10 2018 Mazda CX-5 Competitors to Consider

2018 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Mazda’s CX-5 compact crossover is among the best on the market. This SUV earns consistent praise for its driving dynamics, comfort, and utility. Powered by a 2.5-liter engine with 187 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, the five-passenger CX-5 is a benchmark vehicle.

However, when consumers evaluate a major purchase, they'll often want to compare several options to make sure they’re getting the right vehicle for their needs. To help fill out a competitive test-drive list, here are 10 compact crossover SUV alternatives to the CX-5. Each of these vehicles is comparable to the Mazda in terms of price, performance, and features. When making a test-drive list, these vehicles are all worthy of consideration.

2018 Nissan Rogue

Nissan’s Rogue crossover is always at or near the top in U.S. sales figures. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower, and Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission, with available AWD. Fuel economy is 25-26 mpg in the city and 32-33 mpg on the highway. The Rogue offers two-row seating for five passengers. Cargo capacity is 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat or 70 cubic feet with it folded down.

New for 2018, the Rogue offers optional Pro Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driver assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control and steering assistance. Nissan also provides Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard equipment. The Rogue is rated as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Photo by Nissan

2018 Toyota RAV4

Another top-selling crossover is Toyota’s RAV4. The RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine rated at 176 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with optional AWD. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 22-23 mpg city and 28-30 mpg highway. The RAV4 seats five passengers in two rows, with 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2018 RAV4 introduces a new Adventure trim option, which raises the ride height and includes special off-road inspired exterior trim such as a roof rack. The Adventure trim also includes a 120V power outlet in the cargo area and a towing package that supports pulling trailers up to 3,500 pounds.

Photo by Toyota

2018 Honda CR-V

Rounding out the Japanese Big Three, the Honda CR-V is a popular choice in compact SUVs. The CR-V comes with a standard 2.4-liter engine rated at 184 horsepower, or an optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower. Both engines are paired with Honda’s continuously variable transmission with optional AWD. The base engine returns 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the turbo delivers best-in-class 28/34 mpg.

The CR-V is a five-passenger crossover with a cargo capacity of 39 cubic feet behind the second row, and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Tech fans should note that the CR-V does not offer a touchscreen infotainment interface in the base trim, but it does include Bluetooth and one USB port.

Photo by Honda

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi offers two compact SUVs, including the established seven-passenger Outlander and the new-for-2018 five-passenger Eclipse Cross. The Eclipse Cross uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 152 horsepower mated to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy starts at 25-26 mpg city and 26-29 mpg highway. AWD is optional.

With its coupe-like design, the Eclipse Cross has 22.6 cubic feet of cargo area in the back, or up to 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, the Eclipse Cross also offers sliding and reclining functions in the rear seat, making the second row a more comfortable experience. The Eclipse Cross includes HD radio as standard equipment on all trims, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are optional.

Photo by Matt Landish

2018 Ford Escape

Ford’s Escape five-seat compact crossover is one of the most developed models in the SUV market. With a choice of engines including a base 2.5-liter at 168 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder at 179 horsepower, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost at 245 horsepower, the Escape is available with serious performance. All engine options come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. Fuel economy ranges from 20-23 mpg city up to 27-30 mpg highway.

For 2018, the Escape has a new SEL trim with leather upholstery, power liftgate, and advanced SYNC 3 infotainment. The Escape offers 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat or 67.8 cubic feet with the rear seat down.

Photo by Ford

2018 Kia Sportage

Kia’s popular Sportage offers 240 horsepower with its optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or 181 horsepower in the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic, and AWD is optional. The Sportage offers fuel economy of 20-23 MPG city and 23-30 MPG highway, based on the engine and driveline chosen.

For 2018, the Sportage comes in three trim levels, from the basic LX to the luxury SX Turbo. At the high end, the Sportage includes a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system. The Sportage offers 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Photo by Kia

2018 Subaru Forester

Subaru offers AWD as standard equipment on all SUVs. The Forester has a standard 2.5-liter flat-opposed four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower. The Forester is available with a six-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s LinearTronic continuously variable transmission. Depending on your engine and transmission choice, the Forester returns 22-26 mpg city and 27-32 MPG highway.

Subaru’s optional EyeSight system is available on the Forester and provides adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and, new for 2018, automatic reverse braking. Depending on the model, the Forester offers up to 34.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, and up to 74.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

Photo by Subaru

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen's Tiguan compact crossover offers three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. The Tiguan is fully redesigned for 2018, and it comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD is optional, and fuel economy is estimated at up to 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

With the third-row seat in use, the Tiguan has 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the third row down for 37.6 cubic feet, and 65.7 with all rear seats folded. You can get up to 73.5 cubic feet with the two-row Tiguan. Standard infotainment is a 6.5-inch touchscreen with support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and VW’s MirrorLink system.

Photo by Volkswagen

2019 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep has released the 2019 Cherokee crossover with many new features. The Cherokee is available with 271 horsepower from the optional 3.2-liter V6 engine, or 270 horsepower from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, or the base 2.4-liter engine at 180 horsepower. The Cherokee uses a nine-speed automatic transmission with optional AWD. The Cherokee returns 18-23 mpg city and 24-31 mpg highway. If you select the V6 engine, the Cherokee will tow up to 4,500 pounds.

New for 2019, the Cherokee features a standard 7-inch infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there’s an available hands-free liftgate. Cargo capacity is 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat or 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2018 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain was completely redesigned for 2018 and reflects GMC’s status as a premium SUV brand. The Terrain's engine options include a 137-horsepower turbodiesel, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower, or a 2.0-liter engine rated at 252 horsepower. The gasoline engines use a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel has a six-speed automatic. AWD is optional, and fuel economy ranges from 21-28 mpg city to 26-39 mpg highway. The highest fuel economy ratings come with the diesel, naturally.

With the redesign, the Terrain gets features like a fold-flat front passenger seat for hauling items up to 8 feet long, up to 63.3 cubic feet of cargo area with all seats folded, or 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat.

Photo by GMC