Used test: Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester
These automatics should take the strain out of SUV ownership, offering the best all-round package without compromising efficiency...
Our Verdict
Despite some compelling arguments for both the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V the Mazda CX-5 remains the winner. It’s the best by a fair margin when you consider its low price, cabin versatility, safety and driver reward. It’s also relaxing and enjoyable to drive, easy to live with, making it by far the best value.
In fact, there are few areas of real criticism for the Mazda. The Honda has better fuel economy, lower emissions and comfort for three rear passengers, but that’s nowhere near enough to justify paying significantly more for the CR-V.
The Honda is a reasonably good car to drive, with the best gearbox here, but it does have a tendency to run wide and lean badly in fast corners. The Mazda is much more fun to drive and has a less fiddly infotainment system.
The Subaru, meanwhile, is scuppered by its higher used purchase price, so if you really fancy one, we’d suggest sacrificing the sat-nav and getting a much cheaper trim. The problem is, with average performance, high CO2 emissions and road tax, a gruff-sounding engine and sometimes irritatingly unresponsive infotainment screen, this expensive version of the Forester is hard to recommend.
Sure, it’s got genuine charm and off-road ability that many buyers will appreciate, but its shortfalls make it hard to justify next to the Mazda
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Also consider:
1st – Mazda CX-5
For Great handling; strong engine
Against Slightly firm ride; engine noise under heavy acceleration
Verdict The best all-round family SUV you can buy in this price range
Rated 5 out of 5
Read the full used Mazda CX-5 review
Find a used Mazda CX-5 in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Honda CR-V
For Smooth gearbox; low emissions; good rear space
Against sloppy body control; choppy ride
Verdict Nice in isolation, but it is still too expensive compared with the CX-5
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Honda CR-V review
Find a used Honda CR-V in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Subaru Forester
For Decent boot; glass roof; off-road potential
Against Gruff engine; mediocre handling; high tax
Verdict Cheaper trims make much more sense
Rated 2 out of 5
Read the full used Subaru Forester review
Find a used Subaru Forester in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi auto
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £30,520
Price today £17,500*
Power 158bhp
Torque 258lb ft
0-60mph 9.6sec
Top speed 122mph
Fuel economy 55.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 134g/km
Specifications: Mazda CX-5 2.2d 150 AWD SE-L Nav auto
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price when new £27,895
Price today £14,500*
Power 148bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 9.2sec
Top speed 121mph
Fuel economy 51.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 144g/km
Specifications: Subaru Forester 2.0d XC Premium Lineartronic
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £30,995
Price today £19,000*
Power 145bhp
Torque 258lb ft
0-60mph 10.3sec
Top speed 117mph
Fuel economy 46.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 158g/km
Price today is based on a 2015 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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