Executive Summary
🏆 Overall Winner
Honda CR-V
Best combination of space, reliability, and resale value. The CR-V continues to lead the segment with practical design and proven dependability.
💰 Best Value
Hyundai Tucson
Most features for the money, longest warranty, and competitive pricing make the Tucson the value champion.
🚗 Best to Drive
Mazda CX-5
Superior handling, premium interior materials, and engaging driving dynamics set the CX-5 apart.
🔋 Most Efficient
Toyota RAV4
Hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy with proven Toyota reliability and strong resale value.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Specification | Honda CR-V | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-5 | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $28,400 | $29,200 | $28,700 | $27,350 |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo | 2.5L + Hybrid | 2.5L Naturally Aspirated | 2.5L Naturally Aspirated |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 203 hp (hybrid) | 187 hp | 191 hp |
| EPA Combined | 31 mpg | 40 mpg (hybrid) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Cargo Space | 39.2 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft | 30.9 cu ft | 38.7 cu ft |
| Warranty | 3yr/36k mi | 3yr/36k mi | 3yr/36k mi | 5yr/60k mi |
| Reliability Rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Detailed Comparison Analysis
🎯 Design and Styling
Honda CR-V
Pros: Clean, functional design with excellent visibility and practical proportions.
Cons: Conservative styling may appear bland compared to competitors.
Toyota RAV4
Pros: Bold, rugged design with distinctive front grille and wheel arch cladding.
Cons: Polarizing styling - some find it too aggressive or busy.
Mazda CX-5
Pros: Most sophisticated design with elegant proportions and premium details.
Cons: Conservative approach may not appeal to those wanting bold styling.
Hyundai Tucson
Pros: Most distinctive design with unique daytime running lights and modern styling.
Cons: Unconventional design may not age as well as competitors.
🏠 Interior Space and Comfort
Honda CR-V
Pros: Class-leading rear seat space, excellent cargo capacity, practical interior design.
Cons: Interior materials feel utilitarian compared to luxury competitors.
- Rear legroom: 40.4 inches (best in class)
- Cargo space: 39.2 cubic feet (excellent)
- Front headroom: 40.1 inches
Toyota RAV4
Pros: Comfortable seating, good build quality, practical storage solutions.
Cons: Less rear seat space than CR-V, cargo area reduced by hybrid battery.
- Rear legroom: 37.8 inches
- Cargo space: 37.5 cubic feet
- Front headroom: 39.5 inches
Mazda CX-5
Pros: Premium interior materials, excellent front seat comfort, quiet cabin.
Cons: Smallest cargo area, tight rear seat space for taller passengers.
- Rear legroom: 39.6 inches
- Cargo space: 30.9 cubic feet (smallest)
- Front headroom: 40.1 inches
Hyundai Tucson
Pros: Spacious interior, modern design, good cargo capacity.
Cons: Interior quality varies by trim level, some hard plastics in lower trims.
- Rear legroom: 38.4 inches
- Cargo space: 38.7 cubic feet
- Front headroom: 39.6 inches
⚡ Performance and Fuel Economy
Honda CR-V
Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 190 hp, 179 lb-ft
Transmission: CVT automatic
Fuel Economy: 28 city / 34 highway / 31 combined mpg
Performance: Smooth power delivery, adequate acceleration for daily driving.
Toyota RAV4
Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder + electric motor, 203 hp total
Transmission: eCVT
Fuel Economy: 41 city / 38 highway / 40 combined mpg
Performance: Best-in-class fuel economy, strong hybrid system performance.
Mazda CX-5
Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, 187 hp, 186 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 25 city / 31 highway / 28 combined mpg
Performance: Most engaging driving experience, responsive handling.
Hyundai Tucson
Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, 191 hp, 181 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg
Performance: Adequate power, smooth transmission, comfortable ride.
