2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that made it stand out among its peers. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and the distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. 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 lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach with its smooth, sleek design that exuded elegance even when stationary. The exterior was consistent across most trim levels, with features like LED headlights and 17-inch wheels. Inside, the CX-5 offered a premium feel, especially in the Signature model, which featured Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. The interior materials were of high quality, providing a sense of luxury that rivaled more expensive brands. The CX-5's design was well-executed, with a focus on comfort and style, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, 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 provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. However, the hybrid's fuel economy did not justify its additional cost. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower. The turbo engine, available on higher trims, provided robust performance with 320 pound-feet of torque. The CX-5's driving experience was engaging, especially in Sport mode, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback for some. Fuel economy was decent, with the non-turbo engine achieving up to 28 mpg combined. However, the CX-5 lacked a hybrid option, which some competitors offered. Despite this, the CX-5's sporty driving dynamics made it a fun choice for those who prioritize performance.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt luxurious with features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was spacious enough for short journeys, though the bench was not ideal for long trips. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's controls were user-friendly, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo functions. However, thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though it fell short in cargo space compared to competitors. The seating position and headroom were adequate, but legroom in the back was limited. The CX-5 featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, which took up passenger space. The infotainment system controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers. Cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's interior quality and design made it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system provided semi-automated driving features, though it was not as refined as competitors' systems. Despite these shortcomings, the Explorer's tech offerings were comprehensive, with features like keyless entry and remote start.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not user-friendly. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of knobs for tuning the stereo was inconvenient. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the system's limitations. The CX-5's tech offerings were adequate, but the infotainment system's usability detracted from the overall experience. Despite this, the CX-5's technology package was competitive for its class, offering essential features for modern drivers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard, with features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, though the latter could be overly sensitive. 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. While not perfect, the Explorer's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a long list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda's safety package was robust, offering advanced features that contributed to its high safety scores.