Topic: Comparison Test: 2013 Mazda CX-5 vs 2012 Honda CR-V

[Ex-airbalancer]

I have sat in the CX-5, nothing to excited about , I don't think I would even take for a test drive

[Vanstar]

My wife saw the ad where the second row slid forward with the car seat installed and was instantly sold. Probably a solid indicator of the market this car is trying to reach.

Absolutely! I don't think the g-force thingy is going to matter much on this vehicle.

[gosteelerz]

My wife saw the ad where the second row slid forward with the car seat installed and was instantly sold. Probably a solid indicator of the market this car is trying to reach.

Absolutely! I don't think the g-force thingy is going to matter much on this vehicle.

I have a feeling that the better half has quite a bit of input into the purchase of this segment.  I can't imagine too many men lusting for a CRV, Santa Fe or a Rogue.  I would resent the $450 a month car payments for one of these as much more than my wife would on the same payment for a Mustang.

[Solstice2006]

Mazda's reputation for premature rusting should override fuel mileage considerations. Mechanical reliability and parts costs should also be looked at

I have only the seen the rust issue on the old Protege, and some Mazda3 (I think 1st gen only) but it may be too soon for 2nd generation.  Have not seen in the Mazda6, or CX-7, or the Tribute which is ancient!  Also don't tell me you haven't seen older civics with rust, because I have!

Also, if Mazda can't get the diesel here soon enough, for the people who want the extra Vroom, I would just use the 2.5L for the top of the line trim, and for those who want to compare it to Hybrids, just use the skyactiv 2.0L 

I think it's a solid hit from Mazda, pretty good from a small company, no help from any partner here...

[sailor723]

Mazda's reputation for premature rusting should override fuel mileage considerations. Mechanical reliability and parts costs should also be looked at

I have only the seen the rust issue on the old Protege, and some Mazda3 (I think 1st gen only) but it may be too soon for 2nd generation.  Have not seen in the Mazda6, or CX-7, or the Tribute which is ancient!  Also don't tell me you haven't seen older civics with rust, because I have!

Also, if Mazda can't get the diesel here soon enough, for the people who want the extra Vroom, I would just use the 2.5L for the top of the line trim, and for those who want to compare it to Hybrids, just use the skyactiv 2.0L 

I think it's a solid hit from Mazda, pretty good from a small company, no help from any partner here...

Friend had a mid 2000's RX 8 that had rust starting around the rear wheelwells at about 3 years old.

[ManitobaSky]

I test drove a CX-5 in mid April, liked it on paper hated it in person.  I spend most of my time on TC1 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, great cornering does me little good. It just doesn't have passing power and I just could not find a sweet spot with the side mirrors. I would take a Mitsubishi RVR over the CX-5! Thats not saying much for the CX-5 with its rainbow unicorn fart drive.  All hype no substance.

[Brig]

Not to keep beating a dead CX-5, but... the reviewer is right.  I had the opportunity to test drive both of these up and down our very steep escarpment in the spring.  The CX-5 really struggled - noisily, I might add - on the wicked hills around Rattlesnake Point.  It's a VERY cute ute, but that's about it.  The CRV was a joy to drive, and made me forget its Aztec-esque bubble butt.  Had I been in the market for one of these, (and had they all been priced exactly the same) the CRV would have been my hands-down choice for smooth power delivery and cabin ergonomics.

[OliverD]

Maybe, maybe not.

I think a diesel for $30-35K would sell. I know I would be interested.

The only manufacturer that comes to mind who has a diesel versions that is actually cheaper than the base gasoline version is E-Class Mercedes.

That actually isn't even true anymore since they introduced a base E300 4matic for 2012 that starts at well below the price of the E350 BlueTEC.

[jaman]

In my case, I'm more interested in the base versions of these cars. As it turns out, the CX-5 comes in several thousand dollars cheaper than a CR-V, mainly because it comes with the 6-spd manual that I WANT.

Just going from the "build and price" for each base model (with taxes):

CR-V: $31,400
CX-5: $28,300

Yes, there are some difference in the equipment.

I haven't driven the 2012 CR-V, but the last two generations were pretty good appliances, but that's about it. Of course for many, that's critical so I can see why they sell so well.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

2wd SUVs: the non-alcoholic beer of the auto world.

[dkaz]

Why aren't people bagging on Honda's rust issues? I see more rusty Hondas than rusty Mazdas here in Vancouver. Yes, cars do eventually rust here with our 200+ days of rain a year.

[Snowman]

2wd SUVs: the non-alcoholic beer of the auto world.

 

[gosteelerz]

Why aren't people bagging on Honda's rust issues? I see more rusty Hondas than rusty Mazdas here in Vancouver. Yes, cars do eventually rust here with our 200+ days of rain a year.

Get used to it.  Every thread involving Mazda degenerates into the rust discussion.  Get the thing sprayed once a year and this is not an issue.  Every fanboy exploits a weakness in a given manufacturer, with Mazda it's rust while other cars are accused of being sleep inducing appliances.

[Solstice2006]

Why aren't people bagging on Honda's rust issues? I see more rusty Hondas than rusty Mazdas here in Vancouver. Yes, cars do eventually rust here with our 200+ days of rain a year.

On my last comment, I addressed the issue of rust found on Civics, not just Mazda3, or Mazda RX-8. 

Of course, the are no domestic competitors to compete with this, the Equinox is too big, the Dodge Journey looks too much like the Caravan, not sure about the new Escape just yet.

I still would prefer the Equinox over all of them!

[2JDM]

2wd SUVs: the non-alcoholic beer of the auto world.

 

[TonyWestcoaster]

   hi!  I really love the new mazda and it's sporty handling but i dislike it's 155 hp . The honda crv is for me a perfect blend of comfort and decent horsepower with good gas mileage. I believe the crv would look a lot nicer with a different  and sportier looking  set of   17'' wheel/tire combo....an 18'' combo be good to fill in the wheel wells but 17's are cheaper to replace and easier on the wallet when time comes for snow tires on the rims.   Both seem like very good vehicles and i do not think a new buyer can go wrong..except if he/she wants more power from the new mazda. The honda crv with 185 hp is a good power to weight ratio giving decent fuel economy and when loaded up with 4 people plus a few suitcases, the Honda will deliver far superior satisfaction. That being said, a $27,000 top of the line price would be far more reasonable for either vehicle. Just a guestimate , but the honda crv as tested plus taxes and delivery would hit near $40 grand...nice it has great resale value but if it's too expensive to start with it loses it's appeal to me.                                                                 

[Fobroader]

2wd SUVs: the non-alcoholic beer of the auto world.

  nice!!