2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for modernization. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trims, reducing brightwork to give the Odyssey a more contemporary appearance. Buyers could choose from five trim levels, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, making it closer than ever to being the Acura of minivans.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights with more distinctive illumination, new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim to underscore Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. The interior remained unchanged stylistically, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. Mazda also introduced a more confusing lineup, with the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo as the main choices. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo with optional Soul Red paint, navigation system, rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars, totaled $39,445, including the $1,225 destination charge.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. The brakes, however, did not withstand heavy use well, heating up and suffering from fade during testing.

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 six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance, and all CX-5s came with standard all-wheel drive. The EPA rated the fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with premium gas, produced 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while regular gas resulted in 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo also had the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The CX-5 featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, increased structural rigidity, and reworked suspension tuning for a quieter and smoother ride. The driving dynamics were improved, with reduced body roll and a blend of compliance and composure.

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 the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. 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 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling and front seats. The new seats provided better support and a sportier driving position. The front passenger’s seat was height-adjustable in all trims except the base 2.5 S. The test vehicle had leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin under the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging in a tray forward of the transmission shifter. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

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. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims had a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the 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, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a three-year trial subscription. Starting with 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The control layout was frustrating, but the Bose sound system performed well.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including a new radar unit and LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from EX trim. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which earned a four-star score.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, 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, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).