Comparison · family SUVs

Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Toyota RAV4 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 193,055 real MOT tests in 2024.

Toyota RAV4

108Well above average
MOT tests127,775

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testToyota RAV4Mazda CX-5
3–5 years
106Above average
102About average
6–9 years
107Above average
104Above average
10–14 years
115Well above average
102Above average
15+ years
107Above average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearToyota RAV4Mazda CX-5
202192.1%89.2%
202091.3%88.2%
201990.9%86.7%
201885.8%85.9%
201784.3%84.5%
201684.3%79.3%
201581.4%76.4%
201479.6%72.8%
201378.3%66.3%
201274.9%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaToyota RAV4Mazda CX-5
Suspension9.66.0
Lights & electrics11.03.6
Brakes8.55.2
Tyres4.34.4
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.43.3
Emissions & leaks3.81.9
Body & chassis3.30.2
Steering0.52.6

Toyota RAV4: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Mazda CX-5?

The Toyota RAV4 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Toyota RAV4 had the higher pass rate in 8 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 2.

What fails most on each?

Toyota RAV4: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; position lamp: not working. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.