The Mazda CX-30 and the Toyota RAV 4 are two of the most popular SUVs on the market. They are known for their stylish good looks and their dependable performance, as well as their affordable price tags. These SUVs appeal to everyone from young professionals to growing families. They have more than earned their reputation as among the best.

But if you are shopping for an SUV, you are only looking for one – so you aren't going to drive home with both. But which do you choose? Here's a closer look at the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 to give you a better idea of how they compare:

Exterior Styling

The difference between the Mazda CX-30 and the Toyota RAV 4 becomes very obvious when you look at them. The Mazda CX-30 has a more sophisticated look, while the Toyota RAV 4 has a sportier look.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has an aerodynamic design that swoops forward at the hood, ending in a trapezoidal grill with soft edges and accented beautifully in chrome. The headlights pull out to the sides, pointing to a side profiles that includes subtle swoops and beautiful chrome accents. The wheel wells are trimmed in black for a nice accent, and you'll see similar trimming in black and chrome throughout.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Toyota RAV 4 has a sporty look that is more suitable for outdoor adventures than for luxurious nights out (like you might envision in the Mazda CX-30). It has multiple grooves and bands of black accents throughout – almost like a sports watch brought to life. The body and its accents are angular and geometric.

There is nothing inherently better or worse about the design of the Mazda CX-30 or the Toyota RAV 4. However, if you are looking for a more sophisticated and luxurious design, the Mazda CX-30 is the right choice.

Interior Styling and Features

You'll see the same design inside the Mazda CX-30 and the Toyota RAV 4 as you do on the outside.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 exudes elegance and sophistication inside and out. The Mazda interior includes soft-touch materials and a streamlined design. There are details like top stitching and subtle chrome accents to create a stylish look. There is a two-tone design with black and a dark brown – the contrast is a subtle one that create a gorgeous look. Other features include a heads-up display on the dash, a pared down instrument panel, and easy-to-reach controls in the center console.

The 2021 Toyota RAV 4 has a sporty look on the inside, as well as the outside. Color blocking is used to highlight different areas of the interior, such as the console, the door handles, and more. The instrument panel has a sporty look, making you feel like you're in the seat of a cockpit. Controls are mounted within easy reach, such as on the console and the steering wheel. There's a pretty standard layout to the interior and the console, with no big surprises. The overall look is fun and stylish, though not innovative or elegant – which you will find in the Mazda CX-30.

Performance

You’ll get great performance and enjoy a smooth ride in both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2021 Toyota RAV 4.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 comes with a 2.5-liter Inline4 gas engine that puts out 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The CX-3 has rack-pinion steering with a tighter turning diameter than you’ll get in the RAV 4, giving you better handling on the road.

The 2021 Toyota RAV 4 comes with a 2.5-liter Inline4 gas engine, as well, but it puts out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It has a little more horsepower than the CX-30, but it has less torque. The torque is what gives you real power in tough situations, such as if you’re stuck in the mud or snow. The RAV 4 is also front-wheel drive, and it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission

Comfort and Convenience Features

You get a lot of great comfort and convenience features with these SUVs.

In the 2021 Mazda CX-3, you get features like HD radio, Bluetooth connection, smart device integration, MP3 player, auxiliary audio input, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, a back-up camera, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring, brake assistance, stability and traction control, and plenty of airbags.

You get many of the same features in the Toyota RAV 4, give and take a few items. For example, you also get satellite radio and a wi-fi hotspot, but you don’t get the keyless start or remote engine start.

Both SUVs also have plenty of additional features if you move up the trim levels or you invest in options packages. But even on the base level, you’ll find plenty of great features to make driving fun and comfortable.

Choosing the Right SUV for You

You’ll have to look closely at the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and the 2021 Toyota RAV 4 to determine which is the right choice for you. However, with the luxury styling, advanced features, and excellent performance that the Mazda CX-30 offers, we think that the choice is clear. You can get a high-end vehicle at an affordable price. You’ll turn heads as you drive down the road, and you’ll love how it feels behind the wheel.

Visit Seacoast Mazda to discover the all-new Mazda CX-30 for yourself. This family friendly, gorgeous SUV drives like a dream, which you’ll discover when you take your test drive. You can compare the features available on the different trim levels to find the perfect configuration to suit your needs and preferences. Then you can talk with our financing specialists about the available offers to find the right terms to fit your budget. Our friendly associates will help you through every step, from start to finish, ensuring that your experience is a pleasant one and that you get the right vehicle. We want you to drive away happy!