The newly redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4, which is offered solely as a hybrid, has been a sensational hit. While it's good for Toyota's bottom line, the high demand that exceeds supply means a potential for lost sales and, of course, frustrated customers. Well, we can't blame you, since the RAV4 this time around looks so much more interesting than before, not to mention high-tech, too.But what if you don't have the patience anymore? What if you want a hybrid crossover SUV now at a similar price point to the RAV4, but with a slightly higher chance of even getting a discount? You see, with the RAV4's high demand, there's no way you'll be getting a discount on one. With the SUV I'm about to recommend, though, there are ongoing offers that could sweeten the deal. And then finally, this model shares quite a lot with the RAV4. But First, Why Is The RAV4 So Popular? Isaac Atienza | TopSpeedToyota redesigned the RAV4 for 2026, and while it may still use the previous model's TNGA-K platform, it didn't carry over unchanged. Besides, from the way the vehicle looks inside and out, you wouldn't even be able to tell that its fundamental chassis isn't new. Software-Defined Experience Is Standard Isaac Atienza | TopSpeed For me, one of the key highlights of the new RAV4 is its new Arene OS, which is their first true software-defined vehicle (SDV) electronics architecture. Like any SDV-class vehicle, the new RAV4 finally has Tesla-like software seamlessness with its over-the-air (OTA) capabilities. This lets the new RAV4 stay relevant and interesting due to being able to receive new features throughout its lifetime. This is part of Toyota’s plan of lengthening product cycles, and it is betting on long software support to keep its vehicles interesting despite featuring hardware with longer shelf lives.Toyota Now, let’s talk about the core software experience, because, to me, it is the best software among Japanese brands to date. The interface responses in the 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as the standard-fit 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, are snappy. The graphical user interface is also brilliantly structured, while the design, in my opinion, is pleasantly flat and minimalist. Unlike the new CX-5, this is Toyota’s own work, whereas Mazda utilized the Google Android Automotive OS (completely unrelated to the Android Auto smartphone integration), but with their interface design baked in. And So Is Interesting Design Isaac Atienza | TopSpeed Design is highly subjective, but to me, Toyota has done an excellent job with the new RAV4’s design. I particularly like how blunt yet sleek the Hammerhead front end looks, with its C-shaped LED headlights (though the daytime running lights on all but the XSE and Limited are merely the main headlights in low beam). Go for the Woodland, and you get a squared-off front grille and rugged wheels, while the plug-in hybrid-exclusive GR Sport gives the RAV4 a truly sporty look.Toyota Likewise, the interesting design carries over to the interior. There are plenty of square-shaped details that aren’t just pleasing to the eyes, but they also improve the interior space utilization through the addition of shelves, cubbyholes, and even a multi-function center console bin that features a double hinge and a reversible cover. Like its exterior, the interior of the RAV4 has three themes and varying levels of premium feel, depending on the price point. The Woodland goes for an interior with orange highlights, while the plug-in hybrid-exclusive GR Sport gets red trimmings and a serving of GR badges. Can’t Wait For The RAV4? Consider The CX-50 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Front Three Quarter shot parked on the roadFor a slightly higher price tag before discounts, you may want to consider the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. The higher starting price is mostly due to the standard all-wheel drive (AWD), but spec-for-spec, the CX-50 isn’t too far off from the new RAV4. It Has A Toyota Heart William Clavey | TopSpeed The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is assembled at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in Alabama as a joint venture between the two brands. That joint venture has also carried over to the CX-50, because this hybrid crossover SUV gets the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS IV) from the previous RAV4. As a result, driving dynamics-wise, you get Toyota’s robust but not exactly dynamic 2.5-liter hybrid system, along with Mazda’s sporty handling feel—with a slight catch.You see, when Mazda develops a vehicle, it takes handling and chassis into account when designing the drivetrain. By utilizing the THS IV, it also loses Mazda’s signature G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+), which is their version of torque vectoring by braking. Every Mazda has this feature, which gives its vehicles neutral, predictable handling, but in the CX-50 Hybrid, it was removed because GVC+ also works in tandem with an in-house Mazda drivetrain. While this reduces the CX-50’s signature sportiness, it doesn’t eliminate it, as you’ll see later. Starts At $34,750 Mazda The RAV4’s base price of $31,900 is indeed lower than the CX-50’s $34,750, but if you compare their specs, the CX-50 is more closely matched to the RAV4 SE instead of the base LE. Also, the CX-50 gets electronic AWD as standard, but that’s an optional extra for models below the Woodland.What will perhaps tempt you to get the CX-50, apart from the long wait times for the RAV4, is the higher chance of getting discounts or more attractive financing rates. Depending on when you’re reading this, the CX-50 Hybrid currently has an available 1.9 percent APR for 36 months or a $2,500 Customer Cash (aka a discount) when paying the CX-50 Hybrid in full. Good luck getting discounts on a RAV4, though. In fact, due to the high demand and low supply, you might end up with the exact opposite—a dealer adding a markup instead. What To Expect In A Mazda CX-50 William Clavey | TopSpeed If you’ve reached this far into the article, you’re probably highly interested in the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid already. With that in mind, here’s what this vehicle offers in terms of driving feel and ownership. Thankfully, our team has reviewed the CX-50 Hybrid in Premium Plus form, and spoiler alert, it's a well-balanced and sporty hybrid SUV. Mazda Handling, Toyota Heart William Clavey | TopSpeed The CX-50 Hybrid is a very interesting vehicle, because if you want a sporty hybrid compact crossover, this will be your other choice apart from the Honda CR-V Hybrid. First, let’s talk about what’s sporty about it. As you would expect, the CX-50, even with the loss of GVC+, still handles well. The steering is weighty and precise with a good amount of feel, while the suspension’s damping is firm enough to resist roll, whilst not being too crashy when going over road imperfections.As for the least sporty part, that sporty handling is tied to a Toyota hybrid drivetrain that emits a lot of engine droning. The planetary gear e-CVT delivers excellent efficiency, but don’t expect a linear, audible experience with the characteristic engine droning of a THS IV hybrid system. On the upside, it is an extremely robust hybrid drivetrain, one that will easily last beyond 10 years. Premium Interior But Less Space William Clavey | TopSpeed In typical Mazda fashion, the interior of the CX-50 is a treat to the eyes and the senses. While the RAV4’s interior will impress you with its square-shaped design motif and sophisticated Arene OS software, it doesn’t match the premium and upmarket feel of the CX-50. Almost every surface is covered in soft-touch padding or leather and leatherette surfaces, while the partly digital gauge cluster blends well with the analog dials. Even a panoramic sunroof is standard in the base CX-50, which you wouldn’t even get in a RAV4 until you go for the top trims. 2026 Mazda CX-50 And 2026 Toyota RAV4 Spec Comparison Unfortunately, interior space isn't the CX-50's strong suit. It isn't the worst, though, but the hybrid system did reduce the rear legroom of the CX-50 somewhat. Still, with a total interior volume of 97 cubic feet versus the RAV4's 98.9 cubic feet, it isn't too far off. Then again, with a standard panoramic sunroof, the CX-50's interior is bathed with light, versus the RAV4, while opting for the range-topping Premium Plus adds a great-sounding Bose sound system that sets the mood.Sources: Toyota, Mazda, The EPA, iSeeCars
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