If you reside within the confines of the concrete jungle, opting for a crossover instead of a saloon doesn’t make much sense – unless you plan to go off-roading on a regular basis. In day-to-day driving, a crossover is more difficult to manoeuvre than a comparably sized notchback.
Crossovers, however, have certain advantages over regular cars. They offer more space and versatility, while their taller stance gives drivers a more commanding view of the road.
Promising to live up to its moniker is the CR-V, whose initials stand for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. Honda claims that the fourth-generation model is not only roomier than before, but also more fuel-efficient thanks to its improved drivetrain.
Still a newcomer to this segment, the Mazda CX-5 aims to impress with its potent engine and excellent equipment. The car’s SkyActiv technology, which includes a lightened chassis, should also appeal to sportier drivers.
Targeting buyers with active lifestyles is the Toyota RAV4, which is the only one here with all-wheel-drive. Toyota says that its dynamic-looking crossover (which we tested in Premium guise) is not only more spacious now but has improved refinement, too.
Which of these contenders will please suburbanites seeking an outdoorsy yet versatile runabout? Read on to find out what we think.
If this contest was about boasting a commodious cabin and offering a comfortable ride, then the Honda CR-V would be unbeatable. These key strengths of the CR-V, however, do not make up for its relative lack of equipment (fewer airbags and no electrically adjustable driver’s seat, for instance). Had it more goodies on board, the CR-V could have been able to edge out the Toyota and the Mazda.
The CX-5’s competent handling, competitive sticker price and great infotainment certainly make it seem like an attractive package. But the Mazda’s comparatively cramped cabin means a compromise in overall practicality, which is probably the most important criterion in a modern crossover.
Emerging ahead in this contest is the RAV4. It may not have the spaciousness of the CR-V or the sportiness of the CX-5, but the Toyota compensates for these shortcomings with its well-built cabin, thoughtful storage options and sure-footed all-wheel-drive, giving it the toughness and practicality that is desired by outdoorsy surburbanites.
SPECIFICATIONS
Honda CR-V 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1997cc
BORE X STROKE 81mm x 96.9mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.6:1
MAX POWER 155bhp at 6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 190Nm at 4300rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 102.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 5-speed automatic
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 186km/h CONSUMPTION 13.1km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 180g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Double wishbones,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS
SIZE 225/65 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 2
TRACTION AIDS ABS
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4550mm
WIDTH 1820mm
HEIGHT 1685mm
WHEELBASE 2620mm
KERB WEIGHT 1511kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.8m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $165,900 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Cushiest ride, roomiest cabin, most eager motor
– Fewest amenities, “retro” hi-fi, over-assisted steering BEST OF THE THREE IN SPACIOUSNESS
SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda CX-5 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1998cc
BORE X STROKE 83.5mm x 91.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 13:1
MAX POWER 155bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 110.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 187km/h CONSUMPTION 14.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 160g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Multi-link,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Toyo Proxes R36
SIZE 225/55 R19
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4540mm
WIDTH 1840mm
HEIGHT 1670mm
WHEELBASE 2700mm
KERB WEIGHT 1405kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $166,988 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most efficient drivetrain, tidiest handling, competitive price
– Least roomy cabin, smallest boot, lacklustre engine note BEST OF THE THREE IN PERFORMANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota RAV4 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1987cc
BORE X STROKE 80.5mm x 97.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 151bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 195Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 96.5bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 7-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 10.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 185km/h CONSUMPTION 13.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 174g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Double wishbones,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Dunlop Grandtek
SIZE 225/65 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION AIDS ABS, VSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4570mm
WIDTH 1845mm
HEIGHT 1660mm
WHEELBASE 2660mm
KERB WEIGHT 1565kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $178,988 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Classiest interior, arctic-like air-con, smallest turning radius
– Least powerful engine, tepid CVT, highest price BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVEABILITY
