2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. Its Competition

2021 Mazda CX-5
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

There’s a crossover for just about everyone.

If performance and frugality are high on your list, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid offers great acceleration and fuel economy.

If space isn’t crucial, look to the right-priced Volvo XC40, which charms at every opportunity.

Ford’s new Escape looks and feels more like a car than before, which may appeal to sedan defectors.

The Subaru Forester doesn’t ace any category, but it does everything well above average.

It’s a winner in our eyes.

VW’s spacious Tiguan feels a little like the Rubbermaid of crossovers — it’s utilitarian with little personality, but it works really well.

2021 Mazda CX-52021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Ford Escape2021 Ford Escape
2021 Subaru Forester2021 Subaru Forester
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime2021 Toyota RAV4
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volvo XC402021 Volvo XC40
Quick Specs
6.7
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 crossover has some priorities out of order; it doles out fine handling while it delivers a skimpy back seat.
7.0
The 2021 Ford Escape is the softer side of the Blue Oval’s small crossover 1-2 combo.
6.8
A recent Best Car To Buy winner, the 2021 Subaru Forester notches big wins in utility and safety as one of our most recommended crossover SUVs.
6.5
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the meat-and-potatoes crossover for many buyers; the RAV4 Prime supplies the all-electric range.
6.2
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is spacious and comfortable, and also the league-leader in modesty,
7.0
The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a high-personality compact crossover with plenty of features for the money.
MSRP From     
$25,370$25,555$24,795$26,350$25,245$33,700
Gas Mileage     
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
Sport FWDS FWDCVTLE FWD (SE)2.0T S FWDT4 FWD Momentum
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555575
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Ford Escape2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Subaru Forester2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Toyota RAV42021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Volvo XC40