2021 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to delivering a premium experience beyond mere claims. This model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, improved cabin aesthetics, and noise reduction measures. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction feature. With prices ranging from $25,190 to $37,155, the CX-5 offered trims like Sport, Touring, and Signature, the latter featuring luxurious Nappa leather and real wood accents. Despite its upscale appeal, the interior's lack of contrast in the Caturra Brown leather was a minor drawback.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer embraced a family resemblance across its SUV lineup, offering a sporty exterior with distinctive features like various grille options across its six trims. Prices ranged from $32,925 to $52,730, with the XLT trim being the most popular. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating, with the base model offering cloth upholstery and a clean dashboard design. The center console featured a rotary gearshift, enhancing storage space. While the Explorer's third row was less comfortable for adults, the overall interior improved with higher trims, offering leather upholstery and advanced features.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged engine, delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated confidently, though its fuel efficiency was lower at 24 mpg combined. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions in corners detracted from the thrill.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, offered a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All trims used a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 hp in the Explorer ST. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, though not exceptional in its class. The ST trim provided the most engaging driving experience, but overall, the Explorer prioritized towing over performance.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to compete with luxury SUVs, offering a stylish interior with upscale materials. However, it was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Touring trim added comfort features like dual-zone climate control, while the Signature trim boasted Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base trim, with captain's chairs reducing capacity to six in higher trims. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors. With the third row deployed, cargo space was 21 cubic feet, expanding to 81 cubic feet with seats folded. While this was competitive with smaller SUVs, it fell short of larger rivals. The Explorer's interior space was practical, but not exceptional in its class.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering a 7-inch touchscreen in Sport trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added in Touring trim. The Grand Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose sound system. Signature trim included navigation and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, requiring acclimation and setup to reduce frustration.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, with higher trims offering a 10.1-inch touchscreen and up to 14 speakers. Charging options included USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC outlet available in higher trims. The Explorer's tech offerings were comprehensive, with user-friendly features across trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Its i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers enhanced safety, with adaptive headlights available in higher trims. The CX-5's structural engineering and safety features contributed to its high safety ratings.

The 2021 Ford Explorer also achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, some advanced features were reserved for higher trims, requiring additional cost. Despite this, the Explorer offered a strong safety package, with comprehensive features available across trims.