Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V vs VW Tiguan vs Holden Equinox 2018 review

Matt Campbell road tests and reviews the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Holden Equinox back-to-back with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.
Read Matt's full comparison review here: carsgui.de/2Gd6Yvq
See more at the CarsGuide SUV hub: carsgui.de/2o3syZz
Check out more comparisons here: carsgui.de/2I4CvjO
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[@annierobson354]

I've recently bought the Mazda CX-5 as it really ticks all the boxes for me (including a more affordable AWD option). Absolutely beautiful drive! Plus the fuel economy was also a big win over for me. So far I couldn't fault it.

[@hemi5.7awdpursuit5]

Brought my new 2018 Mazda CX-5 2018 of November 21st jet black stealth like bat mobile and I love it😎😎

[@cleanheaven6662]

Hi Matt, Can you please do a comparison between 2018 Kluger,Santafe,Sorento,Pathfinder and Grand Cherokee. Thanks. I love the way that you presented.Well done.

[@Obie327]

I've always enjoyed the "Mazda" Look, Feel, And Sporty characteristics but very cramped. I ended up buying 2017 Honda CRV LX AWD (USA model) The Honda gives so much Value and Practicality with Thoughtful Ergonomics. Thanks for the great comparison video Matt.

[@ContasYT]

My parents got the 2018 cx5, and it has a electrical both, the digital speed on the screen that lifts up over the steering wheel and also has front parking scensors. We have the manual 2.2 turbo diesel version and I can say its one of the most premium cars I have ever drove. Also we have the manual version that has a really short gearbox and it feels great.

[@prasish]

bought mazda cx5 this time they did it all right

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

The CX-5 always does well Down Under. Great video!

[@jessicagray8493]

I would love to see this comparison done on the higher lever models like the Mazda CX-5 GT

[@bill7481]

I had to choose between the CR-V and the CX5 a few months ago. I initially thought that I would go with the CR-V for practical reasons, including the more powerful and fuel efficient engine. In the end, I went with the CX5 mostly because of its premium-like cabin, even though I am not too crazy about its front end.

[@spike378]

I would agree with you if mazda have better infotainment system which promised android auto since 2014 and disabked wifi on it. Mazda also lacks space.

[@freewillftw]

same here. on paper, the CR-V seems better than the CX5 in every way: it is more spacious and fuel efficient, it has a quicker 0-100 time and shorter brake distance, and it also has a better adaptive cruise control. I ended up buying the CX5 because of the looks and how it feels on the road. However, I will most likely buy the CRV if I have to spend a lot of time coping with heavy traffic every day.

[@zaxflaya]

I don’t like the front end of the CX5 either. Somehow it looks out of place on an SUV. It’s a great front end for a car.

[@wildpixel8302]

The front end is my fav part lol and then the interior

[@lukeangelini259]

Matt, Why did you leave Caradvice?

[@Phrancis5]

I'll never understand why certain specs are standard in different markets. For example, all but the lowest spec CRV in the US gets the full Honda Sensing suite.

[@murraysumpter4236]

Honda not planning to include AEB or ACC until 2020 !?

[@bluebird802]

Looking at mid sized SUV as a compromise car. My pet hates are no leg room in the back seat and lack of power with 2or 3 adults. We have recently retired and down to one car now. I would have thought the Equinox would have had a bit more support with the readers. Is this just an anti Holden thing since the closure of our plants?

[@Malc664]

I'm late to the party but I agree. I chose the Holden then read the comments and no Holden supporters.

[@alvinlai8717]

I think for family car will be CRV, for more fun will be Tiguan. But I still prefer The AWD Forester.other than the looks..it handle so well with planted and Good visibilty. For me Sym..AWD is part of the major safety feature in rain, snow and sand.

[@b.deslashdriver5249]

Hi, test drove, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, VW, Ford, Holden, and Skoda. Holden was absolute Crap. Purchased CRV VTis AWD with 7 years factory warranty. So far very happy.

[@Benny8940]

Excellent review!

[@carsguide]

Thanks, Benny!

[@vincentnaidu8228]

I would still prefer the CRV as it's a brilliant value for money, the exception of safety aids is a glaring oversight from Honda and the roof mounted tether points and middle row seat belts are quirky and quite frankly messy (unsure why its designed like this) but overall its good to see Honda hasn't forgotten how to build great cars.

[@carsguide]

Too right - we're thoroughly impressed with it in a lot of ways.

[@samzheng2433]

Safety aids do come on the top spec - but only the top spec. That's where Honda falls behind, they save all the best features for the best car.

[@Phrancis5]

I'll never understand why certain specs are standard in different markets. For example, all but the lowest spec CRV in the US gets the full Honda Sensing safety suite and it works great.

[@derricksworld9525]

Phrancis5 ...and in Australia the only spec to get the Honda Sensing is the absolute top of the line model :-(

[@daveschultz5759]

2016.5 CX-5 GT model will still beat all these other SUV's u compared

[@ianmurphy8719]

Looking at buying the CRV. Just wondering if you have done any long road trips in it and the fuel economy?

