There are many factors to consider when shopping for an SUV, but it's hard to underestimate the importance of the powertrain. The engine that powers your vehicle determines everything from how quickly you can accelerate on the highway to how many miles you can get per gallon of fuel, and even how much weight you can tow.

If you're thinking of finding a Toyota RAV4 for sale near Glasgow, you may be wondering how the 2026 model stacks up against the competition. Today, we'll put it head-to-head with the Mazda CX-50 to see which offers the best powertrain lineup.

Power

You don't need to be a thrill seeker to benefit from having a powerful engine. Being able to get from 0 to 60 mph quickly can come in handy when you're getting up to highway speeds on a major freeway like I-65 or when you need to pass a slow-moving vehicle on a two-lane country road. 

With enough power at your disposal, you'll be able to get that extra oomph in situations when you need it, giving you the confidence to tackle any situation, either at home in Glasgow or out in the wider world.

CX-50 Powertrain Overview

Mazda's powertrain lineup for the CX-50 isn't too shabby. The base SKYACTIVE-G I-4 produces up to 187 hp, while the optional turbocharged engine brings that figure up to 256 hp. Opting for the hybrid option puts you roughly in the middle, with 219 hp. 

This lineup is solid, but there's definitely room for improvement. To get more than 200 hp, you need to upgrade beyond the base engine, which means opting for a pricier trim level. For maximum horsepower, you need to choose the turbo-4, which is less fuel efficient than the base engine and far less efficient than the hybrid. It's clear that, to achieve solid power, some trade-offs are inevitable with the Mazda CX-50.

Enhanced Power in the 2026 RAV4

For the 2026 model year, Toyota dropped the gas powertrain from the current RAV4 lineup. However, in the 2025 model year, this engine produced up to 203 hp—more than Mazda's base gas engine—though it remains the least powerful option for the 2025 RAV4. The other powertrains for that model year are a traditional hybrid that produces up to 219 hp and a plug-in hybrid that produces up to 302 hp.

Fast-forward to the 2026 model, and this basic pattern still holds. Unlike the CX-50, the RAV4 bundles power and fuel efficiency together, giving you the best of both worlds as you upgrade. For the 2026 RAV4, both remaining powertrains have been retuned to deliver even more power.

Depending on your configuration, a RAV4 boasting the now-standard traditional hybrid powertrain can churn out up to 226 or 236 hp, besting the CX-50's hybrid option easily. 

Upgrade to the PHEV version, and you'll have a whopping 320 hp to play with, significantly more than what Mazda's turbo engine offers and without the downgrade in fuel economy. While a turbopowered CX-50 can go from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, a plug-in hybrid RAV4 can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy

Speaking of fuel economy, let's take a look at how efficient these SUVs are. Whether you're a commuter, a road trip lover, or just a person who doesn't like wasting time and money at the gas station, getting more miles per gallon can be a big benefit. Efficient vehicles are both good for your wallet and good for the planet, allowing everyone to breathe a little easier.

CX-50 Fuel Economy

As we've already mentioned, Mazda offers two non-hybrid powertrains and one hybrid option. The base engine has a combined EPA rating of 26 MPG, while the turbo engine is less efficient, achieving just 25 MPG. The only truly efficient option for this model is the hybrid powertrain, which delivers an impressive 38 MPG combined EPA rating. While Mazda offers plug-in hybrid options on several of its other models, it does not offer this choice on the CX-50.

RAV4 Hybrid Fuel Efficiency

Toyota has long been a leader in hybrid vehicle technology, so it's no surprise that it's switching some of its models over to all-hybrid lineups. These engine-motor combos are so smooth and fun to drive that there's no sense in sticking you with an engine that's less efficient and less powerful.

In comparison, the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid AWD models feature a rear electric motor for the Electronic On-Demand AWD system and offer impressive manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings. With front-wheel drive, the RAV4 has a combined rating of 44 MPG, and all-wheel drive ranges from 44 to 42 MPG, depending on trim. The HEV powertrain provides a combined rating of 42 MPG. The Woodland trim has a rating of 39 MPG. 

It's clear that the RAV4 outperforms the CX-50 across the board in EPA ratings. With its impressive fuel economy figures, the RAV4 delivers significantly better efficiency.

Plug-In Hybrid Advantage

The PHEV powertrain delivers just as impressive performance for fuel efficiency. Of course, a big benefit of this option is that you can charge it at home or at a mobile charging station, delivering power that doesn't require any expensive gasoline. Get in good charging habits, and you can enjoy a fantastic all-electric driving range of 52 miles.

With that kind of exceptional driving range, that means you might be able to handle just about all of your everyday driving around Glasgow. Charging up at home is generally cheaper and also more convenient, saving you a stop on your way home so you can enjoy more time doing what you love.

Towing Capacity

Compact SUVs don't have as much cargo space as larger models, but you can still bring bulky items along for the ride by hitching up a trailer. That is, if you have a decent towing capacity. Technically, the 2026 RAV4 and CX-50 have the same maximum capacity: 3,500 lbs. But looking into the details, you'll find a pretty big difference.

CX-50 Towing

The CX-50 only offers this towing capacity with the turbocharged engine, meaning you'll need to upgrade from the base model and accept a notable decrease in fuel economy to access it. The base engine has a maximum capacity of 2,000 lbs, while the hybrid can handle only up to 1,500 lbs.

RAV4 Towing

On the other hand, the RAV4 can tow 3,500 lbs with the base powertrain. That means the traditional hybrid setup, now standard fare, is both efficient and capable. While Mazda spreads some of its most desirable features across its powertrain options, Toyota offers a base powertrain that's well-rounded, with all the perks you need right in one place. This makes the RAV4 more versatile, ready for anything life might throw your way down the road.

The RAV4 Has the Power You Need

With a powertrain lineup that forces you to make sacrifices at every turn, the 2026 CX-50 just can't offer the same well-rounded benefits as the 2026 RAV4. With both brains and brawn combined, the Toyota compact SUV is refreshed and better than ever, now featuring a powertrain lineup with nothing holding it back.

Suppose this sounds like the perfect model for getting around Glasgow and beyond. Come and test drive the RAV4 here at Toyota of Bowling Green. We can't wait to show you this model in person—we're confident you'll love it even more as you get to know it.