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.
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 2014 Mazda CX-5Browse Used Listings |  2014 Chevrolet EquinoxBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Nissan JukeBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive, well-designed small crossover with great gas mileage, as well as a light, athletic driving experience. |
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is every bit as solid, spacious, and well-equipped as cost-conscious families could expect -- and far more quiet and refined than many other models without a luxury badge. |
With authentically athletic looks and performance balancing out good passenger space, cargo versatility, and loads of high-tech features, the 2014 Ford Escape is attractive to a wide range of buyers. |
The 2014 Honda CR-V isn't exactly sprightly, but it nails efficiency on a few levels and finally brings more features to the family-wagon fight. |
The 2014 Nissan Juke is part oddball, part exotic, and part awesomely different (although not all that practical) small car. |
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is sensible and spacious; but if driving fun is a priority, you can do better. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $21,395 | $24,440 | $23,100 | $23,120 | $19,170 | $23,550 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 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 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small Station Wagons | Small SUV 2WD |
| 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 (GS) |
| 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 | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2014 Chevrolet Equinox | 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2014 Ford Escape | 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2014 Honda CR-V | 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2014 Nissan Juke | 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2014 Toyota RAV4 | |