[@nightowlnzab]

I've owned one for almost a year, took it on a decent five hour round trip on last weekend and averaged 6.9 L/100km, which for it's size I think is pretty good. AWD Touring model with Econ mode OFF.

[@wildpixel8302]

I LOVE the Mazda CX-5! They look gorgeous

[@SiddharthSharma_is_here]

No Tucson ?

[@raybinet]

I am buying a CX-5 great features and it looks so good

[@bellayou4528]

First and great 👍 vid

[@ofri6309]

Where was this review taking place? which country?

[@yongshixian9779]

Ofri Klein australia

[@Rally4Life1982]

The Holden already looks likes its 5 years older then the rest.

[@ohcanadaeh]

The best seller for this class of SUV in Canada are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. The Mazda CX5 having received excellent reviews from car critics is the best seller forMazda Canada, but still no match to RAV4 and CRV.

[@phil16181]

Having driven both SUVs I would definitely saying that the VW Tiguan is a much superior car in most areas compared to the Mazda CX-5

[@blake9184]

Phillip Yee pfffff 😂😂 I don’t want something breaking every month as well as something that actually holds a bit of value. Tiguan looks like trash anyways 🤮

[@harleymarco1077]

i know it is kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good place to watch newly released movies online?

[@omaralmaghrabi]

Ford Escape 2.0L ecoboost Trend mid spec goes for 35k. Great car and if you haggle you can get the optional tech pack on top for that price. Ticks all boxes missing you mentioned in this video.

[@omaralmaghrabi]

And AWD too. I love mine!

[@nurullah5845]

Omar Almaghrabi, a big BUT, it is a Ford that is the problem.Good luck getting things repaired when it all goes wrong and dealing with Ford service, no thanks.

[@rsoul7282]

Nuri you can’t really generalise, there are dealers with very good and very bad service departments, I know some Ford dealers that are Excellent.

[@NZsarge1]

Too compromised on space for me, I find it quite cramped behind the wheel.

[@dannya4974]

The holden equinox is called a chevy equinox in america

[@UltimatePS3Gameplay]

holden is owned by GM so im not surprised.

[@andresgonzalezmadriz7342]

Why is it that you don’t do the review with top of the line models?

[@carsguide]

Thanks for the question: put simply, not that many people buy them. The CX-5 Maxx Sport is the best-selling version of that model line, and as the highest-seller of these four, we wanted to take a budget-focused approach to this test.

[@RichardKurbis]

I bought the top of the line 2018 CX-5 GT (Canada) and it was the best deal with all the extras as compared to all the others. Some other crossovers didn't even have many of the features available and yet cost more.

[@hopefulthing]

may I ask how much discount you got for your 2018 CX-5 GT? I am in Canada too and I am planning to buy one. I am not sure how much discount should I ask. Thank you.

[@th-l8936]

Can you do the MG ZS please?!

[@carsguide]

Hi T H-L - we've got a written review coming on the MG ZS, but not a comparison. You can see a walkaround video on it if you head to our Facebook page: facebook.com/carsguide.australia/

[@josephmuia6178]

I would buy mazda cx5 i love it

[@NZsarge1]

I’d probably buy with the Tiguan, good interior room, active safety, excellent infotainment system and nice driving manners. In NZ our model line up only goes as low as the comfortline so quite a few if those little things this trendline misses out on is present in the lowest spec but given the available funds I’d go straight to the highline, well specced brilliant all rounder SUV. I like the Mazda’s looks and interior treatments but it’s too small particularly in shoulder room where the Tiggy has oodles of space. There a lot to like about the CRV too but I loath CVT’s.

[@carsguide]

Have you driven the new CR-V with its CVT? It's surprisingly great!

[@marionheyrick3949]

CarsGuide Agree Honda has nice drive train and excellent brakes, but lack of top line safety equipment was a black mark for me. Also fussy styling looks ok now but in five years how will it look? Tiguan is more subtle styled and should age better. NZ Comfortline has full safety package as standard so won my $$$$.

[@phil16181]

I totally agree with you there!! I own a 2017 VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI Highline model, and l have to say that it is an absolutely brilliantly driving SUV!! It puts all the other SUVs tested here to shame especially the Mazda CX-5 which l have tested drove prior to purchasing the VW. The Mazda CX-5 felt so cramped and noisy in comparison to the beautifully stylish VW Tiguan Highline 2.0 TDI model!!

[@cristiancastillo8313]

Did you really put tge crv down for not having start stop. Everybody hates that feature! Lol

[@blake9184]

Cristian Castillo uhh that’s one of the best features you can put in a vehicle 😂😂

[@jesseford1658]

The Mazda or the Honda, no question. Forget about euro cars in Australia, WAY too expensive to maintain, absolute money pits.

[@kingisback1995]

Did you have for a long time any of the European cars.Not your friends or someone who you know or you heard from someone.Did you drive any of them for a long period of time.

[@drughiman4091]

CX-5 the best!

[@leomordante]

I agree with you, CR-V.

