2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. Its Competition

8.0

/ 10

TCC Rating

How does the
TCC Rating work?

The TCC Rating is a clear numeric rating value based on a 10-point scale that reflects the overall opinion of our automotive experts on any vehicle and rolls up ratings we give each vehicle across sub-categories you care about like performance, safety, styling and more.

Our rating also has simple color-coded “Stop” (red), “Caution” (orange),
or “Go” (green) messages along with the numerical score so you can easily understand where we stand at a glance.

Our automotive experts then also collect and show you what other websites say about these different aspects of any vehicle. We do this leg work for you to simplify your research process.

Learn more about how we rate and review cars here.

Get FREE Price Quote
What’s this?

What’s this? X

Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

Feb 5, 2013

The 2014 Mazda CX-5, thanks to its stronger engine this year, now competes with some of the mainstays in the compact-crossover category, like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, as well as the new Toyota RAV4.

Compared to the Escape the CX-5 has a package that's essentially the same size, although it drives with a lighter, more athletic feel (it weighs a few hundred pounds less, too).

However the Ford 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 even see 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 Nissan Rogue is an unremarkable secondary player in the category.

Other entries in this large category include the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, and the pricier Volkswagen Tiguan.

2014 Mazda CX-5 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Chevrolet Equinox Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Escape Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Honda CR-V Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Nissan Juke Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Toyota RAV4 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
7.4 / 10 TCC Rating The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive, well-designed small crossover with great gas mileage, as well as a light, athletic driving experience.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a good, affordable choice for cost-conscious families, but it doesn't skimp on comfort, safety, or the latest connectivity features.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.	7.8 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Honda CR-V hits all the right marks for cost-conscious families—with its interior layout and safety ratings both best-in-class—although it doesn't feel as sprightly as former CR-V models.	7.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Nissan Juke is road candy, from its zippy powertrain to its wacky looks--but tight space and low real-world gas mileage leave an aftertaste.	7.4 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Toyota RAV4 excels at mass-market talents like gas mileage and interior room--but for turbocharged fun in a crossover, you'll have to look elsewhere.
MSRP From
$21,195	$24,225	$22,470	$22,795	$18,990	$23,300
Gas Mileage
24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Regular Unleaded I-4	Gas/Ethanol I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas Turbocharged I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility	Small Station Wagon	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
FWD 4-Door Manual Sport	FWD 4-Door LS	FWD 4-Door S	2WD 5-Door LX	5-Door Wagon CVT S FWD	FWD 4-Door LE (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	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Crossover	4 Door
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Continuously Variable Ratio	Automatic