2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, aiming to be nicer than Chevys but not quite as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins. The 2020 model came in various trims, including the luxurious Denali, which featured all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, bringing the price to $52,385. Design changes were most noticeable in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin saw minor updates like new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. Despite these touches, the interior still had a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with leather upholstery and wood trim being the primary indicators of its premium status.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 executed the concept of premium more effectively. Mazda focused on captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. The 2020 model year saw more standard equipment, enhanced cabin appearance, and modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing and distinctive. Inside, the Signature trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, though the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast against the otherwise black cabin.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims had a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SLT trim featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims came with a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, which was also available in other trims. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Acadia was available with FWD or AWD, except for the AT4, which had a standard dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine and nine-speed automatic provided smooth, refined power and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in FWD mode, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, making it easy to drive but somewhat forgettable in terms of driving character.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine came only with AWD. The CX-5 Signature accelerated with authority despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, though it was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg compared to the naturally aspirated engine's 26 mpg combined with AWD. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment, but excessive body motions detracted from its overall driving experience. Despite this, the CX-5 remained engaging to drive in typical situations.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. The Denali trim offered 6-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs, though a bench seat was available at no extra cost. The front seats were wide, supportive, and featured 10-way power adjustments with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and comfortable, with rear passengers benefiting from air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the cargo space behind it was limited to 12.1 cubic feet. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo area to 41.7 cubic feet, and with the second-row seats folded, the maximum cargo volume was 79 cubic feet.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5’s interior reflected style and good taste, with classy gauges and elegant metallic accents. The Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. The Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while the Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more. The front seats were comfortable but small, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution display, a simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology that generally performed well. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and additional technology upgrades for 2020 included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which aimed to emulate luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The system could be frustrating and required acclimation. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen that responded to touch only when the vehicle was stationary. Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification were standard. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Touring trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim added navigation, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. Interacting with Mazda Connect involved using the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology, none of which were ideal. The voice-recognition technology was particularly problematic, often failing to interpret commands or provide feedback.

The 2020 GMC Acadia needed to improve its safety features. Standard equipment included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology, along with GMC Connected Services offering automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. The base Acadia SL and higher trims had a standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. However, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on SLT or AT4 trims and cost extra. The Denali trim offered an enhanced automatic emergency braking system. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests but no ratings for headlight performance or small overlap frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with all advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) standard on most models. The i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 also had standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights available on Grand Touring trim. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in nearly all individual testing parameters.