The 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Toyota RAV4 are expected to hit dealerships in the next few weeks. The race to sell the most small SUVs is on. Plenty of attention is on the RAV4 because it usually leads in sales. The CR-V is making headlines because of its bold new redesign. The Tucson is positioned well for 2023 because of last year’s redesign. What about the Mazda CX-5?

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has an advantage over the 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 may not get as much attention as the CR-V, but it’s still competing for best small SUV. The CX-5’s design language is still considered modern and competitive. In fact, the nameplate has been a standout in its vehicle segment because it’s usually more refined than its competitors. The CX-5 may not be redesigned for the 2023 model year, but it has an upscale cabin and comes with plenty of great standard tech.

The huge advantage that the CX-5 has over the 2023 CR-V is affordability. The redesigned CR-V may be more appealing than ever before, but it’s also more expensive than ever before.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Honda CR-V starts at $31,110. The EX trim is now the base trim. The 2023 CX-5 starts at just $26,700 for the base 2.5 S trim. That’s a price difference of a whopping $4,410. The CX-5 is known for providing great value for the money. Its 2.5 S Select Package and 2.5 S Preferred Package are both more affordable than the 2023 Honda CR-V EX. Even the CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition is slightly more affordable.

Buyers can get more standard features for the money by choosing the 2023 Mazda CX-5 over the 2023 Honda CR-V and still save money. The more affordable 2.5 S Preferred Package comes standard with a power-sliding glass moonroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather-trimmed seats. It also comes with heated front seats, advanced keyless entry, and push-button start.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 brings the value

When it comes to value, most competitors just aren’t touching the Mazda CX-5. The small SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 includes a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear selector, and push-button start. It comes with power side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and hill-launch assist as well.

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-5 the best new small SUV for the money?

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is certainly one of the best new small SUVs for the money because of its long list of standard features. It’s incredibly refined for its price, and its base model competes against upper trim level models.

The CX-5 provides even more value at higher trim levels, and many of its trim levels are more affordable than the base models of rivals. The 2023 CX-5 will compete with the redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage, another small SUV that provides plenty of value for the money. Many consumers will choose the CX-5 over the new 2023 Honda CR-V simply because Mazda’s small SUV comes with better standard features (and a larger infotainment system) for a more affordable price.

Read more about the 2023 Kia Sportage in the next article below.