I’m stuck between a 2019 RAV4 (XLE) and a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The newer RAV4 is too pricey for me. Which one lasts longer… like past 200,000 miles? I care most about safety and reliability. Help me decide!
Mazda is way better, no contest.
rodneyjames said:
Mazda is way better, no contest.
Wrong! We are totally objective!
I have two RAV4s—a 2013 and a 2014. The 2013 runs perfect, no issues. The 2014? Alternator died, AC broke before 50k miles. It’s luck of the draw, any car can be a lemon.
Poe said:
I have two RAV4s—a 2013 and a 2014. The 2013 runs perfect, no issues. The 2014? Alternator died, AC broke before 50k miles. It’s luck of the draw, any car can be a lemon.
Vin numbers J vs 2?
@Gia
what do you mean?
Keats said:
@Gia
what do you mean?
RAV4s are made in different places—USA (1), Japan (J), Canada (2). First VIN letter shows where it’s built. Some say Japan-made ones last longer. Your two cars… what VINs do they have?
@Gia
whoa, never knew that. Mine starts with J.
@Gia
good to know. I’m about to buy a Canadian one… should I skip it?
Keats said:
@Gia
good to know. I’m about to buy a Canadian one… should I skip it?
Not an expert, but most say the differences are tiny. Factories follow the same standards. Japan ones might cost more due to shipping. Most hybrids are J though.
Poe said:
I have two RAV4s—a 2013 and a 2014. The 2013 runs perfect, no issues. The 2014? Alternator died, AC broke before 50k miles. It’s luck of the draw, any car can be a lemon.
2013 is one of the best years for the RAV4!
I went back and forth between these two and the CRV… it’s a tough call. I wanted a hybrid, but Mazda’s hybrid reviews were meh. Honda was way pricier, and neighbors said repairs were expensive. I’ve had three 4Runners—last one lasted 22 years. Toyota’s reliability matters to me.
@GuyBolding
4Runners are built like tanks. Not the same as these lighter SUVs.
Keegan said:
@GuyBolding
4Runners are built like tanks. Not the same as these lighter SUVs.
Brand reliability still counts 
. My 2025 RAV4 isn’t much smaller than my old 4Runner. Just shorter cargo space.
We’ve had three RAV4s. Heads up—some 2.5 engines burn oil after 125k miles. We check ours monthly. My son has a Mazda—less fuel-efficient but easier to fix. Still prefer the RAV.
Why not a Honda CRV?
Go RAV4. Better gas mileage and way more trunk space.
Just a heads up—2025 RAV4 might be hard to get, and 2026 changes could be hit or miss. But if you can get this year’s model, RAV4 all the way.
Both are solid. Mazda has an automatic transmission, which some prefer. Toyota’s CVT is fine though. If you go RAV4, get the hybrid—its transmission is bulletproof.
Traded my 2021 CX5 for a 2019 RAV4. Loved the Mazda, but the RAV is even better.