Skip to main content

The small SUV vehicle segment is one of the most competitive segments in the industry. The RAV4 has dominated its segment in recent years. There are plenty of newer small SUV nameplates that challenge the Toyota RAV4. Time for 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Mazda CX-50.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is predictably practical and affordable

A white 2023 Toyota RAV4 small SUV is driving off-road.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 is popular because it’s affordable to most consumers and gets the job done as a small family SUV. The RAV4 has ample cabin and cargo space. It also has decent fuel economy.

Toyota’s small SUV has been around for decades. Consumers have decided that the RAV4 provides the most value for the money in recent years. Factor in its reliability, and it’s easy to see why the small SUV has become a staple in its segment.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 starts at $27,975. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is making waves in its segment

A red 2023 Hyundai Tucson small SUV is parked.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

The Tucson nameplate received a significant redesign in 2022. Since then, the Hyundai Tucson has become a true force to be reckoned with in the small SUV space. Its futuristic exterior design and refined cabin make it one of the best options on the market.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson starts at $26,700. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

U.S. News & World Report praises the Hyundai Tucson for its many standard features and fuel economy. It comes in five different trim levels, and Hyundai produces a hybrid version as well.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is disrupting small SUV rankings

The Mazda CX-5 has been near the top of rankings in recent years. The CX-50 is a larger version of the CX-5 small SUV that brings something new to the table.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 starts at $27,550. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-50 gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Mazda CX-50 is fun to drive and has a refined cabin. The nameplate is very new, but it has the potential to make a huge impact on its vehicle segment in the years to come.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Mazda CX-50

A blue 2023 Mazda CX-50 small SUV is parked outdoors.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 | Mazda

Now that we’ve established some background on the small SUVs, which is the best to get? The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is the most affordable option. The RAV4 is the most popular option and has the longest reliability history. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is the best choice for drivers with a taste for the finer things because of its lavish interior.

Toyota’s small SUV is still the safest bet for long-term ownership. The Tucson is a nameplate that is rapidly growing in popularity and serves as a great alternative to more popular small SUVs. The Mazda CX-50 still needs to prove itself reliable as a new nameplate, but it’s an exciting model to watch over the next few years.

Related

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Has 1 Major Downside