Used test: Citroën C5 Aircross vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5

Buyers of used SUVs are still loyal to diesel, but could petrol versions of the Mazda CX-5, Citroen C5 Aircross and Honda CR-V tempt them away from the black pump?...

Mazda CX-5

Our verdict

Consistency is key here. Even in a relatively expensive trim, with a petrol engine that’s weaker than its rivals’, the Mazda CX-5 is still strong in most areas and excels in some, being very well equipped and good to drive. If you’re reluctantly opting for a large SUV because of a growing family and would like something in which you can have at least some fun, it’s a great shout.

Citroën is known for avant-garde designs, and the Citroen C5 Aircross ticks that box, both inside and out. Broadly speaking, it also succeeds in emulating another classic Citroën trait: if you spend a lot of time on motorways, it’s supremely supple and very quiet. It’ll be relatively cheap to run, too; just don’t expect much in the way of dynamic sparkle.

Practicality is the biggest strength of the Honda CR-V. It’s also perfectly comfortable and decent to drive, but it’s let down by its baffling infotainment system and instrument panel, as well as its steep running costs.


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1st – Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 rear

For Strong on safety; well equipped; most enjoyable to drive

Against Weakest performance; fidgety ride; smallest boot; lots of wind noise
 

What Car? says: Four out of five

Find used Mazda CX-5 for sale>>


2nd – Citroën C5 Aircross

Citroen C5 Aircross rear

For Strong engine; cheapest PCP payments; tranquil motorway ride; quietest at speed; most economical

Against Soggy handling; poor head room with a sunroof fitted; so-so infotainment; reliability

What Car? says: Four out of five

Read the full used Citroën C5  review here

Find used Citroen C5 Aircross for sale >>


3rd – Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V rear

For Great visibility; good-sized boot; lots of passenger space; decent performance

Against Terrible infotainment; costliest to buy and run; some illogical controls

What Car? says: Three out of five

Read the full used Honda CR-V review here

Find used Honda CR-V for sale>>


Mazda CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 2WD Sport Nav+ auto

Engine size 2.0-litre petrol

List price when new £30,295

Price today £25,000

Power 163bhp

Torque 157lb ft

0-60mph 9.3sec

Top speed 119mph

Fuel economy 36.7mpg (official WLTP average)

CO2 emissions 150g/km


Citroën C5 Aircross Puretech 180 Flair EAT8

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol

List price when new £28,352

Price today £22,000

Power 178bhp

Torque 184lb ft

0-60mph 8.8sec

Top speed 134mph

Fuel economy 39.6mpg (official WLTP average)

CO2 emissions 131g/km


Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo AWD SE CVT 5st

Engine size 1.5-litre petrol

List price when new £31,265

Price today £24,500

Power 190bhp

Torque 179lb ft

0-60mph 8.8sec

Top speed 124mph

Fuel economy 36.2mpg (official WLTP average)

CO2 emissions 162g/km

Price today is based on a 2019 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing


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