2018 Mazda CX-5 vs 2018 Toyota RAV4
Two compact SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2018 Mazda
CX-5
6/10
Best-handling compact SUV of its generation, but budget for a possible engine-related surprise the accountants at Mazda clearly didn't.
VS
2018 Toyota
RAV4
7/10
Boring, tough, and cheap to run — but the 8-speed's low-speed lurchiness and infotainment gremlins keep it from being flawless.
Milo scores the 2018 Toyota RAV4 higher — 7/10 against 6/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Mazda CX-5 |
Toyota RAV4 |
| Known failure points | 5 | 6 |
| NHTSA complaints | 116 | 330 |
| Safety recalls | 3 | 3 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 58 | 80 |
| Cheap to own | 55 | 85 |
| Fun factor | 78 | 35 |
| Holds value | 70 | 88 |
| Enthusiast cred | 45 | 15 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2018 Mazda CX-5
Cracked cylinder head (2.5L Skyactiv-G, non-turbo) causing oil leak, white smoke, burning smell
$3,500–$6,50060k–90k mi
2018 Toyota RAV4
8-speed automatic (2.5L Dynamic Force models) low-speed hesitation/lurch, especially parking lot maneuvers
$0–$2,50015k–40k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2018 Mazda CX-5
2018 CX-5 Grand Touring with the 2.5L NA engine, low miles, full documented oil-change history, and — if you can find one — the later-production run (VIN indicating spring 2018 or later) which had running running engine software/build updates.
✅ 2018 Toyota RAV4
2018 XLE or Limited AWD (non-hybrid, non-base 2.5L) with the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD if you can find an Adventure trim — well-equipped, holds value best, and the drivetrain has the largest track record.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Run my free report →
First report free · then $10
Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.