2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

Mazda went against the grain with the design of the 2021 CX-5, aiming for a smooth, sleek appearance that evoked motion even when stationary. Unlike many competitors who adopted sharply creased hoods and aggressively angled taillights, the CX-5 embraced a refined, stylish look. The base CX-5 Sport model came equipped with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

As buyers progressed to higher trims like the CX-5 Touring, they enjoyed upgrades such as rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, additional rear USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and auto-leveling LED headlights that adjust with the steering direction, which was particularly beneficial for night driving on winding roads.

The new-for-2021 Touring Preferred SV Package elevated the Touring model with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather seats, a power liftgate, power moonroof, and more adjustable and plush seats. The exclusive CX-5 Carbon Edition featured unique elements such as Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, and striking 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, it boasted red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim.

Further up, the CX-5 Grand Touring combined the features of the Touring with additional refinements like dual heated mirrors, a power liftgate, LED lighting elements, and a 7-inch digital gauge display. The Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, among other enhancements.

Finally, the top-tier CX-5 Signature aimed at a premium feel with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, and 19-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels. This model sought to rival premium brands and it showed in its well-executed styling and superior interior materials.

The 2021 Honda CR-V took a less daring design approach than the CX-5. It wasn't known for standing out in the compact crossover segment, its overall look blending seamlessly with its competitors. The general shape, including the daylight opening, remained quite similar across the segment.

However, the CR-V did have some distinctive touches such as its grille design and chromed plastic accents. The color palette was practical but limited; out of its eight available colors, three were different shades of grey, and the buyer had to climb up the trims to opt for more vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic or Radiant Red Metallic.

Interior finishes varied with trim levels, ranging from basic cloth in lower trims to more refined materials like leather and wood panels in higher trims. The seats featured more angular designs compared to competitors, offering a modern appearance. Despite these efforts, the CR-V’s styling didn’t set it apart significantly within the crowded crossover market.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two solid engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and options for either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). This configuration was standard on the Sport, Touring, and some Carbon Edition models.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims like the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, delivered a more vigorous 250 horsepower with 320 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a substantially engaging driving experience especially in Sport mode, while AWD was standard on these models.

Fuel efficiency for the naturally aspirated engine was decent, with up to 28 mpg combined in FWD models. The turbocharged variants managed slightly lower mpg figures but still delivered a commendable balance between performance and efficiency.

One area where the CX-5 fell short was its somewhat stiff suspension, which while enhancing its sporty character, compromised ride comfort compared to rivals. Nevertheless, the turbo-four engine combined with Mazda's engaging driving dynamics ensured a fun ride, particularly on winding roads.

The 2021 Honda CR-V housed a single 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across its trims. Its acceleration, clocked at around 7.8 seconds to 60 mph, was on par with competitors, though not particularly thrilling. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth but unexciting driving experience, a contrast to the engaging drive offered by some rivals like the Mazda CX-5.

The FWD was standard, with AWD available as an option. Similar to the Mazda, the CR-V's design utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, standard in the segment.

Overall, the CR-V prioritized steady performance and predictable handling over spirited driving, making it adequate for daily commutes and family driving, though less thrilling for those seeking a more dynamic drive.

The Mazda CX-5 accommodated families comfortably with a well-executed interior layout. The front seats offered a solid driving position and good headroom, though rear legroom was limited when taller individuals occupied the front seats.

The CX-5 provided two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle seat. The climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly, while the shifter’s traditional design occupied considerable space, contrasting with some rivals’ space-saving electronic shifters.

Cargo capacity in the CX-5 was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Competitors like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V offered significantly more cargo space, making the CX-5 less ideal for families seeking maximum cargo capacity.

The CR-V excelled in maximizing interior space, boasting 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing key rivals. It also provided ample cargo capacity with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row and an impressive 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat—significantly more than what the CX-5 offered.

Tailgate access varied by trim: manual operation for lower trims, a power tailgate for the EX-L, and a hands-free power tailgate for the top-tier Touring, which was convenient for loading heavy items.

Standard roof rails on the top trim added practicality, though they were not available on lower trims, unlike Subaru, which included them on almost all models.

The CX-5 stood out with its 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a generous size that was somewhat marred by a clunky operating system. The lack of easy-to-use knobs for quick adjustments and the stretch to reach the touchscreen were notable drawbacks. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration alleviated some issues, allowing users to circumvent Mazda’s less user-friendly system.

The base CR-V LX’s 5-inch screen seemed minimalistic in comparison, offering only basic Bluetooth connectivity. From the Special Edition trim upwards, a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was standard. Higher trims featured progressively better sound systems, culminating in a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim. Charging ports were abundant in all but the base trim, and the Touring model included wireless phone charging and a satellite navigation system.

The CX-5 came packed with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. Optional add-ons included a head-up display and front and rear parking sensors. This robust package helped it earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

Honda excelled in safety with its standard Honda Sensing suite across all trims, providing essential features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. This inclusive approach ensured that even the base models benefited from advanced safety technology. The CR-V also secured a five-star NHTSA rating and high scores from IIHS, though it fell short of the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation due to slight deficiencies in headlight performance and updated side crash tests.