Performance
New Mazda CX-5
When you drive the same route every day, getting around town can feel like a humdrum activity. Fortunately, the new Mazda CX-5 offers precise steering, strong brakes, and nimble handling that energizes every drive. All-wheel drive is standard in the CX-5 for enhanced traction on snow-covered roads in Nashua, NH. The CX-5's 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine isn't the most potent in its class, but its six-speed automatic transmission doesn't make as many unwanted shifts as you'll get from many competitors, giving you plenty of get-up-and-go when needed. Getting from zero to 60 mph takes 8.0 seconds in the CX-5.
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V is known more for its composed ride quality than for driving thrills. It tends to oversteer around turns, delivering duller handling than the Mazda CX-5. The 2026 Honda CR-V's turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower, but its continuously variable automatic transmission causes the engine to drone noisily under hard acceleration. It requires 8.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph in the 2026 Honda CR-V. Front-wheel drive is standard, although all-wheel drive is available.
New Subaru Forester
The new Subaru Forester is powered by a four-cylinder engine and CVT generating 180 horsepower. Going from zero to 60 mph takes 8.3 seconds. The Forester's BOXER engine sits lower than most class rivals, giving it neutral handling. The Forester delivers a comfortable, undramatic ride that doesn't provide the lithe driving experience of the Mazda CX-5. As with most Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard.
New Toyota RAV4
All Toyota RAV4 models are now equipped with a hybrid engine that makes 226 horsepower in front-drive models and 236 horsepower in all-wheel drive versions. Even with the power increase, the RAV4 has only adequate acceleration, taking 7.1 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. While it's a bit quicker than the Mazda CX-5, the RAV4 is not intended to be a corner-carving performance SUV. Its steering feel is more artificial than natural, sending little feedback to your hands.