2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. Its Competition
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Mazda says the 2013 CX-5 will compete with the mainstays of the compact crossover category.
Those include the popular Ford Escape—entirely redesigned for 2013—and the new 2012 Honda CR-V.
We haven’t driven the Escape, so we can’t comment on its handling, but the most efficient of its three four-cylinder engines will likely go head-to-head with the CX-5 on fuel economy—and it offers a few unique features, including a hands-free power tailgate and the MyFordTouch voice and touch-screen control system.
The restyled CR-V has a new and nifty fold-down rear seat, and slightly higher gas mileage, but is no longer the front-runner it used to be—and the same applies to the Chevrolet Equinox, which may have the most stylish interior.
Some buyers may view the all-wheel drive Nissan Juke as a CX-5 competitor; while it handles well and has a very nice interior, it’s only a subcompact.
The unremarkable Nissan Rogue, a secondary player in the category, might be a more logical competitor.
Other entries in this large category include the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, and the pricier Volkswagen Tiguan.
While the CX-5 is a strong competitor to all of these, Mazda admits that its challenge is simply to get on buyers’ radar for the category in the first place.
 2013 Mazda CX-5Get FREE Price Quote |  2013 Ford EscapeGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Chevrolet EquinoxGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Honda CR-VGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Nissan JukeGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Toyota RAV4Get FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive and modern crossover with great handling and surprising space, but sluggish acceleration. | After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance. | A versatile layout, impressive performance, good ride comfort, and reasonable pricing all add up to make the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox a strong value—and a good pick for small families. | The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. | Scant room and lousy gas mileage probably don't even matter--if you're into the 2012 Nissan Juke's crazy styling, you'll probably love its zingy powertrain and its dino-skin cockpit. | The 2012 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, refined choice for families, even though some of its design might be a blast from the past. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $20,995 | $22,470 | $23,530 | $22,495 | $19,990 | $22,650 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Turbocharged I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | Small Station Wagon | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4dr Man Sport | FWD 4dr S | FWD 4dr LS | 2WD 5dr LX | 5dr Wagon CVT S FWD | FWD 4dr I4 (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door Crossover | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | CVT | Automatic w/OD |
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