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The compact crossover SUV market has become one of the most competitive in the industry over the past few years. This segment offers us the size we want and the qualities we’re looking for in a variety of models. The leading sales model for the past few years has been the Honda CR-V and a model that’s been redesigned for the 2017 model year to give us a new generation of driving enjoyment is the Mazda CX-5. Let’s take a look at what these two bring to the market to make them the choices we’re going to want to consider.
Power and Efficiency
When you shop for a small SUV that’s going to work well for your family the first thing you want to consider is the power and efficiency you’ll have on the road. The new Mazda CX-5 uses the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that uses SkyActiv technology with 187 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque while being attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Honda CR-V is a bit more powerful at 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque while using a CVT automatic transmission. As for the fuel mileage, the CX-5 offers 23 city/29 hwy mpg while the CR-V brings you 27 city/33 hwy mpg.
Comfort and Driving Dynamics
Step into the cabin of the new CX-5 and you’re going to see an SUV that’s attractive and perfectly balanced to give you the drive you’re looking for and the cabin filled with quality materials. The ride is fun and active while never being stiff or jittery at all. The CR-V delivers a smooth and comfortable ride on the road giving a quality of what you want to enjoy when you get behind the wheel to be an SUV that is ideal for the family needs and activities.
Cargo and Passenger Space
The Honda CR-V is larger than the Mazda CX-5. The CR-V offers up 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with a cabin that can be expanded to 75.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The Mazda CX-5 shows up with 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and as much as 60 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The benefit in the CX-5 is the flexibility with the 40/20/40 rear seat split configuration to make it easier for you to bring people and cargo along at the same time.
Tech You’ll Love
As the newest member of the market, Mazda has the upper hand when it comes to the tech you’ll want to enjoy. The CX-5 offers you an updated adaptive cruise control, an excellent driver display and a variety of braking aids. The CR-V does bring in more upgrades than the past with the driving aids you want, but you can have a head-up display in the CX-5 which is not offered at all for the CR-V, giving the CX-5 the upper hand in this particular category.
The Verdict
Which one of these two SUVs should you choose for your driving needs? That depends on your priorities. The Mazda CX-5 offers you impressive styling, an unmatched interior quality and the driving dynamics that make it fun for you to enjoy on the road. The Honda CR-V brings more cargo space, an upper hand in efficiency and is considered an easy and effortless driving experience. Take your pick regarding the one that works right for you and you’ll be able to have the compact crossover SUV that makes driving better for you on the roads in your area.
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