Mazda has a long-standing reputation for making affordable cars that feel more like luxury vehicles — and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is no exception. From its first-class cabin to the classy exterior, the CX-5 is highly ranked for a reason.

However, it doesn’t win first place in every category among crossover SUVs. Depending on your priorities, you may find your best match is one of the top eight Mazda CX-5 competitors. Here to lay out the best alternatives is

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1. Volkswagen Tiguan

Starting price: $27,785

Selling points: Athletic handling, exquisite cabin, available third row

Weak spot: Subpar acceleration

With a 9.5/10 rating on Car and Driver and a coveted spot on the publication’s Editor’s Choice list for 2022, the

Volkswagen Tiguan

proves that European SUVs can be chic, sporty, and affordable. Providing energetic handling even with its standard 184-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Tiguan is a smooth ride, even if it’s not the quickest kid on the block.

However, unlike most vehicles in this class, the 2022 Tiguan comes with an optional third row of seats, making its cabin more versatile than the Mazda CX-5. Both crossovers are available with all-wheel drive and have top safety ratings and similar starting prices, so you can’t go wrong with either.

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2. Hyundai Tucson

Starting price: $26,245

Selling points: Excellent styling, several hybrid options

Weak spot: Awkward touch-sensitive buttons

The 2022

Hyundai Tucson

is one of the top-rated compact SUVs on the market. Not only is it more affordable than most rivals, but it also offers the highest cargo capacity, standard all-wheel drive, and a completely refreshed design for 2022.

With 12 different configurations to choose from, the Tucson can be customized to suit your needs, whether your priority is the fuel economy offered by its hybrid powertrains or the more premium features of the

Limited trim

Overall, if you’re looking for something more family-friendly than the chic CX-5, the Tucson is your answer.

3. Honda CR-V

Starting price: $28,045

Selling points: Spacious interior, fuel-efficient

Weak spot: Few standard features

When it comes to crossovers, the 2022

Honda CR-V

delivers all the best features at a reasonable price. It finishes near the top in almost every category: fuel economy, cargo space, comfort, and reliability.

With a combined 30 mpg, the CR-V makes more sense if you’re looking for a daily commuter or a family car, especially if you’re hauling any extra gear with you. The CR-V boasts 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space — an impressive amount for a compact SUV.

On the downside, the CR-V’s engine isn’t exactly the most spirited or quiet. You’ll also have to upgrade to a higher trim to get the features that come standard on the CX-5. And with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500pounds, the CR-V can’t haul as much as the CX-5.

The CX-5 is more chic and powerful, but the CR-V wins out in terms of practicality.

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4. Toyota RAV4

Starting price: $28,310

Selling points: Great standard features, top-notch comfort

Weak spot: Noisy engine

The

Toyota RAV4

has been having a moment the last few years. As one of the most popular crossovers, the 2022 RAV4 impresses with its sporty styling, generous standard features, and all-around comfort. The RAV4 is also one of the best options in this class for off-roading — especially with its

TRD Off Road

trim and 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Even with the lowest trims, the 2022 RAV4 has one of the highest fuel economies with 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. If the base trim doesn’t thrill you, you still have plenty of configuration options, from all-wheel drive to a

hybrid powertrain

5. Nissan Rogue

Starting price: $28,445

Selling points: Spacious, poised, fuel-efficient

Weak spot: Price tag, poky acceleration

While the 2022

Nissan Rogue

is the most expensive option on this list, it’s not unfounded, especially when you factor in the gas money you’d save by getting 33 mpg — the top fuel economy of any vehicle in its class (for a non-hybrid, of course). The Rogue can also accommodate plenty of large items with its 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Another major perk worthy of the Rogue’s hefty price tag: you don’t need to upgrade to a more expensive trim to enjoy its 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower.

We can’t say the same for the 2022 CX-5. However, the CX-5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, which requires an upgrade on the Rogue.

MORE:

Should you take the 2022 Nissan Rogue off road?

6. Mitsubishi Outlander

Starting price: $27,290

Selling points: Excellent handling, modern cabin

Weak spot: Pointless third row, slow acceleration

The

Mitsubishi Outlander

has long been somewhat of an underdog in the crossover genre, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy competitor — especially with a completely new design for 2022. Not only is the Outlander’s upgraded exterior likely to turn heads on the highway, but the silky-smooth driving experience is sure to impress as well.

Unlike most crossovers, the Outlander can technically tote around up to seven passengers with its three rows of seats — as long as the back row is occupied by small children. Without the rear seats up, though, the 2022 Outlander offers 79.7 cubic feet of cargo space—the second-highest amount on this list.

If you’re looking for a crossover that feels more like an athletic, traditional SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander may be exactly what you’re looking for.

7. Subaru Forester

Starting price: $27,070

Selling points: Good handling, spacious interior

Weak spot: Sluggish base engine

If the CX-5 is the top dog when it comes to sleek crossovers, then the

Subaru Forester

is the go-to for outdoorsy folks. With decent off-roading capability, a comfortable ride, and an all-new rugged exterior, the 2022 Forester is your best chance for adventure.

With great gas mileage, a comfortable and roomy cabin, plus 74.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, the Forester is equipped for whatever you throw at it — whether it’s a bumpy back road or a paved highway on your daily drive.

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Subaru Forester Sport towing capacity

8. Kia Sportage

Starting price: $25,305

Selling points: Refined cabin

Weak spot: Tight cargo space

As the cheapest 2022 model on the list, the

Kia Sportage

is a solid option for less picky crossover drivers on a tighter budget. While it isn’t at the top of the list in any one category, it never finishes dead last.

The Sportage is one of the top rivals of the CX-5 when it comes to well-equipped, impressive cabins. The two vehicles are neck-and-neck in terms of cargo space — but not in a good way. The Sportage offers just 60.1 cubic feet of cargo room, barely beating the CX-5’s 59.3 cubic feet.

The Sportage has plenty of features to offer, though you’ll have to upgrade to a more expensive trim to enjoy all-wheel drive or the more-dynamic turbocharged engine.

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Mazda CX5 vs. the competition

Ready to see how the numbers pan out? Check out the side-by-side comparison of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and its top rivals below.

Model	Starting price range	Engine options	Maximum seating capacity	Maximum cargo volume	Maximum towing capacity	Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
2022 Mazda CX-5	$27,125	4-cylinder or turbocharged 4-cylinder	5 seats	59.3 cu ft	3,500 lbs	24/30/27 mpg
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan	$27,785	Turbocharged 1.5L or 2.0L 4-cylinder	7 seats	65.3 cu ft	1,500 lbs	23/30/26 mpg
2022 Hyundai Tucson	$26,245	4-cylinder, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid	5 seats	80.3 cu ft	2,000 lbs	26/33/29 mpg
2022 Honda CR-V	$28,045	Turbocharged 4-cylinder or hybrid	5 seats	75.8 cu ft	1,500 lbs	28/34/30 mpg
2022 Toyota RAV4	$28,310	4-cylinder	5 seats	69.8 cu ft	3,500 lbs	27/35/29 mpg
2022 Nissan Rogue	$28,445	Turbocharged 3-cylinder	5 seats	74.1 cu ft	1,350 lbs	30/37/33 mpg
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander	$27,290	4-cylinder	7 seats	79.7 cu ft	2,000 lbs	24/30/26 mpg
2022 Subaru Forester	$27,070	4-cylinder	5 seats	74.2 cu ft	1,500 lbs	26/33/28 mpg
2022 Kia Sportage	$25,305	4-cylinder or turbocharged 4-cylinder	5 seats	60.1 cu ft	1,653 lbs	23/30/26 mpg

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