2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

Mazda executed the concept of premium better than its competitors with the 2020 CX-5. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance, along with modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output, 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, including destination charges. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes made it look appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve.

Inside, the CX-5, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, 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. Despite this, the interior reflected style and good taste, with elegant metallic accents and clear gauges.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while not a standout in styling, offered a few details that set it apart, like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features. It came in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant colors limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with higher trims featuring wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. The front and rear seats had a modern look with sharp details, but vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson had an advantage in mid-tier trims.

The CR-V's form was dictated by its function, aiming to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It boasted 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the tailgate could be manual, power-operated, or hands-free. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim.

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. 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, paired with AWD, provided a healthy amount of power for a compact crossover SUV, though it was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined. The naturally-aspirated engine with AWD was rated at 26 mpg combined, and 28 mpg with FWD.

The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology, which stabilized the SUV when cornering. However, the SUV's excessive body motions when hustling down a back road detracted from the driving experience. Despite this, the steering and brakes were up to the task, making the CX-5 a delight in typical driving situations.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that held engine revs constant as the vehicle gained speed. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional eight-speed automatic transmissions with sport modes. FWD was standard, with AWD as an extra-cost option.

The CR-V had a unitized body structure with a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, similar to other vehicles in its class. Handling and ride quality were decent, with no real surprises.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped compared to sales leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it featured a stylish and upscale cabin with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents in Touring trim. Grand Touring trim added a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while Grand Touring Reserve included ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim added Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate could be manual, power-operated, or hands-free, depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in Sport trim, which responded to touch only when the vehicle wasn't moving. Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification were standard. Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Signature trim added a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. The system could be frustrating to use, with awkwardly placed controls and unreliable voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging functions. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L had eight speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers were included, with adaptive headlights available in Grand Touring trim. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it didn't receive the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's Sensing system, standard across all trims, included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.