Mazda CX-50

How it looks when you see on the street: The CX-50 shares much in common with the CX-5, so much so that its easy to mix up the names. The CX-50 is the rough and tumble variant on a popular crossover form that adds length — 6.7 inches to be exact — to the CX-5’s crossover body.

How it makes you feel when you get in: CX-50 interior has panache, lots of leather and linings — and is a great value. Controls are simple to operate on the 10.5 inch screen. Mazda could use some refinement on its digital dash to make the screens a bit sleeker. Heated rear seats options are a nice touch.

How it drives: The CX-50 has two engine choices — a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 187 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. We drove the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus. It’s a spunky ride for a vehicle in this category particularly in the more zesty turbo-charged variant that makes 256 horsepower. It also comes in a more pragmatic four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower. It’s underpinned by a six-speed transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is average for an SUV of this size at a combined 27 miles per gallon.

Space for people and things: It’s a bit larger than the CX-5, and offers 31.4 cubic feet. The Honda CRV, in contrast, has a bigger backseat.  

What you should compare it to: Mazda CX-5, Honda CRV, and the Volkswagen Tiguan

How much does it cost: $44,000