electric motors. If you’re waiting for a PHEV version of the compact Mazda, you might want to get comfy, as the brand has yet to announce any plans for such an option.

Speed and Efficiency Compared

Excitement comes standard on the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, which can sprint from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. Opting for the plug-in powertrain sees that figure reduced by well over a second, with the RAV4 PHEV hitting the same speed in just 5.6 seconds. That’s significantly faster than the segment average, with the RAV4 Hybrid besting other compact favorites, including the CX-5.

The 2026 CX-5 falls much closer to the mean, with the base engine taking around eight seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The optional turbocharged engine offered in the 2025 CX-5 represented a massive improvement, but it has not survived the jump to the third generation. Mazda says the new hybrid will take the place of the turbo, but again, we will need to wait until 2027 to see how that pans out.

While the ability to quickly accelerate to highway speed is an important factor when deciding on a daily driver that’ll get you around Roswell, efficiency is also a very relevant metric. The RAV4’s all-hybrid lineup has a clear advantage in this category, with the compact crossover offering an estimated 44 MPG combined. Even the thirstiest hybrid model boasts a significant advantage over a traditional gasoline engine.

The GR Sport and Woodland trims sacrifice a little fuel economy in the name of performance and off-road capability, but the PHEV powertrain allows the model to supplement its stats with an estimated 50 miles of all-electric driving. Meanwhile, the CX-5 is saddled with an engine that’s not very efficient even when compared with other gas-powered models, offering around 28 MPG combined. That’s a lot of extra stops for gas compared to the RAV4.

Infotainment Technology Updates

As the RAV4 and CX-5 both kick off a new generation, there are big changes to the SUVs’ suite of infotainment tech. Both models will be powered by new infotainment software, with the RAV4 refining its Toyota Audio Multimedia system and the CX-5 gaining a new Google built-in platform. While Google’s infotainment software has been popping up on a number of models in recent years, the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system represents a game-changing evolution of the RAV4’s infotainment setup.

The new infotainment software integrates 5G network connectivity into a Toyota vehicle for the first time, allowing the SUV to offer up-to-the-minute cloud-based navigation and better avoid the buffering that can come with trying to stream your favorite album or podcast while you’re on the go. The system can also be upgraded with over-the-air (OTA) updates that allow Toyota to automatically push new features to the standard 10.5-inch touchscreen display and keep the RAV4 on the cutting edge of infotainment and safety technology.

This is made possible by Toyota’s mobility technology subsidiary Woven by Toyota, which has created an exciting new software development kit dubbed “Arene.” By shortening software development cycles and leveraging real-world data, Arene aims to make Toyota a leader in the realm of software-defined vehicles while creating a bespoke experience. While some might appreciate the old-fashioned approach, this represents an intriguing future where most of a vehicle’s functions, features, and even performance output are controlled by lines of code.

The Arene platform gives Toyota the chance to improve everything from its autonomous driving systems, infotainment apps, and advanced driver assistance systems, and we’re already seeing a taste of that on the 2026 RAV4. The SUV’s voice-activated assistant, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) package, and touchscreen display all benefit from the Arene platform, and make the new RAV4 one of the more advanced models on the market.

The CX-5’s new Google built-in system does have the backing of one of the industry’s foremost tech brands. But while it can also be upgraded with OTA updates, it’s not quite as comprehensive as Toyota’s Arene-powered offering. The Mazda system offers access to popular apps like Google Maps and the Google Play Store, and features a voice-activated Google Assistant that can adjust various vehicle functions, place calls, and even locate the closest gas station.

While the new software is a nice addition, the highlight of the 2026 CX-5 is its new touchscreen display. Mazda has been slow to adopt some advanced tech features over the years, and though it’s easy to understand the cautious approach, the brand’s refusal to offer a touchscreen-based infotainment system has been a little confusing. That changes for the new model year as the CX-5 receives a large standard touchscreen and loses its old dial controller. However, it’s hard to give the brand points for doing the bare minimum.

Rediscover the RAV4 at Marietta Toyota

Even after over 30 years, the Toyota RAV4 continues to lead the way in the crossover segment. While it would be easy for Toyota to coast on its past success, the brand has gone to great lengths to ensure the RAV4 remains the bar against which all other compact crossovers are measured. The decision to fully embrace hybrid technology appears to be a wise move, as it promises some compelling performance-related benefits.

The RAV4’s new GR Sport trim is sure to inject a little excitement into your daily drive, and the refreshed Woodland option is a ready-made adventure rig for long road trips, off-the-grid excursions, and nights spent out under the stars far from Roswell. The new third-generation Mazda CX-5 represents a decent addition to the segment, although it is certainly lacking in some key areas. The promised hybrid option could allow the CX-5 to better compete with the RAV4, although the new in-house powertrain might give drivers some pause.

Are you ready to experience America’s best-selling SUV? Stop by Marietta Toyota to get behind the wheel of a 2026 RAV4 today.