The compact SUV segment in the automotive industry has experienced significant expansion over time. Consequently, nearly every car manufacturer has seized the opportunity by introducing models tailored to this market segment. This article will compare two such models, the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Vanguard, focusing on their interior, exterior, engine specifications, and practicality. By examining these aspects, prospective buyers can gain valuable insights into the suitability of each vehicle for their needs.
The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Vanguard are compared in terms of interior, exterior, engine specifications, and practicality. This analysis aids prospective buyers in making informed decisions regarding their suitability for individual preferences and needs.
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of February 2021)
| Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Vanguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Generations | 2 (KE, KF) | 1 (ACA33W, ACA38W, GSA33W) |
| Production Year | 2012 – Present | 2007 – 2013 |
| Performance | 160 HP – 187 HP | 170 HP – 280 HP |
| Fuel Consumption | 16.7KM/L – 21.7 KM/L | 9.26 KM/L – 14.49 KM/L |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4WD | FWD or 4WD |
| Key Features | Leather Seat, Power Seat, Keyless Entry, DVD, Alloy Wheels, ABS, A/C, Fog Lights, CD Player, Push Start | Airbag, Keyless Entry, Back Camera, Alloy Wheels, DVD, ABS, Power Window, Airbag, |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers | 5 or 7 Passengers |
| BE FORWARD price | US$ 4520 – US$ 35,040 | US$ 4590 – US$ 15,900 |
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Vanguard Comparison
For driving enthusiasts seeking a thrilling and responsive experience, the Mazda CX-5 stands out as an ideal choice. Its agility and precise handling elevate the driving experience, offering a dynamic ride that enthusiasts crave. Whether navigating winding roads or maneuvering through city streets, the CX-5’s performance capabilities ensure an enjoyable journey. If you prioritize driving pleasure and relish the feel of the road beneath your wheels, the Mazda CX-5 is highly recommended for you.
For Mazda CX-5. Young Pro
For young professionals seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. Its sleek design and modern features appeal to those with a taste for sophistication and practicality. With ample cargo space and advanced technology integration, the CX-5 accommodates busy lifestyles without compromising on comfort or convenience. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on weekend getaways, the CX-5 offers a seamless blend of functionality and flair, making it the perfect companion for young professionals navigating their way through life.
For Toyota Vanguard. Family explorers
Toyota Vanguard is an ideal choice for family explorers and city & nature wanderers alike. With its spacious interior and versatile seating options, it accommodates families comfortably during urban outings or adventurous road trips. Its rugged design and reliable performance make it equally suited for navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether embarking on a weekend camping trip or simply running errands around town, the Vanguard offers the durability and versatility that family explorers and nature enthusiasts require.
Mazda CX-5
Pros
- Agile handling and
- stylish design
Cons
- Limited rear-seat space, and
- slightly higher price than competitors
| 2014 | $2,800~4,420 |
| 2016 | $4,770~13,140 |
| 2017 | $6,780~27,120 |
| 2024 | $46,170~64,130 |
Exterior
The CX-5’s Kodo-themed exterior has an aesthetic nature that is appealing and catches almost every eye. The vertical, large grille glides seamlessly over the LED headlamps that are standard depicting looks with more depth and sophistication. At the rear, the taillights are narrow, and the bumper is simple.
Interior
The CX-5 boasts a timeless and functional interior design. Its spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom, comfortably accommodating passengers of up to six feet in both the front and rear seats. The interior is elegantly finished with generous use of soft materials, and a sleek horizontal bar neatly separates the upper and lower dash sections.
Located prominently at the center of the dashboard, the CX-5 boasts a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring satellite navigation, complemented by a rotary control dial situated on the center console for intuitive operation. This advanced system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless calls and music streaming from your smartphone through the vehicle’s interface. Additionally, screen mirroring functionality allows convenient access to your phone’s applications via the car’s display.
Standard in the CX-5 are six speakers, while higher trim levels are equipped with a premium 10-speaker Bose stereo system, ensuring immersive audio quality throughout the cabin.
In terms of storage, the CX-5 offers ample convenience with front door pockets, bottle holders, a glove box, two central cup holders, a front seat pocket, a small tray adjacent to the gear shift, and a spacious 506-liter boot, further supplemented by an additional 20 liters of storage beneath the floor.
