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Sunday shoppers usually do not need a big sales pitch. They need a clear read on what is actually worth looking at before they spend time driving around Bergen County. This week, three fresh value checks at AW Auto in Lodi are worth comparing side by side: a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD, a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD, and a 2022 Ford F-150 STX/XL 4WD SuperCab.

They are not the same kind of vehicle, and that is the point. Two are practical AWD SUVs for commuting, errands, and family use. One is a newer 4WD pickup with a lower price and higher miles. The right choice depends less on the badge and more on how you plan to use it.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD: newer SUV under $20,000

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD is listed at $19,799 with 65,831 miles. It is finished in Snowflake White Pearl Mica and gives shoppers a newer compact SUV option with AWD without jumping into a much higher payment. For someone commuting from Lodi toward Hackensack, Teaneck, Passaic, or anywhere along Route 46, this is the kind of vehicle that makes sense when you want a comfortable daily driver with all-weather confidence.

The Touring trim also gives this CX-5 a stronger value position than a bare-bones SUV. Still, the important move is to inspect the specific vehicle in person: sit in it, check visibility, look at tire condition, review the miles, and make sure the size fits your routine.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD: lower miles, lower price

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD is listed at $18,497 with 54,084 miles. That makes it the lower-mile Mazda in this comparison, and it comes in $1,302 less than the 2021 Touring. The tradeoff is year and trim. Some shoppers will prefer the newer 2021 Touring; others will care more about the lower mileage and slightly lower price on the 2020 Sport.

This is a good example of how used-car shopping should work. Do not just pick the newest year automatically. Compare the actual miles, price, trim, color, and how the vehicle feels on a test drive. For North Jersey buyers who want AWD but do not need a truck, either CX-5 deserves a close look.

2022 Ford F-150 STX/XL 4WD: newer truck, honest mileage

The 2022 Ford F-150 STX/XL 4WD SuperCab is listed at $16,997 with 167,112 miles. That number needs to be said plainly. The value here is not low mileage; it is a newer 4WD pickup at a price that gets attention. For contractors, weekend project shoppers, or anyone who needs truck usefulness around Bergen County, this F-150 may be worth inspecting if the condition, service history, and test drive check out.

Because the mileage is higher, buyers should slow down and look carefully. Check how it starts, shifts, brakes, and tracks on the road. Look at the cab, bed area, tires, and overall wear. Ask questions before deciding. A high-mile truck can still make sense, but only when the price and condition line up.

How to choose before you visit

If you want a practical AWD SUV under $20,000, start with the two Mazda CX-5 options. Pick the 2021 Touring if newer year and trim matter most. Pick the 2020 Sport if lower miles and lower price are the stronger pull. If you need 4WD truck utility and are comfortable evaluating higher mileage carefully, put the 2022 F-150 on your list.

All three are current, real inventory options at AW Auto & Truck Wholesalers, 23 US-46 West in Lodi, NJ. As always, verify availability first, compare them in person, and let the test drive answer what the spec sheet cannot.