Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Peugeot 3008: Specification comparison

If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV, what will your options be? The dependable Honda CR-V, the in-demand Mazda CX-5, and the dapper Peugeot 3008. There are also options like the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, for now, we will concentrate on the two Japs and one French option.

The Honda CR-V got a generation change a few months ago while the Mazda CX-5 had a facelift earlier this year. The Peugeot 3008 is an all-new vehicle and is a left-field option for many. So, which one of these vehicles should tug at your purse strings or better still have a place in your garage. Let’s find out with this specification comparison test.

Design

All these SUVs here feature a fresh design. The new Honda CR-V had been a pleasant surprise as far as styling goes. The previous generation was too curvy. This one makes sure that there is some uprightness like the first generation car. The full LED headlight system is fast becoming a Honda trademark. This time, the fog lights too are LEDs, however not in the conventional pattern. These are primarily in the shape of LED DRLs. You will be easily fooled into thinking the CR-V is a much more butch-looking SUV thanks to the flared chrome arch on the grille and the additional ride height. For the few 2WD trims, Honda offers 17-inch alloys while for the others and AWD models, there are 18-inchers. The tail lamp is similar to the one on the Honda Jazz but in a bigger fashion. The length, width and height of the 2018 Honda CR-V are 4,584 x 1,855 x 1,679 mm.

For the new Mazda CX-5, the deal is that it looks radical. However, truth be told, the Mazda is losing its charm. It used to be a unique vehicle on the road. However, the sheer number of them around now has rendered it quite common. Still, you can’t miss that dug-in grille, the long snout, all-LED projector headlights and the small-ish fog lights. Mazda offers a host of alloy wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The back section, like the front, also looks cohesive and its a given that there was enough attention given on the design language. The length, width and height of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 are 4,550 x 1,840 x 1,675 mm.

Speaking of design, there is no beating the French flair here. The Peugeot 3008 is one of the best designed mid-sized SUVs there is. The LED DRLs used in the headlights are the widest of the three cars here. LEDs are also the theme for the fog lights as well as the main headlamps. The skid plate up front makes it more unique. A look at the arresting 18-inch alloy wheel design will make you wonder as to how can someone lavish so much attention on the design. The roofline of the SUV slopes a bit towards the rear. Lion-claw type tail lights adorn the section and look beautiful when lit up. The length, width and height of the 2018 Peugeot 3008 are 4,447 x 1,841 x 1,624 mm.

Interior

For the Honda CR-V 2018, the company has ensured that it adopts a minimalist theme in the cabin. To this effect, you see fewer buttons in the cabin. The instrument cluster has a big digital multi-information display that is similar to the second-gen Civic unit. This displays a plethora of information as well as gets head-up display. The 7-inch infotainment system is both Android and iOS capable. Dual-zone climate control is part of the features list. Both the driver as well as front passenger seat are powered. The second row is also power flippable. Honda has also introduced a powered tailgate that can also be adjusted. The wheelbase of 2,660 mm is pretty much the norm in this class.

The Mazda CX-5 specifications sheet offers a head-up display. However the flamboyance of the exterior isn’t translated into the interior. The car has an overall dark leather upholstery which while looking sporty doesn’t give the sense of space. There are auto headlights as well as wipers, auto dimming mirrors, sunglass holder and dual-zone climate controls. Its wheelbase of 2,700 mm is slightly higher than the CR-V. Only the driver gets a power seat height adjust. The instrument cluster looks pretty ordinary, however, the head-up display is standard.

In the Peugeot 3008 cabin, it will be hard not to believe that you’re in an aircraft. The buttons are styled liked toggles. The cabin itself ensures that the digital spacecraft feel remains throughout. There is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display. There is also the touchscreen 7-inch system. The seats are nicely contoured with the driver getting memory function for the electric setting. Parking sensors at the front and back are provided too. A look at the wheelbase 2,675 mm shows that space is slightly more than the CR-V but less than in the Mazda.

Safety

This is the core for most of the vehicles in this category. Carmakers jostle with each other on who offers the maximum safety features in their car.

The Honda CR-V specifications tell us that it gets six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Agile Handling Assist, ABS with EBD, Active Cornering Lights, Brake Hold, Brake Assist, Lane Watch and Drowsy Driver Attention. Honda has also secured a 5-star rating for the new CR-V as far as safety is concerned. This was from GNCAP.

If you are talking about the Mazda CX-5, then it isn’t far behind either. The Mazda CX-5 boasts six airbags, ABS with EBD, Torque Vectoring Control, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, Emergency brake assist, Hill Assist, Auto Hold, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist as well as Driver Alert System. The Mazda too has scored five-stars from GNCAP for its safety.

As far as the Peugeot 3008 SUV is concerned, it gets six airbags, Hill Assist, Hill Descent Control, ESP, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, ASR, DSC, Driver Attention Alert, Emergency Brake Assist and Tyre Pressure sensor. The Peugeot, like the others here has scored a five-star rating from GNCAP.

Engines and transmission

The Mazda is the only car here that offers a diesel engine along with naturally aspirated petrol mills. The 2.0-litre petrol engine makes 162 PS of power and 210 Nm of torque. If you’re looking at the 2.5-litre unit, then it makes 192 PS and 257 Nm. As for the 2.2-litre diesel motor, it produces 173 PS and 430 Nm. All the engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Mazda offers 4WD with the diesel motor only.

According to Honda CR-V specifications, it runs on a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines with the CR-V. The 2.0-litre motor produces 154 PS of power and 189 Nm of torque. The turbo-ed motor makes 193 PS and 243 Nm. Both the engines can only be ordered with a CVT.

The Peugeot 3008 specs tell us that it gets a lone engine on offer. The turbo petrol is a 1.6-litre motor and makes 167 PS of power and 240 Nm. A 6-speed automatic does duty here and Peugeot also offers paddle shifters.

Final words

One thing common to all these vehicles is that they will protect you and your family in the unfortunate event of a crash. There are many preventive measures as well as post-crash techniques that will secure the safety of all. Provided all occupants are buckled up. If you look at the price of these SUVs, then there is not much of difference for the base versions.

The Peugeot 3008 price starts from RM 134,356. The Mazda CX-5 price starts from RM 127,000. A glance at the Honda CR-V price will tell you that it starts from RM 137,469. It is obvious that the Honda is priced slightly higher than the others whereas the Peugeot takes the middle route. All in all, all these three SUVs will take you to point A from point B and few can even venture into mild off-roading territory without breaking into a sweat. For us, the Mazda with its lower price point, good looks, diesel engine and AWD is the choice here.