Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s CX-5 is the athlete of its class, nimble rather than fast, without sacrificing any room or cargo flexibility to its more-mundane-driving competitors. The balanced, well-controlled chassis, excellent steering, and responsive brakes make it the Miata of small crossovers, although it’s not a sports car by any means. The eco-oriented 2.0-liter four offers a six-speed manual or quick-shifting auto; for everything else, the 2.5-liter four (auto only) is worth the mild drop in fuel economy.