Model Year | 2012 | 2007 | |
Model | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda Mazda5 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Minivan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 108.3 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 181.1 in | 181.5 in | -0.4 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 69.1 in | 2.4 in |
Height | 66.3 in | 64.2 in | 2.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3360 lb. | 3333 lb. | 27 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 40.7 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 55.5 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.8 in | 52.9 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 40.7 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.7 in | 39.4 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.3 in | 55.6 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 58.3 in | -5.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 35.2 in | 3.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.2 in | 37.1 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 52.6 in | 49.2 in | 3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 43.3 in | 40.9 in | 2.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 30.0 in | 30.7 in | -0.7 in |
Total Legroom | 110.1 in (over 3 rows) | 106.6 in (over 3 rows) | 3.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 12.3 ft3 | 11.3 ft3 | 1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 37.2 ft3 | 44.4 ft3 | -7.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.0 ft3 | 70.9 ft3 | 2.1 ft3 |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The first two generations of the Toyota RAVs were much smaller than contemporaneous Honda CR-Vs. More than perhaps any other difference this one probably explains Toyota's lack of segment leadership. The third-generation RAV4, introduced for the 2006 model year, was much larger, and finally about the same size as the Honda. The new RAV4's body is an inch lower, but also a few inches longer. Compared to the CR-V, it's 1.6 inches longer, an inch wider, and 0.7 inches taller. This translates to a slightly roomier interior, and probably the roomiest in the segment unless one includes the boundary-defying Santa Fe Sport, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I have nearly five inches of knee room in the Honda. Quite good, but I have seven inches in the new RAV4. Beyond sheer space, the RAV4's rear seat cushion is a comfortable height off the floor, and its rear seat back reclines over a relatively wide range. The Honda's rear seat back can be set in only two different positions that aren't far apart. Add a third passenger, though, and the rear seat no longer seems so roomy. My three kids aren't large, but they complained about the amount of room. The reason isn't hard to find: for some reason the new RAV4 only offers 48.8 inches of rear hip room. This is much better than the 43.3 inches in the 2012, but still well short of the 53.3 inches in the CR-V. So, while the RAV4 has the edge in knee room, the Honda easily wins a hip room comparison. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The drivers seat has a really long travel - I normally have the seat far back (5'11" with long legs) but I probably had 6 inches of travel further back I could have gone. The seat isn't overadjustable and not too hard to get into a comfortable position. The fake leather is a reasonable facsimile and has heated seats - would have to see how it does in the direct sun. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2013 | 4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room is pretty impressive and seating position is nice. Adjustable rake of the rear seat is a nice touch. Appears to have 3 car seat anchors. The rear seat appears to be the same size as, or maybe even larger than the original Highlander / RX300. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I'm about 6'3" and 220lbs so I get cramped on long trips. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I'm about 6'3" and 220lbs so I get cramped on long trips. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
back seat is hard, not much leg room see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
One of the smallest vehicles with seating for 6. Going to a full size minivan removes the option for a manual transmission, severely reduces visibility and adds too much weight. SUVs are just way too big see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Space for two kids or adult to sit comfortably - elderly father sits up straight and can access easily with sliding doors. Pop up seats deal with short term travel with friends/teammates. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Ample space for such a small exterior. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
3rd row in a "car" is nice - we always have the occasional 3rd or 4th child and like that they are somewhat temporarily available. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats fit adults or kids in car seats adequately, especially for an economy car. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tons of rear seat room, and the second row seats can slide back/forth and recline. Third row is reserved for small children, however. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The rear doors are the sliding type, which is the most practical (and brilliant) type of rear doors for children. I also like the fact that the middle seats recline and slide, they have storage under the cushions, and a third row of usable seating! see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great, height adjustable driver seat, with good lumbar support. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Second row seats have lots of room, can slide fore and aft, and can recline. The passenger seats up in a chair-like posture, with great support for thighs. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Can easily and comfortably seat six (6!) adults in a small package with storage space remaining. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
With the seat all back, there is not much room for anyone over six feet tall. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight fit once the front seats are slid back. Third row is useless if the second row is slid back. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |