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Small SUV Comparison 2021: Honda vs. Hyundai vs. Mazda vs. Nissan vs. Toyota
Small SUV Comparison 2021: Honda vs. Hyundai vs. Mazda vs. Nissan vs. Toyota

Small SUV Comparison 2021: Honda vs. Hyundai vs. Mazda vs. Nissan vs. Toyota

February 24, 2025
Car News

The small SUV segment continues to be one of the most competitive markets, offering consumers a blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern technology. For 2021, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota have all delivered strong contenders, making it difficult for buyers to choose the best fit for their needs.

 

In this comparison, we’ll break down the key features, performance, and overall value of some of the most popular small SUVs: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Honda CR-V

  • Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 190 hp
  • Fuel Efficiency: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
  • Drive Options: FWD or AWD
  • Pros: Smooth handling, strong turbo engine, great fuel economy

Hyundai Tucson

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 187 hp
  • Fuel Efficiency: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
  • Drive Options: FWD or AWD
  • Pros: Well-balanced ride, feature-packed interior, great warranty

Mazda CX-5

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (Optional turbocharged engine available)
  • Horsepower: 187 hp (or up to 250 hp with turbo)
  • Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
  • Drive Options: FWD or AWD
  • Pros: Sporty handling, upscale interior, powerful turbo engine available

Nissan Rogue

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 181 hp
  • Fuel Efficiency: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
  • Drive Options: FWD or AWD
  • Pros: Spacious cabin, impressive fuel economy, comfortable ride

Toyota RAV4

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 203 hp
  • Fuel Efficiency: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
  • Drive Options: FWD or AWD
  • Pros: Strong reliability, rugged styling, efficient hybrid option available

Interior Comfort and Technology

Honda CR-V: Spacious cabin, comfortable seating, 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

 

Hyundai Tucson: Modern design, 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and an intuitive infotainment system. If you have a low budget, you can get the $500 cars in tucson.

 

Mazda CX-5: Luxurious interior, standard 10.25-inch display, premium materials, and available ventilated seats.

 

Nissan Rogue: Roomy seating, 9-inch touchscreen, innovative storage solutions, and ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving.

 

Toyota RAV4: Functional interior, 8-inch touchscreen, rugged styling, and optional JBL premium sound system.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Model

Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)

Honda CR-V

39.2 cu-ft

Hyundai Tucson

38.7 cu-ft

Mazda CX-5

30.9 cu-ft

Nissan Rogue

36.5 cu-ft

Toyota RAV4

37.5 cu-ft

The Honda CR-V leads the pack with the most cargo space, making it ideal for families or road trips.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

All five SUVs come equipped with essential driver-assist features, but some offer more advanced systems:

  • Honda CR-V: Honda Sensing (Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control)
  • Hyundai Tucson: Hyundai SmartSense (Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, Highway Driving Assist)
  • Mazda CX-5: i-Activsense (Smart Brake Support, Radar Cruise Control)
  • Nissan Rogue: Nissan Safety Shield 360 (Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert)
  • Toyota RAV4: Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist)

Price and Value

Model

Starting Price (MSRP)

Honda CR-V

$25,350

Hyundai Tucson

$24,950

Mazda CX-5

$25,370

Nissan Rogue

$26,050

Toyota RAV4

$26,150

The Hyundai Tucson offers the lowest starting price, while the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 are at the higher end.

Conclusion: Which Small SUV Should You Buy?

  • Best for Fuel Efficiency: Nissan Rogue & Toyota RAV4
  • Best for Cargo Space: Honda CR-V
  • Best for Interior Luxury: Mazda CX-5
  • Best for Technology: Hyundai Tucson
  • Best for Safety Features: Toyota RAV4

Each of these SUVs excels in different areas, so the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize cargo space, go for the Honda CR-V. If you want luxury and driving engagement, the Mazda CX-5 is a great pick. For high-tech features, the Hyundai Tucson stands out. If fuel economy and safety are your top concerns, consider the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue.

No matter which you choose, these 2021 small SUVs offer a mix of performance, reliability, and features that make them some of the best options in the market.

2021 small SUV comparison Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Rogue vs Toyota RAV4
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