Some SUVs are chunky, others are blocky – but the Mazda CX-5 has a more elegant, refined character.
It's Mazda's contender in the vitally important family SUV class. That means there's a huge field of potential CX-5 rivals you might want to cross-shop before deciding which you like best.
So, if the mainstream Mazda isn't your cup of tea, we've pulled together 10 of the best Mazda CX-5 alternatives you can buy. Most are available as nearly new and used cars for sale at Motorpoint.
- Hyundai Tucson
- Peugeot 3008
- Ford Kuga
- Cupra Terramar
- Kia Sportage
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Jaecoo 7
- Toyota RAV4
- BMW X1
- Renault Austral
Hyundai Tucson
The CX-5 is attractive and stylish but in an understated way. In comparison, the Hyundai Tucson is much more in-your-face. At the front, there's an intricate front end with the complex segmented LED headlights seamlessly flowing into the broad front grille. It's a little more practical than the CX-5 too, and comes with a wider choice of engines including self-charging-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options. The cabin might not be as classy as the Mazda, but the design is modern and attractive, and on-board tech is impressive.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 is another SUV that leans on its eye-catching styling. Its bodywork is an attractive blend of geometric surfaces, crisp lines and claw-like slash details – and it looks especially tasty in Peugeot's range of bold metallic colours. The interior might be even more impressive, with an avant-garde, architectural design, featuring tactile textiles and glossy high-res infotainment screens. Under the bonnet is a selection of mild-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid engines, plus a fully electric model with an impressive 400-mile range.
See used Peugeot 3008 cars or read our Peugeot 3008 review
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga might not be the freshest car in this lineup, but it still earns its place thanks to its focus on the fundamentals. First and foremost, space is impressive with a large rear seat for tall adults or bulky child seats, and a cavernous boot behind them. Then the dashboard and driving position all help make the Kuga instantly feel like an old pair of jeans – almost all controls are exactly where you expect to find them. Finally, for a little extra spice, the Kuga is surprisingly good fun to drive with keen handling and superb body control.
Browse used Ford Kuga cars or read our Ford Kuga review
Cupra Terramar
Cupra is the new, sportier replacement for the old SEAT brand. And the Terramar is its latest entry into the popular family SUV segment, informally replacing the older Cupra Formentor. Like its stablemates, the Terramar has a purposeful, athletic image both inside and out, plus a selection of punchy turbo engines from the wider VW Group. Despite its sporty pretensions, the Terramar is actually more of an all-rounder, with a sensible suspension setup, accurate controls and enough space for most families of four.
Search used Cupra Terramar cars or read our Cupra Terramar review
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has become a common sight on the UK's roads, and often tops the best-selling cars list. A few miles behind the wheel is enough to see why so many Sportages have found homes here. It's easy to use and easy to drive, with good visibility and a selection of easygoing, efficient engines. It's a fraction firmer than the mechanically related Hyundai Tucson, but the Sportage feels a bit tougher and more upright from the driver's seat. Like the Hyundai, you've a choice of self-charging and plug-in-hybrid engines.
Shop used Kia Sportage cars or read our Kia Sportage review
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is now Volkswagen's de-facto family car, displacing rivals like the Golf to become the brand's best-selling model. As a package, it's easy to see why it works. Space is plentiful for both rows of seats and there's a big boot for all your clobber. Plus, the styling is attractive but understated, allowing the Tiguan to fit in equally well outside a fancy hotel or outside your local fast-food haunt. VW's latest infotainment system controls so many features that you'll need some time to acclimatise but, once you do, it's fairly easy to use.
Browse used Volkswagen Tiguan cars or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Jaecoo 7
Like so many Chinese brands, Jaecoo is making waves in the UK market. The 7, in particular, has stormed to the top of the best-selling charts thanks to styling that mimics a desirable British luxury brand, but at roughly half the price. Performance and handling are a bit forgettable, but we've been impressed by the car's hybrid engine options, which work like swift, silent EVs most of the time. All models are absolutely loaded with standard equipment and cost many thousands of pounds less than rivals from traditional brands.
View used Jaecoo 7 cars or read our Jaecoo 7 review
Toyota RAV4
Toyota has recently launched a new RAV4, but you'll find its predecessor much more widely available on the UK market. This older version's a little more flexible too, since it's offered with a choice of self-charging or plug-in-hybrid engines, while the newer car gets the latter only. It's chunky and satisfying to sit in and use, but you'll notice the big Toyota feels a little more utilitarian than the swoopy Mazda. Practicality is better than the CX-5, though, with the RAV4 being longer and boxier, unlocking more interior space.
Check out used Toyota RAV4 cars or read our Toyota RAV4 review
BMW X1
Mazda's quality and styling is so good that it approaches the level you'd expect from German premium brands. If that's what you're looking for, however, why not consider just getting the real thing? The BMW X1 is the smallest SUV in the company's lineup but it's one of the best. There's a grippy, accurate driving experience and punchy engines across the range, plus all the mod cons you'd expect from an upmarket compact family car. There's no weak model in the lineup, but performance fans should try out the zippy X1 M35i.
Browse used BMW X1 cars or read our BMW X1 review
Renault Austral
Yes, the name sounds like a misspelled country, but the Renault Austral is a superb all-round family car. It's exclusively offered with a self-charging-hybrid engine that makes a decent 200hp. This gives swift performance and up to 60mpg fuel economy if you can restrain your right foot. Material quality and cabin design feels like a big step up from Renaults of old. There are attractive surfaces and a neatly integrated portrait infotainment screen that's easier to use than many rivals.
See used Renault Austral cars or read our Renault Austral review
Super savings on family SUVs
Shop a huge choice of nearly new and used SUVs for sale at Motorpoint. Every single car has the lowest price guaranteed and flexible finance options.
