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The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the world. Drivers worldwide love the RAV4 because it is the ideal small family SUV. Just because it’s more popular than rivals doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice in its segment. Here are three SUVs to consider over the best-selling SUV in the world.

The Honda CR-V is a great RAV4 alternative

A gray 2023 Honda CR-V small SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

Honda’s small SUV has been around since 1995. The CR-V has competed with the RAV4 for decades in a battle that isn’t likely to end anytime soon. The Honda CR-V is one of the Toyota RAV4’s main rivals. Both small SUVs have earned the admiration of millions of drivers across the globe.

One of the reasons why some choose the Honda CR-V over the RAV4 is because of the CR-V’s history of reliability. Both small SUVs are dependable, but many automotive publications claim that Honda’s small SUV offers superior reliability. A well-maintained Honda CR-V can last for over 250,000 miles or 17 years of ownership. The RAV4 should last for over 200,000 miles or 14 years.

The Honda CR-V is often praised for its ride quality and driving dynamics. Honda redesigned its small SUV for the 2023 model year, giving it a huge edge over the 2023 RAV4. The 2023 Honda CR-V is Kelley Blue Book’s compact SUV best buy of 2023. It got a perfect overall score from Car and Driver. Watch out, Toyota, Honda has its sights set on the best small SUV position.

The Hyundai Tucson checks all the boxes

South Korean automaker Hyundai has been killing the game recently in the SUV vehicle class. Hyundai Motor Company and its Kia and Genesis brands are producing some of the best SUV models on the market. The Kia Telluride is making major waves in the midsize SUV segment. The Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are making huge impacts in their respective segments. Hyundai’s small SUV, the Tucson, competes at the highest level in the most competitive vehicle segment.

The Tucson competes against the RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, and more popular small SUVs. The Tucson’s 2022 redesign made it even more appealing.

Hyundai’s small SUV is affordable and provides great value for the money because of its long list of standard features. The 2023 RAV4 costs $1,075 more than the Tucson. The Toyota RAV4 may be more popular than the Tucson for now, but the South Korean SUV has plenty of potential. Car and Driver praises its upper trim levels and modern styling.

The Mazda CX-50 has a bright future

The Mazda CX-5 has made a huge impact on its vehicle segment as one of the most refined options for the money. The CX-50 is a larger Mazda SUV model that’s designed to be more rugged than the CX-5.

The Mazda CX-50 has a bright future in its vehicle segment because it has the potential to eclipse its popular predecessor, the Mazda CX-5. The CX-50 isn’t just classy. It’s also fun to drive and affordable. Mazda’s new small SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also has a turbocharged engine option.

The Toyota RAV4 may be the world’s most popular SUV for the moment, but it can be overtaken in 2023. Toyota’s small SUV is legendary. That being said, it’s not infallible. The RAV4 is just about due for a redesign. Is Toyota’s small SUV solidified as the top dog in its vehicle segment, or is it time for the small SUV to be dethroned?

In the comment section below, let us know your thoughts on the RAV4’s popularity.

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