2013-2014 Compact Crossover Shootout: Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and More

Price, content, fuel economy and style: Which compact crossover has it all?
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AutoGuide reviews the latest new cars with test drives, car comparisons and shootouts plus coverage of breaking auto industry news, auto shows, rumors and spy photos. Help shop for your new car with informative car buying tips and car recall news, and be entertained with feature stories, Top 10s and car review videos.

[@sebastianmercado6009]

I'll go with the Mazda CX-5 since I already have a 2015 Mazda CX-5 myself. It drives good and just love the look and the quality of the car.

[@getore100]

It frustrates me to no end: virtually all of these reviews leave out which is to me the most important factor: RELIABILITY. I dont care about radio, ergonomics, handling if it will fall apart after driving it 20kmiles. That should be THE HIGHEST factor to consider.

[@jwsmi]

Tbf it's kinda hard to test that with new cars lol

[@getore100]

@@jwsmi That is true but there is such a thing as predicted reliability based on prior models. But you are correct.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

I’ll fix that for ya! TOYOTA

[@masoyoes]

that or honda, subaru is pretty good as well

[@tyrikferron339]

@@NoName-tz5ji mazda and toyota have been the top two most reliable (considering toyota and mazda are partnered after mazda split with ford) followed by lexus, honda subaru, and surprisngly buick. Consumer reports listed mazda as #1 and toyota as #2 in 2020. 2022 mazda was #2 and toyota was #3

[@josephboot1]

What does styling have to do with anything? That's a matter of taste, reviewers should leave their opinions about whether a vehicle is appealing or not.

[@robertstewart1254]

I agree, If they had taken their opinions on looks out of the mix, the rankings would have been much different. And in the Mitsubishi's case, other than the much larger Hyundai, it was the only one with a V6 (unless I missed where they said another one did too), so of course its mileage was not as good. If they had used a 4 cyl Outlander in the test, its price would have been much lower, and mileage much higher. They even commented on how it was nearly identical in scores with the Forrester. So if the playing field was leveled a bit more, The Outlander would have maybe come in 2nd. Oh, they did not mention the stellar 10yr/100,000 mile warranty with the Mitsubishi. I currently own a 2003 Outlander with 200,000 miles on it (still on original timing belt). So I pick value and longevity over style any day. I'm not taking anything from the Forrester, as I know they are also very good. I'm only saying reviews like this seem to always be slanted again the Mitsubishi.

[@gustavojoseperezlopez2928]

Robert Stewart I agree with you.

[@isaiahayers1550]

@@robertstewart1254 I had a 2013 Outback with the exact same engine as the Forester and overall extremely similar vehicles, and after 120k miles it completely fell apart. First the head gasket blew (super common in Subarus as it turns out) which costed me $4,000 to repair (cheapest I could find anywhere) and then a few weeks later the engine was just done for. Overheating, then losing oil pressure, flakes of metal in the dipstick, then wouldn't even turn over. Needed an engine replacement which was way too expensive. Bought a Subaru thinking they were good quality and cheap to work on but neither turned out to be true.

[@carlospereira3504]

I think you guys are the only reviewers with some common sense from the 5 different reviews i just watched.

[@AshleyHolms]

I'm totally disagree with your ranking buddy.....

[@alanmudd5069]

This was a fantastic review video, guys - very useful! Too bad you couldn't get the Escape.

[@dentfit1]

God... Stop putting santa fe next to other compact SUVs!!!!! Santa fe is a mid sized SUV, not a compact one! There is Tuscon from the same company and THAT is a compact suv.. Jeeez.... SO many pseudo-experts out there making videos that don't even study line ups of auto companies....!!

[@markwilliams6378]

dentfit1 Actually the Tuscon is considered subcompact along with the Mitsubishi outlander sport, the Kia sportage and Kia soul .There are two Santa Fe's , the five seater and the 7 seater . The latter being the mid size

[@FloridaPlayzYT]

The sport is compact the Santa Fe is mid zide

[@oleg.helgwar]

Totally agree. There should have been ix35/Tucson instead of Santa Fe.

[@jamesmcanally2675]

Yet another great video guys; keep it up!

