We often see some vehicle models at the top of various review lists, performance tests, and best-in-class award rosters. It might not surprise you that Ford, BMW, and Honda all had award winners for the Car and Driver Editors’ Choice awards this year. This prestigious list of vehicles spans every model segment, and Mazda is finally getting some much-deserved recognition as well. We wanted to take a look into Mazda’s award-winning SUV lineup and share everything you need to know about the Mazda crossovers you should be considering.

The ultimate contest for best of the best

The Car and Driver Buyer’s Guide team is dedicated and every year performs intense evaluations of hundreds of the latest vehicles. To find the Editors’ Choice award favorites, they count a ton of cup holders, load countless pieces of luggage, and steer through every curve. The goal is to collaborate with each opinion and overall review to carve out the best of the best. Consumers can rely on the Car and Driver experts to help them decide on their next vehicle purchase. This year, Mazda landed on top with two of its prominent SUVs.

Why the Mazda CX-5 deserves a look

Imagine a crossover that marries sporty fun and functional affordability in one. You’d have the 2020 Mazda CX-5, an attractive and upscale SUV that tops the Editors’ Choice awards for its class. It might be a favorite for its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, also available in turbocharged trims for more horses. It might be a winner because of its five available trims, including Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature, for configuring your perfect suite of features.

The Car and Driver experts say it’s all about the keen handling that makes it fun, and the available price points bring value to almost any budget. You can buy a base-level Sport trim for $26,135 or opt for the top-level Signature configuration for $38,100.

Introduce yourself to the Mazda CX-30

Another Mazda award-winning SUV worth considering is the 2020 CX-30. This beautiful and upscale model isn’t intended to replace the CX-3 or the CX-5. In fact, it’s a subcompact crossover that nestles itself perfectly in between the two and brings all the feels of premium and quality materials with it.

Choose from base, Select, Premium, or Preferred trims and enjoy 186 hp from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine on each. All-wheel drive is available should your driving conditions require it. It’s an entirely new SUV for Mazda this year and begs an introduction. You’ll love how it handles and appreciate its sophistication. The base models come well equipped for an affordable $23,000. Mid-level trims are $25,000 and $27,300, and you can plush up with the Premium trim for only $29,300.

The reviews on the flip-side

In playing the devil’s advocate, we know not all expert reviews agree with the award winners selected by the Car and Driver folks. The Mazda SUV lineup is finally getting the attention it deserves, but there are a few areas of improvements others have pointed out for both the CX-5 and the new CX-30.

The Edmunds gurus suggest the Mazda CX-5 offers less cargo and rear legroom than others in its class. They also say the base engine underperforms upon acceleration. As for the CX-30, Edmunds isn’t overly impressed with the rear seating comfort for adults. Consumer Reports cites the steering as a little tight with under enthusiastic personality in turning through corners.

If you’re on the fence about which SUV to park in your garage this year, you might take a look at the award winners on the Car and Driver Editors’ Choice list. At the very least, you should zoom in on the latest Mazda has to offer. Both the Mazda CX-5 and the CX-30 are catching the attention of the experts, and maybe you as well.