2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium better than its competitors with the 2020 CX-5. The 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. The interior, 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 otherwise black cabin, reducing the level of contrast.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for the new model year, including a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The test vehicle, in Lunar Silver Metallic with Elite trim, cost $48,940, including destination charges. The Odyssey Elite featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats. With its handsome new 19-inch wheels, toned-down chrome, and a more luxurious interior, the Odyssey Elite was closer than ever to being the Acura of minivans.

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 turbo engine was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg in combined driving, 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 SUV'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 overall thrill.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management conserving fuel. The EPA rated the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg on the testing loop. AWD was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster supported a stop-and-go low-speed following capability for adaptive cruise control and improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience, with perfectly weighted steering and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, suffering from heat and fade during testing.

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 an upscale cabin and a generous list of standard equipment to de-emphasize this drawback. The interior featured classy gauges, elegant metallic accents, and various comfort upgrades across trim levels. The Signature trim added Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more. The front seats were comfortable but small, and rear passengers might complain about legroom. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers didn't complain. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which conveyed an upscale impression but required a period of acclimation. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen display, 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 an 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 through the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology, though none were ideal. The voice-recognition technology was particularly frustrating, often failing to interpret commands or provide feedback.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, offering various services such as automatic collision notification, remote operation of the engine and door locks, and access to a personal assistant. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive suite of 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 LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers added to the safety features, with adaptive headlights available on Grand Touring trim. 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), with top marks in nearly all individual testing parameters.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing ADAS package, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist were also standard. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation. The adaptive cruise control sometimes applied uneven braking, and the lane-departure warning system wobbled the steering wheel. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star score.