[@soloflight1975]

Top 4 best sellers so far for 2014 are the honda crv, ford escape, toyota rav4 and chevy equinox so i think if the consumer decides these 4 are the winners

[@Fijihappenings]

Toyota Rav 4 all the way. Will run for many years without major issues, cheap maintenance, spare parts readily available, good resale value and many more advantages.

[@sebastianmercado6009]

We did an oil change on a 2017 Toyota Rav4 last year in my school in automotive mechanic class. In October 2018 the car had 43k miles on it. Did another oil change in May 2019 the car had 61k miles still runs like brand new.

[@michaelashe5265]

Such a great review, I just wish the Ford Escape was in here. That's what I ended up getting. (Test drove the Mazda CX-5 too, good vehicle also.)

[@NoxNoctisUmbra]

Why do they judge on looks when it comes to FAMILY cars and SUV/CUVs? Everyone has a different taste on looks!

[@terranceparker8990]

Looks like that was a lot of work. Great job!!

[@mrschumacher19941995]

I drive a CX-5. It is so good. If somone asks me what car will I choose to drive till the end of my life it will be that one.

[@sebastianmercado6009]

Mazda CX-5 for life

[@majid2026]

I love your videos

[@leroilightning]

OMG, I just test drove some SUVs this weekend and the I totally crossed the Subaru Forester off my list. I wasn't impressed with it. It was very boring to look at, boxy and just basically "plain". I instead preffered the Subaru Crosstrek. Also a bit plain on the inside, but drives and responds very nicely. I test-drove the Santa-Fe 2014 - it was the smoothest drive of all the SUVs I drove, plenty of power, great in-cab features and the BEST steering wheel out of any car I've ever driven - it's soft, virtually molds to your hands and is heated! Very important in Canada and other cold places (when it's winter). I also love the Ford Escape 2013/2014 - almost as smooth as the Santa-Fe but better priced, especially after rebates. Lots of in-cab features, depending on the price-point.

[@chosuriki]

Good comparison, very well done.

[@kc5077]

I'm glad you guys did such an expansive test BUT, not to even judge the Ford Escape even in a post production clip is severely lacking especially since it's one of the top 3 selling small SUVs. Also I think the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are sized and priced closer to the group. Lastly you judged mpg heavily but it was a mix of 2wd and 4wd models.

[@ItsJosh]

And they had i4 vs. Turbo i4 vs. V6's.

[@ArturOtter]

Where's the rogue?

[@rousseldenis26]

I am sorry but if you are going to include the Mazda CX-5 you have to include the MItsubishi RVR/Outlander Sport. I can question your ranking of crossover, as Hyundai have the Tuscon that it more of a crossover...

[@gopimuscat3286]

Hi guys I like your show because of you I buyed a new car

[@Finestdeity]

I'm 29 without kids. I'm a young adult at heart and do not want to drive a "Mom car." The forester is a mom car imo. So I'd go with the Mazda.

[@totallywinningprogamer9860]

Yeah

[@sugerdaddysrirachaman6270]

I love my cx5 as a Dad with 3. Its sporty, big, good on power, gas mileage and it looks awesome. Best looking X over suv on the market!

[@TheMode541]

No escape, kia, tribeca may have been a better comparison. Which would you say is the most off road cabable?

[@mlbonfim]

Very nice comparison, I have one subaro forester, i know it is a great choise, but what about the Volvo XC60 T5 Dynamic ?

[@sugerdaddysrirachaman6270]

I freakin love my CX5!

[@BernardWei]

Great review, can't agree more with you guys. Just test drove a bunch of cross over and ended up getting the Forester premium (in Canada it's with leather, hid and harman Kardon stereo) and loving it.

[@pb4920]

Meh seats are uncomfortable lots of wind noise

[@NoName-tz5ji]

When the early and expensive repair bills come in for that CVT where on the list will you then put it? 😭

[@nng1979]

Should've used the Forester 2.0XT...and it would not even be remotely close. The best way to describe it is a oversized WRX. And they didn't even mention what people buy crossovers for, the gate way to the world of AWD and in that sense Subarus wipe the floor with every other CUV reviewed here.

[@Frost517]

Would the Encore fit here? Seems to be missing....

[@snakecold6755]

My love cars. Nice video

[@jtafoya88]

You forgot to mention that the Subaru has the best off road capabilities then the rest of the competitors combined LOL

[@jaymuellermd]

That's absolutely true. It is also absolutely true that almost noone buying these cars is going to really take the car actually offroading. The AWD, when it's actually necessary,. is more for snow and occasional mud. Most drivers actually rarely need AWD.

