EVRGRN

Hyundai offers good value and an appealing small suv lineup for the masses who would consider an Asian manufacturer.

Mazda offers a more interesting lineup IMO, with better styling and drivetrain choices, including the 2.5, 2.5T and especially their new inline 6T.

Nissan has stumbled in recent years, and their fondness for CVT's eliminates them from consideration for me.

MidLifeinMI

Mazda has been neck-and-neck with Toyota & Honda for quality and reliability for the past few years, and are trying to move their lineup a bit more upscale with styling and materials (not quite Lexus or Audi; more along the lines of Volvo). I've had a CX-5 with the 2.5T for a couple of years now; mid 14 second range for 1/4 mi and low 6's for 0-60 is not too shabby for a small non-premium SUV. Handles much better than their direct competition, too (RAV4 and CRV).

EVRGRN

^Yes, Mazda's quality scores are another reason to consider the brand. The CX-5 with the 2.5T is a nice vehicle all around.

Silver05GTO

Mazda has really done well since breaking off from its Ford days. We currently have 2 CX5’s in the family, a 2018 and 2019, both approaching 60k miles. Still on OEM tires and needed only oil changes. Great reliable transportation, they have been excellent.