2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, added a sporty flair. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in delivering a premium feel, both inside and out. Mazda's commitment to quality was evident in the CX-5's captivating style and upscale cabin. The 2020 model featured more standard equipment and enhancements to reduce noise and vibration. The interior, especially in the Signature trim, was adorned with Nappa leather and real wood, exuding luxury. However, the lack of contrast in the Caturra Brown leather slightly diminished the premium feel. Overall, the CX-5 managed to combine style and substance effectively, setting a high standard in its class.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis contributed to its nimble handling, making it a standout in its class. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 hp, was also a strong performer. However, the hybrid option did not offer significant fuel economy benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 AWD capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower. The turbocharged version, available in higher trims, offered up to 250 hp with premium fuel. Despite its compact size, the CX-5 delivered engaging driving dynamics, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. However, the SUV's high center of gravity led to excessive body motions during spirited driving. The turbocharged engine was less fuel-efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg in testing. Nevertheless, the CX-5 provided a delightful driving experience in typical conditions.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in providing ample interior space, making it ideal for long road trips. The second row offered first-class comfort with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than before, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. Cargo space was generous, with 48 cubic feet behind the second row and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped compared to its competitors. However, Mazda focused on creating an upscale cabin with stylish gauges and metallic accents. The CX-5 offered various comfort features across trims, with the Signature trim adding luxury touches like Nappa leather and genuine wood. The front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power liftgate, available in higher trims, added convenience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed improvements in lane tracking. Overall, the Explorer's tech was promising but required software updates for refinement.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which aimed to provide an upscale experience. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen in Sport trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added in Touring trim. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose premium sound, and navigation. However, the system's controls were not intuitive, requiring users to rely on steering controls to minimize frustration. The voice-recognition technology was also lacking. Mazda planned to update the system in future models to address these issues.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. However, the reverse braking system occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with its i-Activsense package offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The CX-5 also featured standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The CX-5's strong performance in crash tests and comprehensive safety features made it a standout in its class.