[@jtafoya88]

jaymuellermd it's also good for the rain so you know you'll be safer in the rain.

[@ontarioman6301]

The Outlander has one one of the best All wheel drive. from the evo

[@jtafoya88]

ontario man yup its also good. But the Forester is ahead of its competition

[@ItsJosh]

ontario man It might but the suspension sucks, because its built on a car platform. And the CVT with the under powered 2.4 is just sluggish.

[@brocky]

Could you guys do a review with a Subaru Impreza hatchback with the pzev? I'm curious how it stacks up against the competition according to you guys AND I'm curious to hear your critique on it in real world driving. I'd appreciate that!!

[@KevinShawisdabest]

thinking of buying the 2016 mazda cx5 gt. any other suggestions?

[@bobbailey7024]

Kevin Shaw Buy the Diesel automatic.

[@stever2900]

Shootout should have been I4 only, non-turbo. With this said, Mazda CX-5 is the clear champ.

[@in4chandru]

Awesome guys! Where is the Rouge and the Murano?

[@johnp-h8896]

How about using the manual shifter, to cut out the over-revving in the Mazda.

[@hondasacurasfan5543]

I would lower the Toyota rating based on the horrific crash test results at IIHS

[@MemphisMojo15s]

Some people appreciate the tuned suspension. Especially living on curvy back roads and. When you're loaded with people the heavy suspension is quite useful. I've heard reviewers say that Toyota has a soft suspension that rolls, and you guys say it's too stiff. They're criticized for their suspension, regardless of what they do. You say it's not a sports car and the look isn't sporty, yet you say the car has tuned sporty suspension and then talk about the suspension...lol.. I have direct injection in my V6 RAV4 , but it has a port injector to clean both sides of the valve. Ford is having a lot of trouble with their direct injection engines. They have a video of it called New warning to all Ecoboost owners. That's the name of the video on KZbin.

[@Friendly0Dan]

Should've done the Cherokee instead of the dated Compass...

[@3811eric]

I think Santa Fe should have got the 1st place. I have test drove all Japanese compact SUV you guys mentioned here and I finally bought the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T full option. Can't be any happier. Japanese cars may have once ruled the compact segment of cars in our country but not anymore! We have Hyundai whose making some awesome and excellent cars and how sweet it is. It's always good to have a new comer with making things right. I don't think I will miss any Japanese cars any more.. Hello Korean cars!! Keep them coming. Looks like Japanese cars are going down in history as antique models...

[@darksidehero]

***** Good luck with that timing belt!

[@noelpabustan4317]

Darkside Hero it uses timing chain, not belt, so it's more durable

[@Roln19s]

The LTZ Equinox with premium sound, Leather and a V6 would have given you a better driving experience.

[@faheemthedream2007]

can we do a shootout with price ranges from 18,000-23-000?

[@_SamHasan_]

Plz do a review of honda Odyssey

[@MrTomyxl]

I love my MazdaCX5 !!!

[@anthonymorris1998]

Thanks so much I love Subaru very much.

[@nathanhardless7552]

... how does the ford escape not make it? Kinda of a big contender... Would have liked to see how it compares with the ecoboost.

[@M.Dee23]

Do a small compact comparison!!!!

Rav4

[@jaymuellermd]

Drove all of these cars and also some of the luxury brand SUV's and CUV's (Acura RDX, even a BMW X1 and X3), and, so far, loving my CX-5. Day 1 of ownership I ripped into my neighborhood in slush and snow, gunned it, did a 4 wheel powerslide, it caught traction right after the apex, never wobbled, no body roll, made it up the steep hill to my house through the ice, and fits my kid's carseat ok.. It's just the best driving. The Forester makes incredible sense here in New England with the terrible winters and the dialed in AWD, but the thing felt like driving a sponge compared to the Mazda, which I thought handled as well as the BMW's, to be honest. With a couple of quick sticks of dynamat extreme, the CX-5 becomes tomb quiet and I get over 30 mpg highway out of it. The Hyundai is beautiful with a decked out interior but it's like someone injected novacaine into the steering system: numb, no fun.

