enjoys a reputation for building reliable vehicles and a loyal following like few other automakers. However, at least one critic ignored the entire lineup for the 2023 Editors’ Choice awards list. How does that happen?
Toyota’s 2023 SUV lineup
The 2023 Toyota SUV lineup includes the subcompact Corolla Cross, the best-selling RAV4, the all-new all-electric bZ4X, the full-size Sequoia, and more. In recent years, RAV4 has been a regular Editors’ Choice award list.
, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro, Kia Soul and Volkswagen Taos, with Car and Driver scores ranging from 9.5 to 8.5. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross earned a 7.5 in the scoring process due to its inadequate drivetrain and “bland interior.”
Compact SUV
Compact SUV segment winners include RAV4 rivals such as the Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, with scores ranging from 10 out of 10 to as low as 8.5.
The Honda CR-V’s perfect score included criticism for its lack of driving excitement and simply modest turbo engine acceleration. Additionally, reviewers called the base Tucson and Sportage engines “pokey” and scored the same 8.5 as the RAV4.
However, reviewers note that the compact Toyota RAV4 “is starting to show its age among more modern rivals.”
Electric SUV
Toyota’s all-new bZ4X electric SUV took on established rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4.
With the Ioniq 5 and EV6 both scoring perfect 10.0s, the Mach-E scoring 9.0, and the ID. 4 out of 8.5, bZ4X’s 7.5 out of 10 left him far behind the rest.
Reviewers did not appreciate paying extra for all-wheel drive or its limited “real-world range”, and found the regenerative braking too soft to allow for one-pedal driving.
Large SUVs
As a large SUV, the Toyota Sequoia’s competition includes 2023 Editors’ Choice winners such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon. Each rival received car and driver review scores of 8.5 thanks to robust engine offerings and refined driving manners.
Unfortunately, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia’s 7.5 out of 10 score fell short of the competition despite the model year facelift, which missed the mark on “practicality and driving verve.”
2023 Editors’ Choice Toyota Winners
While Toyota’s pickup line also failed to make the 2023 Editors’ Choice award list, other segments, such as the compact car, compact sports car, economy sports car, and sports car categories, included Toyota models.
For example, the Toyota Prius’ compact car competition included the Honda Civic with a score of 10.0 and the Mazda 3 with a score of 9.0, compared to the Prius’ 8.5. Similarly, Toyota’s GR line of sports cars performed well in Car and Driver tests. The , the affordable GR86 sports car and the GR Supra sports car all earned perfect scores of 10 out of 10, placing themselves firmly on the Car and Driver 2023 Editors’ Choice list.
