These three are the most popular used SUVs we sell. They're all from Japan's best-known brands and all well equipped, but they suit different buyers. Here's how they compare, with real cars from our stock.
At a Glance
| Mazda CX-5 | Toyota C-HR | Honda Vezel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Mid-size, the biggest | Compact | Compact |
| Rear seat & boot | Most space | Smallest; dark rear windows | Surprisingly roomy ("Magic Seats") |
| Engines | 2.2 diesel (XD) or 2.0/2.5 petrol | 1.8 hybrid or 1.2 turbo | 1.5 hybrid or 1.5 petrol |
| 4WD | Common | Rare in Japan-spec hybrids | Available |
| Best for | Families, long trips, rough roads | Style, city driving, low fuel use | Practical small SUV with low fuel use |
Mazda CX-5: The Family SUV
The CX-5 is the biggest of the three, with a real family-size back seat and boot. The XD versions have a 2.2 diesel engine with strong pulling power, great for highways and loaded driving, and most of ours are 4WD.
Watch out for: the diesel doesn't like only short trips. It can build up carbon if it's never driven on the open road. Ask whether the auction sheet notes any engine warning.
Picks:
- 2013 Mazda CX-5 XD 4WD: $3,500 to Mombasa
- 2017 Mazda CX-5 XD Proactive 4WD: $9,000 to Mombasa
- 2019 Mazda CX-5 25S L Package (petrol): $18,000 to Mombasa, Kenya-eligible
More: CX-5 buying guide.
Toyota C-HR: The Stylish One
The C-HR is about looks and easy city driving. The 1.8 hybrid uses very little fuel in traffic and has Toyota's proven hybrid system. The back seat is tighter and the rear windows small, so it suits couples and small families best.
Picks:
- 2018 Toyota C-HR Hybrid G: $10,000 to Mombasa
- 2019 Toyota C-HR Hybrid G Mode-Nero: $14,000 to Mombasa, only about 13,000 km
More: C-HR buying guide.
Honda Vezel: The Practical Small SUV
The Vezel (sold as the HR-V in other countries) is the same size as the C-HR on the outside but roomier inside, with rear seats that fold flat or flip up to carry tall items. The hybrid is very economical.
Watch out for: on the first-generation hybrid (2013–2021), ask whether the gearbox shifts smoothly at low speed; some owners report jerky behaviour.
Picks:
- 2015 Honda Vezel Hybrid Z: $6,500 to Mombasa, the cheapest of the three here
- 2018 Honda Vezel Hybrid RS Honda Sensing: $10,000 to Mombasa
- 2023 Honda Vezel e:HEV X 4WD: $21,500 to Kingston, eligible for Jamaica and Trinidad
More: Vezel guide.
Which Should You Buy?
- Big family, long trips or rough roads: CX-5 (diesel 4WD).
- Mostly city, want low fuel cost and style: C-HR hybrid.
- Mostly city, want space in a small SUV: Vezel hybrid.
- Tightest budget: an older CX-5 XD or Vezel Hybrid.
Still undecided? Our hybrid or petrol guide may help, or see all our SUVs.
Delivered = car price + ocean freight to the port, rounded up to the next $500. Insurance, import duty/taxes, port and clearing charges are extra. Prices are from September 2026 and change as cars sell, so click a car to see its live price. See how to calculate the true landed cost.