The Mazda CX-5 is a polished, well-crafted small SUV with the goods to elevate even the most mundane commutes. Its handling is sporty and responsive without the firm ride that often comes with athleticism. This Mazda’s suspension tuning is comfortable enough to shield you from jolts during daily travels. And it has one of the most upscale cabins in its segment, with sleek design cues and high-quality materials. The CX-5 stumbles when it comes to cargo space. It has less cargo room than the Toyota RAV4 or the newly redesigned Honda CR-V. And rivals such as the Kia Sportage offer hybrid variants that surpass the CX-5 in fuel efficiency. Still, this small Mazda sprints to the front of its class, thanks to its lively handling and premium cabin.