🛡️ Safety and Reliability
Honda CR-V
Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, 5-star NHTSA rating
Reliability: Excellent long-term reliability, proven powertrain
Standard Safety Features: Honda Sensing suite standard
Predicted Reliability: Above Average (J.D. Power)
Toyota RAV4
Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5-star NHTSA rating
Reliability: Excellent reputation, hybrid system proven reliable
Standard Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard
Predicted Reliability: Above Average (J.D. Power)
Mazda CX-5
Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, 5-star NHTSA rating
Reliability: Good reliability record, some minor issues reported
Standard Safety Features: i-Activsense safety suite standard
Predicted Reliability: Average (J.D. Power)
Hyundai Tucson
Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5-star NHTSA rating
Reliability: Improving but still building reputation
Standard Safety Features: SmartSense safety suite standard
Predicted Reliability: Average (J.D. Power)
💻 Technology and Features
Honda CR-V
Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen standard, 9-inch available
Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard
Notable Features: Remote start, wireless charging (higher trims)
User Interface: Intuitive but not the most modern design
Toyota RAV4
Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen standard, 9-inch available
Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard
Notable Features: Qi wireless charging, JBL premium audio available
User Interface: Improved but still not class-leading
Mazda CX-5
Infotainment: 10.25-inch display standard
Smartphone Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Notable Features: Bose premium audio, head-up display available
User Interface: Excellent rotary controller, intuitive menus
Hyundai Tucson
Infotainment: 8-inch standard, 10.25-inch available
Smartphone Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Notable Features: Digital gauge cluster, wireless charging standard
User Interface: Most modern interface with excellent graphics
💰 Value and Pricing
Starting Prices (MSRP)
Honda CR-V LX
- Honda Sensing safety suite
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Automatic climate control
- LED headlights
Toyota RAV4 LE
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Fabric upholstery
- All-wheel drive standard
Mazda CX-5 Sport
- i-Activsense safety features
- 10.25-inch display
- Premium interior materials
- G-Vectoring Control Plus
Hyundai Tucson SE
- SmartSense safety suite
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless device charging
- 5-year/60,000-mile warranty
Value Analysis
Honda CR-V
Excellent resale value and reliability offset higher initial cost. Best long-term ownership experience.
Toyota RAV4
Premium for hybrid technology justified by fuel savings. Strong resale value and reliability.
Mazda CX-5
Premium materials and driving experience justify slightly higher price. Good value for luxury feel.
Hyundai Tucson
Lowest starting price, most features, longest warranty. Clear value leader for budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy Which SUV?
👨👩👧👦 Choose Honda CR-V If:
- You prioritize maximum interior space and cargo capacity
- Long-term reliability and resale value are important
- You want the most practical and functional interior
- You prefer proven, conservative design
- You need the best rear seat space for passengers
Best For: Families, practical buyers, first-time SUV owners
🌱 Choose Toyota RAV4 If:
- Fuel economy is your top priority
- You want standard all-wheel drive capability
- Environmental impact is important to you
- You prefer Toyota's reputation for reliability
- You like bold, distinctive styling
Best For: Eco-conscious buyers, outdoor enthusiasts, efficiency seekers
🏎️ Choose Mazda CX-5 If:
- You want the most enjoyable driving experience
- Premium interior materials matter to you
- You appreciate sophisticated, elegant design
- You don't need maximum cargo space
- You want a more upscale feel without luxury pricing
Best For: Driving enthusiasts, style-conscious buyers, empty nesters
💰 Choose Hyundai Tucson If:
- You want the most features for your money
- A long warranty provides peace of mind
- You like cutting-edge technology and design
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You want the latest safety and tech features
Best For: Value shoppers, tech enthusiasts, first-time buyers
Final Verdict: The Best Compact SUV for Your Needs
🏆 Overall Winner: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V wins our comparison by delivering the best combination of space, reliability, and overall practicality. While it may not be the most exciting to drive or the most fuel-efficient, it excels in the areas that matter most to compact SUV buyers: interior space, cargo capacity, and long-term dependability.
Why the CR-V Wins:
- Best-in-class interior and cargo space
- Excellent long-term reliability record
- Strong resale value
- Practical, family-friendly design
- Smooth, refined driving experience
Areas for Improvement:
- Interior materials could be more premium
- Not as fuel-efficient as RAV4 hybrid
- Conservative styling may seem bland
Category Winners
🏠 Space & Practicality
Honda CR-VUnmatched interior space and cargo capacity
⛽ Fuel Economy
Toyota RAV440 mpg combined with hybrid powertrain
🏎️ Driving Experience
Mazda CX-5Most engaging handling and premium feel
💰 Value
Hyundai TucsonLowest price, most features, longest warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Which compact SUV is most reliable?
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 tie for reliability, both earning excellent ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Honda has a slight edge in long-term reliability studies, while Toyota's hybrid system has proven very dependable.
Should I buy the RAV4 hybrid or CR-V?
Choose the RAV4 hybrid if fuel economy is your priority (40 mpg vs 31 mpg) and you want standard AWD. Choose the CR-V if you need maximum interior space and prefer lower maintenance complexity of a non-hybrid system.
Which has the best warranty?
Hyundai Tucson offers the best warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain. The others offer 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain.
Is the Mazda CX-5 worth the premium?
If you value driving dynamics and interior quality, yes. The CX-5 offers the most premium interior materials and engaging driving experience, but you sacrifice some cargo space and fuel economy.
Which holds its value best?
Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have the strongest resale values, typically retaining 55-60% of their value after 5 years. Mazda CX-5 is close behind, while Hyundai Tucson is improving but still trails the leaders.