2021 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot, which embraced a more traditional SUV look. The HR-V stood out with its unique design elements, such as the converging upper and lower window lines near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior, while plain, was functional and offered good material quality and fit. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L included features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L adding leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its stylish exterior with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available across all trims. However, the HR-V's powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was deemed ineffective. Despite this, the HR-V's chassis offered a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Its all-wheel-drive system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrains, and it lacked towing capabilities.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas. The CX-5's driving dynamics were significantly improved, with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5's ride and handling were praised for their sure-footed grip and reduced body motions, aligning with Mazda's premium brand aspirations.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space for its size, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD) with the seat up. These figures surpassed many competitors, although the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross offered more. The HR-V also provided ample rear-seat legroom, leading the segment in this category. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new seats that offered improved comfort and support. The driving position was sportier, and most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim offered standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim provided a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located in a convenient cubbyhole. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was considered small, and competitors offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across all trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touch interfaces caused driver distraction, but the lack of natural voice recognition made the system challenging to use. Instead, users had to rely on 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. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was included, which performed well in the CX-5.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including 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, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.