Cars.com Podcast: 2012 Honda CR-V, 2013 Mazda CX-5

The 2011 L.A. Auto Show brought us plenty to gawk at in the compact-crossover segment. We test-drove two of the top compact crossovers shown at the event — the 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Mazda CX-5 — right out of the gate. We thought the redesigned CR-V was another well-rounded contender by Honda, while the fuel-efficient CX-5 could, hopefully, sell better than the oft-forgotten Mazda Tribute, the vehicle the CX-5 replaces. Discussing all this on the podcast are editors Joe Wiesenfelder, David Thomas and Kelsey Mays.

Download via iTunes
Download MP3

2012 Toyota Camry Earns Five-Star NHTSA Rating

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its first batch of 2012 model year ratings this month. Under the stricter guidelines, only three 2012 models — the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS and Toyota Camry — have earned five-star composite scores from the safety agency. In fact, as we previously reported, the Camaro is the only vehicle to earn a perfect rating across the board since the new guidelines took effect for the 2011 model year.

NHTSA’s composite scores are composed of five-star ratings for frontal, rollover and a combined side pole and barrier tests. The side pole test, which is new, simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The redesigned 2012 Camry earned a five-star overall rating, getting four stars in the frontal test, five stars in the side-crash test and four stars in the rollover test.

Cars.com Reviews the 2013 Mazda CX-5

Mazda's all-new compact crossover made its official production debut at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show earlier this month. A few days later, Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays got to test-drive the 2013 Mazda CX-5 and found it impressive in many ways but felt the driving experience didn’t hold up to Mazda’s well-known Zoom-Zoom ethos.

2013 Mazda CX-5 Review

2013 Mazda CX-5 Video

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 will be a critical player for Mazda’s global sales, says the automaker. That’s a tall order for the compact crossover, which is replacing the poor-selling Tribute, but overall, the CUV shows a lot of promise, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays. There’s good interior space and ride quality, and Mazda’s smiley front end is thankfully absent from the model. Will it be enough to finally give Mazda a second breakout seller to accompany the Mazda3?

The Great CUV Face-off

The allure of a crossover can't be denied when it comes to families, and there are three all-new major players that are sure to pique their interest: the redesigned Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5. They all may be in the same class, but they each deliver varying degrees of appeal and function for families.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Dubbed the "Super" CR-V, Honda says the new generation has the functionality of a minivan, the efficiency of a car and the confidence of an SUV. It sounds like a lot of talk, but they delivered on it.

2013 Mazda CX-5: Photo Gallery

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is the Japanese automaker's next-generation compact crossover, a replacement for the aging and utilitarian Tribute.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The Ford Escape rebadge was a poor seller for Mazda, but the CX-5 looks fresh and aggressive, and could do well for the automaker. 

2013 Mazda CX-5: Up Close

We've seen the CX-5 up close, and we're driving it Friday, so check back next week for our full review. Still, our early impressions are good. The CX-5 gets high marks for quality and utility, which are two things a lot of small crossovers skimp on.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The CX-5 is the first Mazda in recent memory to ditch the automaker's grinning grille, and it adopts what Mazda calls its "Soul of Motion" design language from the automaker's Shinari concept. On the CX-5, this makes for an angrier expression, a sort of Mazda interpretation of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The proportions establish a smaller, tighter Mazda crossover, but a few inches' extra overhang spoil what would otherwise be a home run.

2013 Mazda CX-5 at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage
• Looks like: No smile makes us happy
• Drivetrain: 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2012

If there’s one trend about the L.A. Auto Show this year, it’s the small crossover making a big push to the forefront of the industry. Ford’s new Escape and Honda’s new CR-V have to share the stage with Mazda’s CX-5. And Mazda thinks the CX-5 is the hit it needs.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The aggressive styling and upscale interior Mazda is known for fall behind the technology under the hood. The CX-5 looks to be the most efficient compact crossover on the market.

Mazda MX-5 Spyder Concept: SEMA Photo Gallery

Mazda rolled out a Spyder version of its iconic MX-5 Miata at SEMA, and while it’s clear that this is only a concept, Mazda says some elements may be used in future production cars. 

The idea behind this Spyder is to turn a Miata into a lightweight racer that you can drive to the track on a sustainable fuel.   

In the front, you immediately notice the Mazda “smile” is a little different. A black bar across the top of the grille disrupts the regular “smiley” face you get on the production version. Two aero humps adorn the rear of the car, nearly identical to the Porsche Boxster Spyder.

Japanese Automakers Show Signs of Recovery

A natural disaster can have a devastating impact on not just a country's people but also its economy. That's certainly the case with March's earthquake and tsunami in Japan that hampered the health of the country's automotive industry.

Last month, we saw the strongest signs yet that Japanese automakers are recovering, but there are still obstacles to overcome.