Edmunds Tested the CX-50, CR-V & RAV4 Hybrids — Only ONE Passed
Daft Driver
13,152 views
🚨 Edmunds Tested the CX-50, CR-V & RAV4 Hybrids — Only ONE Passed
Edmunds put three of America's most popular hybrid SUVs through the same test: the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Same roads, braking tests, measurements, driving evaluation, fuel economy, technology, comfort, cargo space, and value.
All three promise roughly 40 MPG, all three target family buyers, and all three can put you around the $40,000 mark. But Edmunds found some major differences — and only one SUV ultimately earned the win.
🚙 The 3 hybrid SUVs tested:
🔵 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
A premium-looking interior, 219 horsepower, standard AWD, and sporty handling. But its heavier body affects acceleration, while rear-seat space, cargo capacity, ride firmness, and phone integration create some compromises.
🔴 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The strongest performer in Edmunds' driving evaluation, with excellent braking, comfortable handling, great visibility, the most rear legroom, and easy-to-use technology. But the hybrid is restricted to higher trims, making it significantly more expensive.
🟢 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The quickest and most fuel-efficient of the three in the test, with standard AWD and the lowest starting price. However, Edmunds criticized its braking feel, steering, engine noise, interior technology, and some aspects of passenger comfort.
🏆 So which one won?
The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid finished tied at 8.1, while the tested-generation RAV4 Hybrid scored 7.8.
Edmunds ultimately gave the win to the Honda CR-V Hybrid, based largely on its overall driving experience, braking performance, usability, rear-seat space, technology, and value considerations.
💰 But there's another part of this comparison that matters just as much: what you actually pay at the dealership.
We break down the CR-V Hybrid's trim strategy, the price difference between trims, the small real-world fuel-cost gap between these SUVs, KBB's five-year value projections, and the exact phrase you can use to ask for an out-the-door price without unnecessary add-ons.
⚠️ Important: The Edmunds testing discussed in this video applies to the specific model years and configurations evaluated. The RAV4 Hybrid discussed in the main comparison is the previous-generation model sold through 2025. Toyota redesigned the RAV4 for 2026, so don't automatically apply the older test results to the new model.
💬 Which one would you choose with $40,000?
Would you take the Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
If you own one of these SUVs, tell us your model year and real-world MPG in the comments.
👍 Subscribe for more independent SUV comparisons, hybrid testing, fuel economy, ownership costs, and car-buying advice before you walk into the dealership.
#Edmunds #CRVHybrid #CX50Hybrid #RAV4Hybrid #HybridSUV #HondaCRV #MazdaCX50 #ToyotaRAV4 #SUVComparison #CarBuying
13 Comments
Now, throw in limited supply on the Rav4 and dealers adding a market adjustment, then the CRV is very price competitive.
Edmunds Tested the CX-50, CR-V & RAV4 Hybrids — Only ONE Passed
Daft Driver
13,152 views
🚨 Edmunds Tested the CX-50, CR-V & RAV4 Hybrids — Only ONE Passed
Edmunds put three of America's most popular hybrid SUVs through the same test: the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Same roads, braking tests, measurements, driving evaluation, fuel economy, technology, comfort, cargo space, and value.
All three promise roughly 40 MPG, all three target family buyers, and all three can put you around the $40,000 mark. But Edmunds found some major differences — and only one SUV ultimately earned the win.
🚙 The 3 hybrid SUVs tested:
🔵 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
A premium-looking interior, 219 horsepower, standard AWD, and sporty handling. But its heavier body affects acceleration, while rear-seat space, cargo capacity, ride firmness, and phone integration create some compromises.
🔴 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The strongest performer in Edmunds' driving evaluation, with excellent braking, comfortable handling, great visibility, the most rear legroom, and easy-to-use technology. But the hybrid is restricted to higher trims, making it significantly more expensive.
🟢 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The quickest and most fuel-efficient of the three in the test, with standard AWD and the lowest starting price. However, Edmunds criticized its braking feel, steering, engine noise, interior technology, and some aspects of passenger comfort.
🏆 So which one won?
The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid finished tied at 8.1, while the tested-generation RAV4 Hybrid scored 7.8.
Edmunds ultimately gave the win to the Honda CR-V Hybrid, based largely on its overall driving experience, braking performance, usability, rear-seat space, technology, and value considerations.
💰 But there's another part of this comparison that matters just as much: what you actually pay at the dealership.
We break down the CR-V Hybrid's trim strategy, the price difference between trims, the small real-world fuel-cost gap between these SUVs, KBB's five-year value projections, and the exact phrase you can use to ask for an out-the-door price without unnecessary add-ons.
⚠️ Important: The Edmunds testing discussed in this video applies to the specific model years and configurations evaluated. The RAV4 Hybrid discussed in the main comparison is the previous-generation model sold through 2025. Toyota redesigned the RAV4 for 2026, so don't automatically apply the older test results to the new model.
💬 Which one would you choose with $40,000?
Would you take the Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, or the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
If you own one of these SUVs, tell us your model year and real-world MPG in the comments.
👍 Subscribe for more independent SUV comparisons, hybrid testing, fuel economy, ownership costs, and car-buying advice before you walk into the dealership.
#Edmunds #CRVHybrid #CX50Hybrid #RAV4Hybrid #HybridSUV #HondaCRV #MazdaCX50 #ToyotaRAV4 #SUVComparison #CarBuying