2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium with the 2020 CX-5 better than many competitors. The 2020 model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, improved cabin appearance, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an 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 "Kodo" styling themes made it look appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often makes a vehicle seem premium.

The third generation of the BMW X3, introduced in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior had a cold, mechanical styling typical of BMW. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive 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, paired with AWD, provided a healthy amount of power for a compact crossover SUV, accelerating with authority despite a 3,825-pound curb weight. The turbocharged engine was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the naturally-aspirated engine with AWD. The CX-5 Signature averaged 22.1 mpg on the testing loop. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, upgraded brakes, and 19-inch wheels contributed to an engaging driving experience, though excessive body motions and a high center of gravity detracted from the thrill. Despite this, the steering and brakes were up to the task, making the CX-5 Signature a delight in typical driving situations.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain produced 288 hp and delivered brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. For those seeking a true performance driving experience, the X3 M performance model offered 473 hp.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, making it less competitive in terms of practicality and utility. However, Mazda focused on the CX-5's upscale cabin and generous standard equipment to de-emphasize this drawback. The interior featured classy-looking gauges and elegant metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while 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, though rear passengers might complain about legroom. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate as an option. The X3 was spacious for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger had real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, which conveyed an upscale impression but could be frustrating to use. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen display, which responded to touch only when the vehicle was stationary. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Touring trim included a color 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim added a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. Interaction with Mazda Connect was possible via the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology, though none of these solutions were ideal. For 2021, Mazda planned to update the system with a wider, more modern display, though operational issues persisted.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was easier to use compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard safety features also included LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights as an option. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.