Re the Tucson:
Five years ago, this vehicle probably would have won.
http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/comparison-test-subcompact-crossovers-suvs/?all=1Last year it came in 4th
![Smiley :)](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/smiley.gif)
It also comes with a transmission upgrade: Hyundais new seven-speed automatic instead of the base six-speed auto. This is a faster shifting, responsive powertrain suitable for the sportier driver; the average buyer would probably be just as happy with the base engine.
Come now...you know that isn't the better transmission - it's jumpy, slow to react from a stop, and generally the worst part of the Tucson feature content.
The other thing worth noting is that many of the features not equipped in these vehicles are available (such as push-button start in the Tucson) in higher trims.
Re the CX-5:
Ive driven this car with a stick and its a blast the automatic makes it seem more ho-hum, especially when you consider the lack of paddle shifters, Wimbush says.
While I agree that the autobox in Mazdas are generally so fuel-economy centred that they ruin an otherwise lively experience, the
![Drive :drive:](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/driving.gif)
is only available with the 2.0L engine (wah, wah).
Bochenek concurs, saying that the back/forth shifter isnt intuitive and has nothing on paddling.
I prefer the back/forth to the forth/back directionality!! At least Mazda gets it right! ...but yes, paddling is better than shiftronic or whatever it's called these days. "Manual shifting of an automatic using the console-mounted shiftgate" or whatever.
The CX-5 GS has the most robust feature offering of these vehicles with a heated steering wheel, power liftgate, keyless entry, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, and a 40-20-40 split rear seat all included, the latter being exclusive in this field.
Don't forget rain-sensing wipers!! Great feature that's underappreciated.
Re the Forester:
Indeed, if it had included a heated steering wheel, the Forester would also have placed first outright for Amenities rather than tying with the Mazda.
...
The Forester did not include keyless entry, Android Auto/Apple Car Play or the de rigueur heated steering wheel.
I get what you're saying, but see my point above about having the option available in other trims...in other words, you can get your Forester with a heated steering wheel and keyless entry (but not for the price point tested
![Tongue :P](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/tongue.gif)
). Android auto is available on the 2017 Impreza and will trickle down to the Forester soon.
Another Canada-friendly exclusive was the hood struts, pneumatic devices lifting the hood without a prop rods support.
Good on you for highlighting this - a feature I'm missing in the Mazda3, which is annoying since I use a trickle charger...so I pop the hood every time I drive it (um, maybe once/week or two
![Tongue :P](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/tongue.gif)
)
Ever googled chameleons? They aint pretty.
![](http://dreamicus.com/data/chameleon/chameleon-02.jpg)
![](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7e/6a/27/7e6a27294e90e451227795095bddbe32.jpg)
![](https://a.dilcdn.com/bl/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2016/06/Rapunzel-Makes-Dress-for-Pascal-in-Tangled.jpg)
A wonderful comparison as always, fellas. Can't wait for Part 2
![Grin ;D](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/grin.gif)