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 suburbanites.
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 Grandtrek
Size 225/65 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4570mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1660mm
Wheelbase 2660mm
Kerb Weight 1565kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $178,988 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Classiest interior, arctic-like air-con, smallest turning radius
– Least powerful engine, tepid CVT, highest price
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 Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4540mm
Width 1840mm
Height 1670mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1405kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price $166,988 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most efficient drivetrain, tidiest handling, competitive price
– Least roomy cabin, smallest boot, lacklustre engine note
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 Control 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
+ Cushiest ride, roomiest cabin, most eager motor
– Fewest amenities, “retro” hi-fi, over-assisted steering
Related story: Toyota RAV4 2.0 review
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