TEST Mazda CX-5, BMW X1 and Honda ZR-V: wonder how spacious and how SUV can be

What is the main purchase intention of people buying SUVs? Some people like the good looks, others like the high seating position. In addition, the sense of space is a frequent argument for purchase. Although most station wagons are marked at least as well in that area.

The BMW X1 convincingly demonstrates that mid-size SUVs can offer an above-average level of interior space. Wherever you sit, it’s spacious. Its trunk space is also not without merit, with a capacity of 500 to 1545 liters.

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The Honda ZR-V is at the other end of the spectrum. At the front, a strong tunnel cone plays to grab the ground for the knees of the front occupants. And back? There, the lowered C-pillars try to provide headroom for rear passengers. The luggage compartment is also very difficult: with a capacity of 380 to 1312 liters, the Honda is not the moving car that you dream of.

The Mazda CX-5 is the biggest of the three

No, then the Mazda CX-5; If you like, you can store all your student things in its trunk with a size of 522 to 1638 liters. In addition, the rear seat of the CX-5 can be folded in three parts and you can create a flat loading floor.

And if you love horses or are a caravan lover, with a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg, the Mazda CX-5 will take you everywhere. Although the clutch has to work hard when you have to pull a heavy trailer from a standstill. Then the lack of torque at low speeds plays tricks on the Mazda.

The Honda ZR-V is not suitable as a caravan tractor

The Honda ZR-V has a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg in the dog cart and light folding caravan segment. With a maximum load of 543 kg of people and property, Honda can put more. In what form and where should you lose hundreds of kilos is a big question.

Mazda: operation without a touch screen

When it comes to performance, the BMW X1 convinces with its fast navigation calculations and dizzying smartphone connectivity. The infotainment screen also makes you dizzy, but because of the large number of icons. That’s really annoying and makes you wish for the days of the iDrive button on the tunnel console.

Mazda CX-5 still uses the same button control. It takes a little getting used to, but in the long run it works better and less distracting than a touch screen. The image on the Honda screen is nice and big, but here we stumble over the menu structure at first, and the volume control is not always responsive enough.

A complete comparison test, including all measurement data, is included Auto Audit 3/2024.