[@markwilliams6378]

I too can say the traction control on Mazdas are excellent. Gunned my CX9 stupidly on a rain slick road here in Florida trying to beat oncoming traffic, the tail end started to slide but I saw a flash of yellow on the dash ,traction kicked in and righted this big SUV with no fuss I must say I was impressed

[@dleetrini]

I've done some research and testing myself. It so turns out that I am going for the 4th gen Subaru Forester but with the 2.0XT turbo package. The CX5 185 hp runs very good, but it has very little legroom behind which we need for the kids, the cargo area is not as big and the ground clearance is not that great. In deep snow where I live, it will be challenged if not get stuck, and it cannot touch the Subie's AWD system, best in class! So I agree with your pick. This will be my first subaru.

[@harrytej]

2014 rogue is on ts way next month ! Heard its a 33MPG crossover

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I love the CX-5 and Escape. I have a soft spot for the Outlander because we had the previous model(but it was too unreliable). But for me, I like the Tiguan the best. It handles so well, great features, super premium, and looks great.

[@jvrdlc]

4WD vs AWD vs FWD fuel economy? and price from different trims? what?

[@trennbrown3160]

Why did they choose the Sante Fe Sport over the Tucson?

[@slavikhard6503]

Давно хочу написать, у шевроле задние сиденья не правильно раскладываются,надо чтобы широкая часть спинки была с права , а узкая с лева,это былобы на много удобнее.

[@MatchuCT]

mind = blown. did not expect that

[@TheMisterTroll02]

The forester interior reminds me of the nissan versa interior

[@NeutralGenericUser]

CRV and Rav 4 definitely should've beat the Santa Fe, especially since the CRV was criticized for styling, which is very subjective; I personally think it looks good. Then again, like most Korean products, the Santa Fe only made it to the top 3 based on looks and not much else.

[@koolboy83]

I have a CRV 2013 I don't find my car makes noises or any vibrations, the style is way better than other SUV's specially Hyundai which is pretty uglt inside and out, my Honda has a lot of cargo space and I'm a big guy I know about space, I tried Mazda and it's small compared to the CR-V. Also, in my experience, mazda cars get rust pretty fast, I live un Canada, we have a pretty harsh winter here and hot summers so we get a lot of pot holes, the suspension on the cx5 is low compared to the cr-v and even toyota rav4. In my opinion and experience you can't beat a Toyota or a Honda, whatever you have in your car as an economic SUV Toyota and Honda are the best, I can see many Rav4 and CR-V's 10 and even 15 years old, now think about any of the others, you won't see them because they don't last as much as a Hinda or a Toyota. Go for what's secure and durable. When something breaks in your car, you'll forget everything about the sound system or the navigation system you'll just hope it won't cost a lot and that it's easy to repair. Well that's the peace of mind you get with a Honda or a Toyota, others cars break and it's a nightmare to get them repaired.

[@barbz_zayne]

Wow. That 2013 CR-V got 25.9 mpg, my 2019 CR-V gets 34.3. Just wow.

[@k.skyl1n3zz]

the 13' gets to 31 on highway, but they had it mixed.

[@M.Dee23]

Do a small compact comparison

[@M.Dee23]

Do a small compact comparison....

[@ywc99411]

Did you guys forget the Nissan Rogue?

[@isachar2013]

Nissan has no competition with no one , nissan is the world worst car maker in the world . Cvt failure and most of their engines have head gasket ,block and valves issues ,my friend 🙃

[@romans5929]

Yeah but do the others last as long ad the Honda or Toyota? Id sacrifice comfort or style for reliability and less repair bills

[@kzanbusiness]

why was the ford escape not tested?

[@captainjack6890]

I'm not sure where the Tucson fits jn relation to these cars, because Hyundai seems to be positioning the Santa Fe Sport against CRV, Rav 4, et al. In that regard, they are reducing the Tucson to base entry level status

[@mumoymode]

i think the crv's tires made the ride noisier than other cars in this segment. but its still a good choice, and it retains value and reliability which is what was important to us in the long run.

[@LanceChuculate-se3qp]

The escape escaped the shootout

[@WRX4moi]

A thorough video review of the small #SUV segment - Who Wins? #Subaru #Mazda #Honda #Toyota #Hyundai #Ford

[@handas2]

Please do an updated video, and include the VW Tiguan!

