You’re missing my point handling is on the bottom of the list of wants in a car for the vast majority of people buying cars. Most people buy a cuv/suv for more room for kids, camping, carrying more goods, people etc. It’s just a better vehicle for most people. I’ve always had fun cars as a dd and I never felt like the rav 4 was bad handling wise. Handles very flat and feels more confident than my Saab 9-2x on turn in.

Because 99% of people don’t care about an engaging drive and new cuv’s handle way better than a normal sedan from 10 years ago anyways. The limit of grip is still way higher than most people will ever get to. I’ve always driven older enthusiast cars and I couldn’t believe how well my wifes new rav4 handles compared to my old cars.