The only reason we got the CRV was because of the 90* open rear doors for the kids and car seats. If the CRV didn’t have that or the CX5 did, we were getting the CX5.
The CX5 is a very nice vehicle...unfortunately, many automakers are vying away from simple knobs to control the HVAC/radio; this will drive them away from any new car purchase (no pun intended). I don't think that they'd like the console mounted knob arrangement on the CX5.
Toyota's CVT's are, in my opinion, excellent, but I don't know that they'd be overly enthused about the RAV4's interior.
This leaves them with the CRV, or with the Santa Fe, although the CRV's hybrid option is very attractive. I'm kinda going bonkers trying to point them to a vehicle, because many vehicles have quirks that they will not tolerate.
I do agree that for younger buyers, the CX5 offers an unbeatable package; Mazda makes refined, attractive, quality, automobiles.
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Back to the OP's topic: Toyota's CVT's are the only CVT's that I have 100% faith in.