[@benjaminjean6239]

If the Honda had the safety extras i would buy it. I am waiting in the hope they add it, after all its a family SUV! I love the room and size but dont like the CVT and the engine is just ok.... but for the family car it would do. Shame its not a bigger engine with more torque low down with the safety kit then for us it would be a no brainer

[@carsguide]

Yes, the feeling in the office is that the Honda would be a markedly better car if the company included the safety kit across the range... even if it were optional in the base spec, and standard from VTi-S up. Hopefully we'll see that happen later in 2018.

[@brittoncoil2518]

Why does Australia get all these tacky sounding trim lines?

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

...Okay? 🙄

[@leewey2772]

Mazda CX 5

[@swanblake]

He doesn't , like that is doesn't have stop start?! What? Some how they find a way to make the Mazda win. No applecar play but I guess that a plus according to Matt? Whatever makes the Mazda win

[@carsguide]

That's right, Blake - Matt reckons stop-start is a good thing! The lack of Apple CarPlay is a bad thing, but not enough to make Matt say "don't buy this car".

[@archanapandey5787]

Where is jeep compass and Hyundai Tucson

[@blake9184]

archana pandey No one in their right mind should buy a Hyundai. Jeep isn’t too far behind either. Do some research

[@thowell3129]

My heart says CX5, but my head says CRV

[@nightowlnzab]

If you need something practical, the CRV is the right choice - the boot is much bigger and squarer.

[@blake9184]

Cx5 is as much if not more reliable. Both are Japanese made you can’t go wrong. Might as well go with the one that looks way better, feels better, and more fun to drive.

[@kingisback1995]

You have problem with your heart buddy, aswell with your head, the best thing is visit a doctor... Good choice 👌

[@zooks3894]

Our Japanese friends take the easy win here. The smart money is with Mazda or Honda. VW is falling further and further behind, does anyone trust them anymore?

[@Phoenix-bw9rj]

Zooks nobody at least here in Switzerland Japanese cars rules

[@zooks3894]

motivated 👍

[@lukehall3487]

Um Ford Escape?...

[@murraysumpter4236]

Holden Equinox. Honda CRV VTi's 1.6ltr turbo NOT suited to this mid size SUV! Engine revs hard up to the red line everytime when pushed even in moderate driving conditions let alone over taking on the open highways can be. You also forgot to mention the CRV incredible road noise intrusion on speed over 80km !?

[@carsguide]

Don't agree with you, there, Murray. In fact, Malcolm Flynn has one as a long-term loan car, and he has had no issues with the noise or the drivetrain.

[@murraysumpter4236]

CarsGuide Really!??

[@Phrancis5]

Um no. I have this CRV (for almost a year now) and keep up with faster traffic just fine at around 2-3k rpm. It makes a lot of torque at low rpm/boost and the cvt does a good job of keeping it in the optimal rev range. I'm not a slow driver either - especially on the hwy.

[@marcusesq5031]

Rubbish.

[@cristiancastillo8313]

Lol Equinox. I smell holden fanboy. Driven all of these as I'm in the industry and the equinox is rubbish. Put together with clag and bits of left over chinese takeaway containers.

[@markymarkyumul2536]

Crv 👌

[@rahulmaharaj7019]

No 3008??

[@rsoul7282]

Rahul Maharaj 😂 nice one buddy 👍

[@etusch]

1st choice Cx 5 second crv, there is no other in these cars.

[@user-fz1ng3bs1o]

А по русски смогешь?

[@forhadfarook6262]

Mazda cx5

[@cedie]

cx5 all duh way

[@kuden8844]

I term of reliability, I would choose Honda CRV first. Have you notice a lot of Mazda cars sitting on the side road throughout Australia? I'm talking about most models are manufactured from year 2010 onward. In the end, its up to the person's interest. It seems nowadays, people picks beauty over reliability.

[@harunhashim9348]

very unfair comparison... u better use mazda cx5 2.5 or 2.2D model in this comparison ,then u can see how good these mazdas in term of performance.

[@renierebales4232]

That guy likes FWD cars.

[@judgedredd3686]

Why you believe the safety features are worth anything, even Honda would tell you that you can not rely on them that's because the work only 10 percent of the time, they are a waste of money and weight

[@joel8558]

Equinox

[@richiesworld1]

Maybe as a used car, depreciation being what it is...

[@jianlim2636]

Didn’t know Matt is also associated with Carsguide .. blasphemy !

[@carsguide]

Not "also", he's our guy. Joined the team in October.

[@cliffentertainment4111]

Crv

[@eduardszabo]

The only comment that I have is that the comparison should be done to the same range of SUVes. E.g either compare the top of range of each , either the mid range or the bottom range. This was a mixture the VW was the lowest spec with the smallest engine.

[@kingisback1995]

😂😂😂😂 3:45 Honda press 3-4 times 1 button to open ones. That's how you call good technology

[@pablosabhlok]

This review should have included only Japanese car brands. No point considering the unreliable VW. Subaru Forester should have taken its place.

[@salvationagent9832]

Hyundai Tuscon all the way.

[@carlosgrajeda8590]

Tiguan is the better car here. It’s like a defined GTI

[@tousshong9438]

The Tiguan looks dated. LOL