[@markwilliams6378]

way to go very good comparo , changing of the guard baby all those big names gotta up their game,who's to blame?

[@wigglepickle]

No Kia Sportage?

[@gdc_2391]

We're the nissan rouge att???

[@GamerDadschannel]

Where is the Nissan rouge?

[@mathieuyelle5170]

When you look at specs and overall looks, the Rogue is the leader overall (if you exclude towing). How could they leave it out?!

[@GamerDadschannel]

+Mathieu Yelle maybe because it would put the others to shame

[@aaronphillips5197]

hector zamora I was just about to say the exact same thing.

[@macman1097]

what about the VW tiguan?

[@ridgezero]

Yes that's true that they are extremely similar but I figure that's auto guides job to find the stand out no matter how close the similarities maybe. Looks are to objective and what somebody says is ugly might be attractive looking to others. I understand looks matter but I don't think its in the same tier as the other categories I mentioned. I also wanted to mention that I agree with other people on here about how some of the different engine sizes and drive trains are not a fair comparison.

[@EfraKrajo]

I think the Forester XT is the best. You sacrifice some fuel economy, but you get the push and a much better general look.

[@trailsetter]

What about Kia Sportage or Kia Sorento

[@jccoello]

Yeah, I love that Subaru!... Someday I will get one!

[@BDoOC99]

Why is the Jeep Compass or Mitsubishi even there??

[@nigelramsey3157]

***** So is the Forester a Top safety pick. If you look at the 25% overlap test it actually performed better than the Outlander in which the A pillar started to kink back..

[@ctaks1679]

Nissan Rogue??

[@ClassicEnd1]

the rogue didnt make it??

[@tylersiems1799]

Lol we have over 13,000 miles on our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited and it still looks and feels new. Don't be so dramatic about it feeling like a different suv by the end of the day...

[@josecora5608]

Where are is the Kia Sportage?

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

Still like the crv

[@romariofreitas8346]

Crv e Rav4!

[@hipposnakeyo]

Vw tiguan?

[@amaanmustafa9816]

Why did they content Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

[@moshariff6320]

Ikr isn't that a midsize crossover?

[@mb013962]

Forester is the best compact crossover out today, it's a no brainier

[@thecarboy95]

The problem with this comparision is that 2 of the 8 compared are not technically in the same class as the rest, namely Santa Fe and Outlander. The very fact that they are available with 7 seats means they should be a class up, which explains their higher fuel consumption with more powerful engines needed to lug more sheet metal around. Mitsubishi has the Outlander Sport and Hyundai has the Tucson which I think will be more relevant in this comparison.

[@azn2mouse]

Wahoo Subaru! Owned the 14 Forester and I love it.

[@PMeursault]

Why do reviewers even mention styling and looks, it's completely subjective and also irrelevant to the quality of a vehicle

[@user-vq7zy5ce5b]

The mazda should have won look at that radio in the Subaru

[@Sjrick]

I was surprised to see the best selling car all the way in 5th place. The Honda. I was ready to buy a Rav4 but i didnt know about the firm ride, Now i have to rethink it.

[@noneofmehavedid3638]

Why rate the looks? Everyone can make up their own mind about that, without having to take into account others' opinions. Besides, it is VERY subjective and what is superb for one person can be ugly for another one (and vice versa). What would the chart be like ignoring the looks?

[@russellbus9933]

All these cars are basically extremely similar. looks and value for looks become a new category. Maybe that answers your question?

[@RundFyrkant]

you missed the volvo xc60?

[@mykullee]

It's in the premium category. Competes more with German manufacturers

[@FloridaPlayzYT]

The Equinox comes with a V6 engine which makes 301 horsepower

[@VIDEO-qm5ix]

what about the nissan rogue thats also a very good competitor, and it will be even better when the new one comes out in 2014!

[@kevinholloman4055]

Got ignore this folks and here is why: the Honda CR-V is the most reliable, best selling, most well established Small SUV on the market. It and the Forester retains value much better than the rest. In order place it 5th in this comparison you have knowingly eliminate reliability and cost to own, arguably the two most important virtues in a new vehicle. Silly.

[@Slychau]

Kevin Holloman Have you driven a BMW lately? It cost more to own and may be less reliable than a CRV but people still buy them because they enjoy driving and willing to sacrify some reliability.