Toyota Rav 4 sold more than 400,000 units in 2022 to become the best-selling SUV in America. Additionally, Toyota sold 1,132,000 RAV4s internationally, making it the best-selling car in the world. You might imagine that the title of the most valuable compact SUV goes to the model that has the most sales; But it is not. Even with its huge sales, Rav 4 could not win the title of the most valuable compact SUV. This title went to another Japanese compact SUV, the Mazda CX-5.
Which model is the most valuable compact SUV?
According to the American publication News and World Report, the most valuable compact SUV in 2023 is the Mazda CX-5.
CX-5 with a starting price of slightly more than 26,000 dollars, has been considered a direct competitor of Toyota Rav 4 for years; However, it has a sportier look than its rival.
Of course, the CX-5’s sales figures are much lower than the Rav 4, and according to its manufacturer, only 151,594 copies of it were sold in the United States last year.
Why Mazda CX-5 is a good compact SUV?
The American publication has mentioned some of the strengths of the Mazda CX-5, especially its good performance, excellent handling and instant acceleration. It’s no surprise that Mazda has set itself apart from big rivals like Toyota by emphasizing sporty driving dynamics. Even compact crossovers like the CX-5 have firmer suspension settings and better steering than rivals like the Rav4.
Most Mazda models in recent years are among the low-end and luxury versions. The new CX-5 is no exception to this rule and has a more beautiful appearance than its competitors. At the same time, Mazda offers this model with a lower base price than the Toyota RAV4, which plays an important role in CX-5 winning the title of the most valuable compact SUV.
Is Mazda CX-5 better than Toyota RAV4?
The Mazda CX-5 offers a combination of sporty performance, great design and a fair price that is unique in the compact SUV segment; But this does not mean its overall superiority over Toyota Rav 4.
In contrast, the Rav 4 performs better in addressing a wider range of driver needs. This car is available in three different versions, one of which is the popular Rav 4 Prime plug-in hybrid version. Its interior is spacious and practical, and its aggressive design style is popular among off-road enthusiasts.
In the end, it should be said that while the CX-5 can be considered the most valuable compact SUV, it is the Toyota RAV4 that is the best-selling compact SUV in the world.
