2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Mazda CX-5
Overview | |
MSRP$44,300 | MSRP$25,190 |
Average price$25,183 | Average price$21,047 |
Listings342 | Listings635 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
2019 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySlowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | |
2020 Mazda CX-5 Reviews SummaryAccording to a Harvard Business Review marketing study, there is such a thing as too much choice. And when the marketplace presents consumers with too much choice, there is a chance they won’t buy anything at all. For the 2020 model year, there are more than 40 small or compact SUVs available, half of them sold by luxury brands. Small and scrappy Mazda offers three of them: the CX-3, the CX-30, and the CX-5. However, in a marketplace awash in Chevys, Fords, Hondas, and Toyotas, Mazda has trouble standing apart from the established crowd. What’s the solution? Move upscale into “premium” territory. Premium is where Buick, Fiat, GMC, Jeep, Mini, and Volkswagen play to varying levels of success. Combining the value inherent in a mainstream brand with the design, materials, and technology common to luxury brands, these premium vehicles attempt to provide more than mainstream for less than luxury. At the same time, less is more. Because the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has but four similarly sized competitors in the premium class, that makes it easier for a consumer to choose, and more likely that a consumer will buy. The trick is convincing people that Mazda is a premium brand, and the automaker is taking a pragmatic approach to this emotionally-charged solution. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.0 cu ft | Cargo Space30.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight4032 lbs | Curb Weight3541 lbs |
Height67.4 in | Height66.2 in |
Length196.2 in | Length179.1 in |
Width77.7 in | Width83.3 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase106.2 in |
Maximum Payload1336 lbs | Maximum Payload1034 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $44,300 | $25,190 |
Average price | $25,183 | $21,047 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | According to a Harvard Business Review marketing study, there is such a thing as too much choice. And when the marketplace presents consumers with too much choice, there is a chance they won’t buy anything at all. For the 2020 model year, there are more than 40 small or compact SUVs available, half of them sold by luxury brands. Small and scrappy Mazda offers three of them: the CX-3, the CX-30, and the CX-5. However, in a marketplace awash in Chevys, Fords, Hondas, and Toyotas, Mazda has trouble standing apart from the established crowd. What’s the solution? Move upscale into “premium” territory. Premium is where Buick, Fiat, GMC, Jeep, Mini, and Volkswagen play to varying levels of success. Combining the value inherent in a mainstream brand with the design, materials, and technology common to luxury brands, these premium vehicles attempt to provide more than mainstream for less than luxury. At the same time, less is more. Because the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has but four similarly sized competitors in the premium class, that makes it easier for a consumer to choose, and more likely that a consumer will buy. The trick is convincing people that Mazda is a premium brand, and the automaker is taking a pragmatic approach to this emotionally-charged solution. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.5L 187 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.0 cu ft | 30.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4032 lbs | 3541 lbs |
Height | 67.4 in | 66.2 in |
Length | 196.2 in | 179.1 in |
Width | 77.7 in | 83.3 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 106.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1336 lbs | 1034 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
The 2019 Acura MDX is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, indicating its dominance in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 also receives a 9 out of 10 rating, reflecting its captivating style and compelling substance.
The 2019 Acura MDX offers continuous improvement, including the addition of the A-Spec Package trim level, improved interior materials, and an adaptive damping suspension. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 boasts more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Acura MDX 9 out of 10 for performance, while the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Acura MDX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The optional SH-AWD system enhances driving dynamics, while the Sport Hybrid model provides a satisfying driving experience and better fuel economy.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 features a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged version offers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a healthy amount of power for a compact crossover SUV.
The 2019 Acura MDX receives a 9 out of 10 rating for form and function, while the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Acura MDX offers exceptional comfort and practicality, with comfortable front seats, a GPS-linked triple-zone climate control system, and ample storage. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 emphasizes its upscale cabin and generous standard equipment, but its interior is noted to be more cramped compared to competitors.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Acura MDX 5 out of 10 for technology, while the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 6 out of 10.
The 2019 Acura MDX's infotainment system, while upgraded, is criticized for its dual-screen approach and voice-recognition system. The 2020 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system offers an upscale impression but may require a period of acclimation due to operational issues.
The 2019 Acura MDX receives an 8 out of 10 rating for safety, while the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores a perfect 10 out of 10.
The 2019 Acura MDX offers impressive crash-test ratings and driver-assistance systems, but its AcuraWatch suite lacks refined operation. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 stands out with standard advanced driving assistance systems, LED headlights, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Acura MDX offers a compelling package with its performance, form and function, and cost-effectiveness. However, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excels in safety and technology, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
- You prioritize performance and driving dynamics.
- You seek a spacious and practical interior with comfortable seating.
- Competitive pricing and leasing programs are important to you.
Choose the 2020 Mazda CX-5 if:
- Safety features and ratings are a top priority for you.
- You value advanced technology and infotainment systems.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option with a focus on upscale design and quality.
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Acura MDX offers a compelling package with its performance, form and function, and cost-effectiveness. However, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excels in safety and technology, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize performance and driving dynamics.
- You seek a spacious and practical interior with comfortable seating.
- Competitive pricing and leasing programs are important to you.
Choose the 2020 Mazda CX-5 if:
Shop Now- Safety features and ratings are a top priority for you.
- You value advanced technology and infotainment systems.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option with a focus on upscale design and quality.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.