Safety
Equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety package, the CX-5 incorporates a comprehensive array of safety technologies. These include ABS, Stability Control, overhead airbags, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, and rain-sensing wipers, ensuring enhanced protection and confidence on the road.
Toyota Vanguard
Pros
- Spacious interior, and
- versatile cargo space
Cons
- Interior materials could be more premium, and
- infotainment system may feel outdated
Exterior
The Vanguard closely resembles its smaller counterpart, the RAV4, boasting a sleekly contoured body and a harmoniously designed exterior. Adorning its front fascia is a chrome-plated grille, framed by gracefully shaped headlights on each side, accompanied by chrome-accented driving lights positioned at the bumper’s edges below.
Interior
The CX-5 boasts a timeless and functional interior design. Its spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom, comfortably accommodating passengers of up to six feet in both the front and rear seats. The interior is elegantly finished with generous use of soft materials, and a sleek horizontal bar neatly separates the upper and lower dash sections.
Located prominently at the center of the dashboard, the CX-5 boasts a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring satellite navigation, complemented by a rotary control dial situated on the center console for intuitive operation. This advanced system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless calls and music streaming from your smartphone through the vehicle’s interface. Additionally, screen mirroring functionality allows convenient access to your phone’s applications via the car’s display.
Standard in the CX-5 are six speakers, while higher trim levels are equipped with a premium 10-speaker Bose stereo system, ensuring immersive audio quality throughout the cabin.
In terms of storage, the CX-5 offers ample convenience with front door pockets, bottle holders, a glove box, two central cup holders, a front seat pocket, a small tray adjacent to the gear shift, and a spacious 506-liter boot, further supplemented by an additional 20 liters of storage beneath the floor.
Safety
The Vanguard holds a commendable safety rating from the IIHS, achieving 4 and 5 stars in federal crash tests and earning “good” ratings—the highest accolade—from the IIHS for frontal impacts, and “marginal” for seat-based rear impacts.
Standard safety features include front-seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for the first and second rows, electronic stability control, and ABS. Additionally, certain Vanguard models are equipped with Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which integrates AWD, stability and traction control, and electric power steering.
Seven-seat models come with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) as standard safety features.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Mazda CX-5
Introduced in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 is currently in its second generation. Across these iterations, it has offered various engines and transmissions:
A 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G (PE-VPS) inline 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 165 HP, achieving an average fuel consumption of 16.7 KM/L.
A turbocharged diesel engine, the 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D (SH-VPTS) inline 4-cylinder, delivering 150 HP with an average fuel consumption of 21.7 KM/L.
A 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G (PY-VPS) inline 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 189 HP, with an average fuel consumption of 10.2 KM/L. This engine is available with a turbocharger option.
These engines are paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission, offering both 4WD and FWD drivetrain configurations.
Toyota Vanguard
Toyota Vanguard typically ranges from 2,400cc to 3,500cc, depending on the specific engine variant and model year.
Production of the Toyota Vanguard began in 2007 and ceased in 2013, offering a single generation with two variations:
- 240 S: Equipped with an inline 4-cylinder 2.4-liter (2AZ) petrol engine producing 170 HP, with an average fuel consumption of 12.98 KM/L
- 350 S: Featuring an inline 6-cylinder 3.5-liter (2GR) petrol engine generating 280 HP, with an average fuel consumption of 9.43 KM/L
The Verdict
When considering the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Vanguard available at BE FORWARD, it’s essential to weigh each vehicle’s unique strengths. The CX-5 boasts modern styling, agile handling, and efficient SkyActiv engines, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing contemporary features and driving dynamics. Its spacious interior and advanced technology further enhance its desirability, especially for urban dwellers and small families.
Conversely, the Toyota Vanguard offers robust reliability and ample space, catering to those seeking a dependable SUV with versatile seating options and Toyota’s renowned durability. BE FORWARD’s selection of both vehicles provides options for various preferences and budgets, ensuring customers can find a suitable SUV to meet their needs.
Ultimately, whether opting for the sporty sophistication of the CX-5 or the practicality of the Vanguard, BE FORWARD offers a range of well-maintained vehicles with options to suit diverse lifestyles and preferences.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
Very good and un- biased review!