2021 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

Ford's approach to SUV production in 2021 was akin to a "small, medium, large, XL" strategy, with the Explorer fitting neatly into the lineup. The Explorer's exterior was stylish, though it could be mistaken for the Edge at a quick glance. It featured sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages. Depending on the trim, the grille varied from black to full chrome, with six trim levels ranging from the base model to the luxurious Platinum. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seats as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dash was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a rotary gearshift that freed up storage space. The XLT trim, the most popular, offered better equipment and finishes, while leather upholstery was standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim had body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided better comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. The control layout, however, remained a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet of luggage volume behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds. Its base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the Kia Telluride's V6 engine. The Explorer Limited Hybrid offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the sport-oriented Explorer ST offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided responsive performance, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, offered 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The Turbo also featured the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride with less noise, vibration, and harshness.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base model had seating for seven, while other trims offered captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, ahead of some competitors but behind others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row deployed, the Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, and 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less impressive compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new, more comfortable furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was still frustrating due to the non-touchscreen infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen with up to 14 speakers. Charging options included two USB ports and five 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The base model included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with features like auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The standard i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety.