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The compact crossover SUV segment has grown exponentially in recent years. From the incredibly popular Toyota RAV4 to the wildly affordable Chevrolet Trax, there seems to be a crossover for everyone’s needs. With all of these options, it can be tough to decide which crossover SUV is the best for you and your family. However, one compact crossover SUV has a seemingly unjustified high price tag. Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Honda CR-V and why its price tag is way too high for what it offers compared to comparable crossovers like the Mazda CX-5.

Why is the CR-V more expensive than the CX-5?

On paper, there is no reason why the Honda CR-V should be more expensive than the Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles offer a wide array of standard features, but the Honda CR-V starts at a much higher price point for seemingly no reason.

Over time Honda has indeed developed a reputation for dependability and reliability. Mix this reputation with the fact that it is incredibly affordable to fix these cars if anything goes wrong, and the Honda CR-V sounds like a great vehicle, but not at its current price point.

2023 Honda CR-V: price, specs, and features

A 2023 Honda CR-V driving down a desert road.
2023 Honda CR-V | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

According to U.S. News, the 2023 Honda CR-V starts at $31,610 for the base EX model. It is also available in a four-wheel drive EX model, as well as a top-of-the-line EX-L model, which is also available with optional four-wheel drive. Every model found in the 2023 Honda CR-V lineup has the same 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, making just under 200 hp. With this engine, consumers can expect to get around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX base model comes standard with heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth audio, a 7-inch color touch screen, power sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and cross-traffic alert.

2023 Mazda CX-5: price, specs, and features

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at $26,700. The base S model has four-wheel drive and a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With this engine set up, drivers can expect to get around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a backup camera, adaptive cruise control, keyless start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a remote trunk release, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Regarding safety, the Mazda CX-5 has a blind-spot monitoring system, a lane departure warning system, a lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traction control, emergency automatic braking, electronic stability control, and, as previously mentioned, standard four-wheel drive.

The Mazda CX-5 has received rave reviews from nearly every single automotive media outlet. With the Mazda CX-5 getting such great reviews, it is a no-brainer that you may want to look into a Mazda CX-5 before considering a Honda CR-V.

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2023 Mazda CX-5 Offer the Best Bang for the Buck, According to U.S. News