
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive and modern crossover with great handling and surprising space, but sluggish acceleration. |
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. |
After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance. |
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. |
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. |
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 | |||||
$20,995 | $24,225 | $22,470 | $22,795 | $18,990 | $23,300 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
25 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 | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Turbocharged I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 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 (SE) |
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 | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Crossover | 4 Door |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox | 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Ford Escape | 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Honda CR-V | 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Nissan Juke | 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2013 Toyota RAV4 |