2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

Stylistic evolution and attention to detail often make or break a vehicle’s appeal, and both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented distinct approaches in this regard.

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that, while practical, didn’t stand out in the crowded compact crossover market. Those familiar with cars from the 1950s and 1990s might have remarked that the CR-V blended into the sea of similar crossovers. Although it had a few distinguishing features like its grille and some chromed plastic elements, these details did little to set it apart visually.

The CR-V came in eight colors, but three were various shades of gray, alongside black, white, two blues, and a vibrant red. However, interesting hues were reserved for higher trims, with the base LX offering only black, silver, and white—colors more in line with everyday appliances than vibrant cars. A survey of dealer inventory illustrated this challenge, showing an overwhelming number in white and none in the desirable Aegean Blue Metallic.

Inside, the CR-V offered a mix of black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. Higher trims included wood panels and additional chrome accents for a more upscale feel. The seats were notably angular, presenting a more modern look. However, compared to rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V’s interior and exterior design often fell short of providing the distinctive aesthetics that some buyers might desire.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a more dynamic visual appeal with a series of updates for the model year. New LED headlights and taillights provided distinctive illumination, accompanied by revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, rear liftgate, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The highest trim, Signature, boasted body-color lower exterior trim enhancing Mazda’s premium aspirations.

Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious ambiance, particularly in the flagship Signature trim, which featured Nappa leather, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. New seats for 2022 improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the CX-5's seats feeling undersized.

Mazda's interior craftsmanship was top-notch, with a sportier driving position and more natural alignment of the steering wheel and controls. However, the CX-5’s back seat remained snug, a drawback that might concern families needing more rear passenger space.

Both vehicles had their strengths, with the CR-V focused on utilitarian design and the CX-5 aiming for a more premium and visually distinctive appeal.

When it came to performance, the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered different driving experiences tailored to their respective audiences.

The 2021 Honda CR-V wasn’t built for thrill-seekers. Instead, it focused on delivering smooth, reliable performance suitable for daily commuting and family road trips. Every CR-V, regardless of trim, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was around 7.8 seconds, a respectable but unremarkable figure in its class.

The CR-V’s CVT emphasized a steady and efficient drive over spirited performance, often lacking the engagement of eight-speed automatics found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available at an additional cost.

Handling was predictable and stable, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension providing a comfortable ride. Overall, the CR-V’s performance satisfied those prioritizing reliability and ease of use over excitement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 leaned more towards engaging driving dynamics. The base 2.5 S model housed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for more responsiveness. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg for combined driving, and all CX-5s featured standard all-wheel drive.

For those craving more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant offered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The Turbo provided a more dynamic driving experience, though at the cost of fuel efficiency, rated at 24 mpg combined and observed at 21.1 mpg in real-world testing.

New for 2022, the CX-5 included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) modes such as Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, enhancing its versatility. Structural and suspension revisions improved ride quality, nearly eliminating body roll and delivering a composed ride with minimal noise, vibration, and harshness. The CX-5 thus managed to blend sporty driving characteristics with a refined and quiet cabin experience.

Form and function are critical in assessing interior space, practicality, and cargo capacities—all areas where the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 had distinct traits.

The CR-V has long been praised for its functionality. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, it offered more space than many rivals, including four cubic feet more than the Toyota RAV4. Cargo space was also a standout, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Such capacity made it an excellent choice for those needing ample storage for road trips or daily errands.

Access to cargo was dependent on the trim level: lower trims required manual operation of the tailgate, while the EX-L offered a power tailgate, and the Touring included a hands-free function. However, only the top-tier Touring came standard with roof rails.

The CX-5 aimed to provide a balance between luxury and practicality. The 2022 model addressed previous complaints by introducing all-new seats for improved comfort. It also included a height-adjustable front passenger seat from the Preferred trim upwards, a rarity in its class. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, added to the vehicle’s versatility.

However, the CX-5 lagged behind in cargo space with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was competitive with luxury SUVs, it fell short compared to mainstream compact crossovers like the CR-V. Storage compartments inside also left something to be desired, with smaller bins and less functional space than in some competitors.

In the realm of technology, infotainment and connectivity features are vital for modern drivers. Both the CR-V and the CX-5 provided a mix of standard and advanced tech features, though with different approaches and experiences.

The CR-V’s tech offerings varied significantly by trim. The base LX model had a modest 5-inch color screen with limited capabilities. From the Special Edition trim upward, a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims also included SMS text messaging, and the Touring trim came with a satellite navigation system.

Audio systems improved with trim levels as well, starting with a 180-watt six-speaker system and upgrading to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring.

Charging ports were plentiful above the base trim, with USB and 12-volt outlets dispersed throughout the cabin. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging.

Mazda’s approach to technology was centered around its Mazda Connect system, featuring a 10.25-inch display. However, this system lacked touch-screen functionality, relying instead on center console and steering wheel controls. While the control scheme required acclimation, it could become intuitive over time.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside text-messaging support and E911 emergency notification. Mazda Connected Services were included with a free three-year trial. Starting from the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system became standard, delivering impressive audio quality for an enriched driving experience.

The CR-V was a standout in safety, having earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)Top Safety Pick award. Its safety accolades, however, stopped short of Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight performance and the updated side crash test.

Honda’s approach to safety was commendable, making the Honda Sensing suite standard across all trims. This suite included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring was standard from the EX trim upward.

Mazda’s dedication to safety was evident in the CX-5’s robust engineering and comprehensive i-Activsense package, standard across all trims. This 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 features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, matching or exceeding the safety credentials of many peers, even within the luxury segment. Notably, the head-up display for blind-spot warnings was a practical and valuable feature for increased driver awareness.