The popularity of mid-size SUVs has grown leaps and bounds over the years globally and with new models joining the ever-increasing space, it seems unlikely to fade anytime soon. It is no surprise that demand for mid-size SUVs is at a pinnacle in Australia. Interestingly one out of every five cars sold in Australia is a mid-size SUV which testifies its grip in the land down under. Mazda has a strong command on the segment courtesy, its efficient contender CX-5 that occupies a large part of the space.

The mid-size SUV is available with two petrol and a single diesel engine in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Power on the base 4x2 grades are derived from a 115kW, 2.0-litre petrol unit, while the 4x4 trims house a 140/170kW 2.5-litre engine calibrated to put out power in two tunes (specific to 4x4 grades). Additionally, there is a 140kW, 2.2-litre oil burner which misses out on a manual unit unlike other variants that get both manual and auto gearboxes. On the pricing front, the Mazda CX-5 range kicks off from $ 33,990 and goes up to $ 51,235. For those who are willing to explore other options can go through our list of Mazda CX-5 top alternatives before making a buying decision.  

Subaru Forester-

The first name that pops out while considering top alternatives for CX-5 is the Subaru Forester. Currently, in fifth-generation guise, the Forester is an all-wheel-drive which packs a comprehensive safety kit including adaptive high beam, lane departure warning, distraction warning, camera for hassle-free parking, etc. As for the Subaru Forester specs, it features a single 136kW, 2.5-litre, petrol engine with 239Nm torque, paired to a CVT unit. An integrated infotainment system with a 6-inch LCD unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, albeit satellite navigation and the larger 8-inch LCD screen is reserved for the top-spec Premium grade.

• Subaru Forester Price-$33,840 to $43,723                                          
• Subaru Forester Fuel Consumption (Combined)-7.4l/100 km 

Kia Sportage-

Next on the list is Kia Sportage that also received updates last year. In terms of pricing, it outstrips its pre-facelift version by $ 1000 (approximately). The bump in price is courtesy of additional active safety features that have been standardized. Autonomous emergency braking with forwarding collision warning, lane-keep assist, rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, high-beam assist and rear parking sensors are part of the safety suite. Another major change in Kia Sportage specs is the addition of an eight-speed automatic tranny paired to a diesel engine. Also, the base 7.0-inch infotainment system has been refreshed which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As you go up in the range, the variants pack a larger 8-inch unit with satellite navigation, SUNA live traffic monitoring, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, LED light package, etc. based on the variant. Mechanically, the 2019 Kia Sportage gets 2.0-litre & 2.4-litre petrol engines with a six-speed AT and a 2.0-litre oil burner with an eight-speed AT. 

• Kia Sportage Price-$29,990 to $49,990 
• Kia Sportage Fuel Consumption (combined)-6.4 l/100 km 

Honda CR-V

Honda’s flagship SUV, CR-V is revered for its contemporary styling not just on its home turf, but in several prominent markets. Available with a three-row layout, the CR-V received a new base variant, VTi-E7 sometime back. Honda CR-V VTi-7 2019 specs-sheet include an eight-way electric driver’ seat adjustment, leather-appointed seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear-view camera, a 7-inch infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear air-con vents in second and third rows. USB ports are also provided in front and rear, also it layers a dual-zone climate, push-button start with keyless entry, tyre pressure monitoring and Honda Sensing active safety suite which is missing in the newly launched VTi-E7 grade. The Honda CR-V specs include a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 140kW power and 240Nm torque. This unit is connected to a CVT gearbox that can be availed with either a 2WD or AWD drivetrain.

• Honda CR-V Price-$30,990 to $47.727
• Honda CR-V Fuel Consumption-up to 7.6 l/100 km 

Hyundai Tucson-

A known name in the mid-size SUV space, Hyundai Tucson received safety upgrades for the base variants, reciprocating in a price bump. With the recent update, Tucson now gets SmartSense active safety suite as standard which primarily comprises of autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and driver attention warning. The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is now available with the new Active trim, a replacement for the MY19 Go grade. Talking of the Hyundai Tucson engine options, it can be had with a 122kW, 2.0-litre GDi and 136kW, 2.0-litre CRDi units in FWD and AWD versions. Transmission choices available include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. An additional 130kW, 1.6-litre T-GDI powertrain is exclusively available with the higher variants that work in conjunction with a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Also integrated inside is a large 8-inch touchscreen unit specific to the range-topping Highlander that supports connectivity tech including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in addition to advanced bits such as satellite navigation and SUNA Live traffic.

• Hyundai Tucson price-$31,990 to $51,176
• Hyundai Tucson Fuel Consumption-Up to 7.9l/100 km 

Toyota RAV4-

It is inevitable to skip Toyota RAV4, a highly preferred model in the segment that could be a viable alternative to Mazda CX-5. Featuring a comprehensive standard safety kit, it is also available with a hybrid set-up in addition to the regular petrol version. The SUV, which can be availed in four engine-transmission configurations, gets Toyota Safety Sense, electric park brake, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto supported infotainment unit, 17-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and AM/FM across the line-up. While other advanced bits including a multi-terrain select, hill descent control, heated and ventilated front seats, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, optional sunroof, etc. are reserved for the range-topping Edge grade. The hybrid variants, that were introduced recently, account for a large chunk of the total sales and attract a long waiting period.

• Toyota RAV4 Price-$39,245 to $51, 687
• Toyota RAV4 Fuel Consumption-6.5 to 7.3l/100 km 

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