[roastpuff]

Shopped around for a new SUV not too long ago, so I'll put in my observations here:

The CX-5 Turbo (2019+) are very powerful - you won't have problems overtaking on the highway, and are very luxurious on the inside for the class. Space isn't as good as a RAV4, but adequate, and the safety package is pretty good. This is built on the platform before they gimped the Mazda 3 with the beam-axle rear, so handling was quite good for a compact SUV - the class leader in that price bracket.

Acura RDX 3rd gen (4-cyl turbo) - very good handling, especially in A-Spec trim with the SH-AWD. More expensive than the CX-5, but the interior is a bit commensurately nicer. The turbo is less peaky than the CX-5, so it doesn't quite feel as punchy but it's still very fast for a SUV, and the 10-speed makes for relaxed highway cruising thanks to the tall gears in 8/9/10. Lots and lots of space as it's on the CR-V platform - the trunk is huge, and the seats are nice. Acura Sensing is fine, works quite well. ELS Audio is really nice.

2nd gen RDX, the interior is meh and the infotainment is terrible. Space is on the smaller side in the class. I'd skip it unless you really wanted a Honda V6.

RAV4 Hybrid/Prime - basically what you observed. The interior is not great for the price -so much plastic - and you can't negotiate anything off them because the demand is so great. I didn't find it that comfortable to sit in, but the space is nice. Drives like meh.