In the hotly contested compact crossover SUV segment, the CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are the leading choices. Both vehicles are solid choices, but the 2023 Mazda has one huge selling point over the 2023 Toyota RAV4: better driving dynamics.
2023 Mazda CX-5 has better driving dynamics than 2023 Toyota RAV4
There are various reasons for choosing a specific compact SUV model, be it the style, available features and technologies, reliability, safety, interior space and comfort. Another is driving dynamics, and on that front, the 2023 CX-5 is better than the 2023 Toyota RAV4.
, the CX-5 offers the nimble handling and ride quality of compact SUVs that cost twice as much. No other mainstream compact SUV comes close to matching its premium driving dynamics, including the RAV4.
The CX-5 also has “composed cornering and precise steering”. Also, there is minimal road, and the damping has a good balance of not being too “stiff nor floaty.” There is also safe braking. Plus, you don’t need to drive the CX-5 too hard to experience all of these driving capabilities.
The 2023 CX-5 offers a more powerful engine than the standard 2023 RAV4 model
Another thing contributing to the 2023 Mazda CX-5’s impressive driving dynamics is its available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mated to a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, it puts out 256 horsepower and 320 horsepower lb-ft of torque. It’s also lively for the compact SUV, with a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds.
By comparison, the 2023 RAV4 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing just 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 mph time is 7.8 seconds. While the RAV4 offers a more powerful and faster (and much more expensive) Prime plug-in hybrid model, for the standard fully gas-powered model, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the only option.
More ways the Mazda CX-5 is better than the Toyota RAV4
There are other ways the 2023 is better than the 2023 RAV4. All CX-5 models come standard with an all-wheel drive system that improves traction. However, for RAV4, all-wheel drive is optional, so you have to pay extra.
Another plus is more space for passengers. Both compact SUVs seat up to five people, but the CX-5 has a total passenger volume of 104 cubic feet, compared to 98.9 cubic feet in the . This extra space is most evident in the rear seats, with 39.6 inches of rear legroom in the CX-5 and 37.8 inches in the RAV4. Additionally, the CX-5’s cabin is more sophisticated than the RAV4.
Also, the CX-5 is more affordable. It has a starting price of $26,700 MSRP, compared to $27,975 MSRP for the RAV4.
With its improved driving dynamics, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a huge selling point over the 2023 Toyota RAV4. When choosing between the two compact crossovers, superior driving dynamics is an important factor to consider.
