Used test: Citroën C5 Aircross vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
Buyers of used SUVs are still loyal to diesel, but could petrol versions of the Mazda CX-5, Citroen C5 Aircross and Honda CR-V tempt them away from the black pump?...
Our verdict
Consistency is key here. Even in a relatively expensive trim, with a petrol engine that’s weaker than its rivals’, the Mazda CX-5 is still strong in most areas and excels in some, being very well equipped and good to drive. If you’re reluctantly opting for a large SUV because of a growing family and would like something in which you can have at least some fun, it’s a great shout.
Citroën is known for avant-garde designs, and the Citroen C5 Aircross ticks that box, both inside and out. Broadly speaking, it also succeeds in emulating another classic Citroën trait: if you spend a lot of time on motorways, it’s supremely supple and very quiet. It’ll be relatively cheap to run, too; just don’t expect much in the way of dynamic sparkle.
Practicality is the biggest strength of the Honda CR-V. It’s also perfectly comfortable and decent to drive, but it’s let down by its baffling infotainment system and instrument panel, as well as its steep running costs.
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1st – Mazda CX-5
For Strong on safety; well equipped; most enjoyable to drive
Against Weakest performance; fidgety ride; smallest boot; lots of wind noise
What Car? says: Four out of five
Find used Mazda CX-5 for sale>>
2nd – Citroën C5 Aircross
For Strong engine; cheapest PCP payments; tranquil motorway ride; quietest at speed; most economical
Against Soggy handling; poor head room with a sunroof fitted; so-so infotainment; reliability
What Car? says: Four out of five
Read the full used Citroën C5 review here
Find used Citroen C5 Aircross for sale >>
3rd – Honda CR-V
For Great visibility; good-sized boot; lots of passenger space; decent performance
Against Terrible infotainment; costliest to buy and run; some illogical controls
What Car? says: Three out of five
Read the full used Honda CR-V review here
Find used Honda CR-V for sale>>
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 2WD Sport Nav+ auto
Engine size 2.0-litre petrol
List price when new £30,295
Price today £25,000
Power 163bhp
Torque 157lb ft
0-60mph 9.3sec
Top speed 119mph
Fuel economy 36.7mpg (official WLTP average)
CO2 emissions 150g/km
Citroën C5 Aircross Puretech 180 Flair EAT8
Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £28,352
Price today £22,000
Power 178bhp
Torque 184lb ft
0-60mph 8.8sec
Top speed 134mph
Fuel economy 39.6mpg (official WLTP average)
CO2 emissions 131g/km
Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo AWD SE CVT 5st
Engine size 1.5-litre petrol
List price when new £31,265
Price today £24,500
Power 190bhp
Torque 179lb ft
0-60mph 8.8sec
Top speed 124mph
Fuel economy 36.2mpg (official WLTP average)
CO2 emissions 162g/km
Price today is based on a 2019 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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